Harold Halibut Xbox Series X Review

Harold Halibut Xbox Series X Review – A Handmade Odyssey of Connection and Discovery

With so many games available these days, it’s remarkable that many still manage to maintain their own unique art style, and Harold Halibut is no exception. Taking over ten years to create, this game uses painstakingly handmade characters and sets by the developers.  The result is a collection of weird and wonderfully quirky designs that give the game its distinctive charm.

The game follows the titular character, Harold Halibut, one of many citizens aboard a spaceship called The Fedora I, which left Earth many moons ago in search of a new planet to inhabit. Unfortunately, the ship crashes onto a mysterious planet and plunges into the depths of its murky green oceans, leaving its inhabitants stranded. The people onboard have lived and worked there for 50 years, navigating daily life while a small group of scientists attempts to figure out how to relaunch the ship. An opportunity presents itself, and soon enough the scientists are eagerly working to make sure everything is set in time for launch as the window of time is limited.

Harold is an ordinary man who takes everything in his stride but secretly yearns for something more—a life filled with excitement, adventure, and a sense of purpose beyond the mundane tasks of daily existence. The Fedora I is filled with a variety of personalities for him to interact with, and the game’s laid-back narrative unfolds over many days, weeks, and even years. Harold moves between conversations and completes tasks for the ship’s inhabitants, serving as both a janitor and an unofficial errand boy.

From uncovering a conspiracy involving All Waters’ (the owners of the Fedora I) CEO to reading old forgotten letters with an elderly postman, Harold’s objectives allow you to connect deeply with the Fedora’s diverse inhabitants. Much of the gameplay involves Harold immersing himself in other people’s lives and issues, often feeling like an observer rather than a participant. This dynamic can make players feel more connected to the ship’s community, but it also highlights Harold’s struggle to find his own identity and purpose, adding depth to his character development. The laid-back approach might not appeal to everyone though, as Harold’s actions largely revolve around helping others while his personal journey takes a back seat for the most part. It’s a game where events occur, but the overarching story remains static for a considerable portion before picking up later on.

A significant part of the game takes place aboard the Fedora I, with you spending about half of the games approx. 10 hour runtime there before other areas open up for exploration. When the story transitions to new locations, it can feel jarring for you as the player, leaving behind the ship’s comfortable familiarity for strange, unknown territories. This shift effectively mirrors the characters’ own trepidation as they venture into the unfamiliar.

The narrative turning point is when Harold discovers an unconscious alien, which he and his friends care for until it eventually awakens. During its slumber, Harold forms a deep bond with the creature, confiding in it as though it were a close friend. When the alien wakes, their connection deepens, with subtle hints of romantic feelings from Harold. This relationship forces Harold to confront a critical question: does he want to remain stranded on the planet or continue aboard the Fedora I? Having lived his entire life on the ship, Harold now finds himself torn between setting down roots in a new place or risking a return to the floating metal home that left him feeling jaded. This decision influences his journey in the latter part of the game, shaping his actions and thoughts from that moment onward.

As mentioned, the game’s handmade nature stems from the developers’ passion for the craft. While they could have opted for traditional methods, the tangible, handmade quality of the visuals lends the game a unique charm. Minor flaws, such as Harold’s awkward stair-climbing animations and rather lifeless character expressions, are noticeable but forgivable, and don’t detract from the enjoyment of the game, which has many amusing moments. Moreover, the voice acting, while solid, can sometimes lack emotional depth.

Harold Halibut Xbox Series X Review Summary: A Quirky Journey of Identity and Purpose in a Handmade World

Harold Halibut is a captivating and enjoyable experience, offering a blend of mundane and extraordinary tasks aboard the Fedora I. Its heartfelt story, charming art style, and quirky cast of characters make it an immersive experience. While the slower pacing and minor technical imperfections may not suit everyone, those who stick with it will find a beautifully crafted tale about connection, choice, and self-discovery.