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CRITIK

Harold Halibut

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Harold Halibut
Item: Harold Halibut
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Point & Click, Single Player

AvailableMar 31, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperSlow Bros.

Overview

Dive into this nautic adventure as curiosity will guide you through a space ship wreck on an unknown planet made up of water. When one of the lead scientists still on board tries to unriddle the possibility of a relaunch young Janitor Harold is around to assist her. Join Harold in his clumsy undertakings to stir up the ark-like ship’s stale day-to-day life and find the secrets that lie behind its doors. Underwater atmosphere, self-reflective humor and contemporary adventure mechanics make up the foundation of this game created entirely out of craft supplies.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Harold Halibut has garnered high praise from the majority of critics for its unique and immersive narrative that combines elements of humor, melancholy, and profound themes. IGN Deutschland commends the game for its quirky humor and melancholic undertones, while Pure Xbox appreciates the heartfelt exploration of human existence and the concept of 'home'. TheXboxHub highlights the warm and enchanting storytelling with well-built characters and engaging sub-stories. Dexerto notes the intriguing storyline and excellent characterization, despite some pacing issues. GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe both emphasize the engaging nature of the narrative, focusing on building relationships with a diverse cast of characters and the pursuit for meaning beyond the spaceship's confines. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks in the story of Harold Halibut. Push Square mentions pacing issues and iffy writing, with some story beats left hanging and overly complicated dialogue. Eurogamer Poland criticizes the narrative shifts that fall flat and the atypical hero portrayal. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story remains positive. Critics like Siliconera and Shacknews appreciate the complex, whimsical, and sincere storytelling that explores themes of personal growth, friendship, and sacrifice. Multiplayer.it and Try Hard Guides highlight the gradual unfolding of the narrative and the intricate details of the setting and characters, contributing to a rich storytelling experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Story of Harold Halibut. The game is lauded for its captivating narrative, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. While some critics point out pacing issues and narrative shortcomings, the majority find the story to be engaging, unique, and thought-provoking. The blend of humor, melancholy, and profound themes resonates with many reviewers, making Harold Halibut a standout title in the realm of narrative-driven games. As expressed by Eurogamer Poland, despite some flaws, the game manages to deliver a compelling experience that explores love, companionship, and personal connections within a captivating sci-fi setting.

TL;DR

story and narrative

The Story of Harold Halibut receives high praise for its captivating and immersive narrative, blending humor, melancholy, and profound themes. Critics commend its quirky humor, heartfelt exploration of human existence, and engaging storytelling with well-built characters. Despite some pacing issues and narrative shifts that fall flat, the majority of critics find the story to be engaging, unique, and thought-provoking. Harold Halibut stands out as a standout title in narrative-driven games, exploring themes of love, companionship, and personal connections in a captivating sci-fi setting.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Harold Halibut has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the narrative-driven experience that draws comparisons to titles like 'Life is Strange' and 'Dear Esther'. IGN Deutschland appreciated the focus on dialogues and exploration as the story progresses, creating an immersive storytelling experience. Multiplayer.it also commended the simple objectives and mini-games that complement the narrative, offering a relaxing and engaging storytelling experience with intricate details and interesting dialogues. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative opinions about the gameplay of Harold Halibut. Dexerto and PlayStation Universe criticized the game for lacking interactivity, limited gameplay mechanics, and being primarily fetch quest-oriented. Eurogamer Poland and GamesRadar++ highlighted tedious point-to-point navigation, clunky controls, and repetitive interactions, making the gameplay feel dull and lacking engagement. COGconnected pointed out that some tasks were not enjoyable, with fiddly camera angles and choppy movement, contributing to a less-than-ideal gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a narrative-heavy gameplay experience with limited interactivity and simplistic mechanics. While some reviewers appreciated the focus on storytelling and character interactions, others found the gameplay to be repetitive, lacking engaging puzzles, and feeling mundane. TheXboxHub and Siliconera noted engaging mechanics and interactions within the 2.5D world of Harold Halibut, while Push Square and Wccftech criticized the game for missing the opportunity to elevate itself with more challenging puzzles. The general sentiment suggests that Harold Halibut offers a unique narrative experience but falls short in providing varied and engaging gameplay elements for a wider audience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Harold Halibut's gameplay. Positive feedback praises its narrative-driven experience akin to 'Life is Strange', while negative reviews criticize lack of interactivity and repetitive fetch quests. Overall, the game leans towards immersive storytelling with simple mechanics, but some find it lacking in engaging puzzles and variety, missing the mark for a broader audience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Harold Halibut, highlighting its unique stop-motion art style and meticulous craftsmanship. IGN Deutschland, Pure Xbox, and TheXboxHub all commended the handcrafted nature of the game, with meticulously crafted characters, objects, and rooms that offer an immersive experience reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. Pure Xbox specifically mentioned the retro-futuristic aesthetic as one of the best-looking on Xbox, while GamingTrend appreciated the intricate detail and art direction that made exploring the game feel like a virtual art piece. PlayStation Universe compared the stop-motion animation style to Aardman Animation's works, emphasizing the spectacular visuals and seamless integration of characters into the game world. The visuals were described as visually stunning, vibrant, colorful, and a legitimate work of art by critics like Wccftech and COGconnected. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics pointed out some technical hiccups and design flaws that hindered the overall experience of Harold Halibut. Eurogamer Poland mentioned technical flaws and design errors that impacted the game, while GamesRadar++ noted some unintended problems with geometry and collisions. It's important to consider these criticisms as they provide a more balanced perspective on the game's visuals. However, these negative aspects were in the minority compared to the widespread acclaim for the graphics and visual design. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Harold Halibut. The handcrafted stop-motion art style, meticulous detail in character and environment design, and unique aesthetic were widely praised for creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. Critics like Siliconera and Try Hard Guides highlighted the labor-intensive artistic approach and visually compelling world created through handcrafted puppets and clay models. Despite some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the overall sentiment is that Harold Halibut is a staggering achievement in art and design, with sumptuous visuals that set it apart as a unique and unconventional visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praise Harold Halibut's stunning graphics and meticulous stop-motion art style, comparing it to a Wes Anderson film. The game's handcrafted characters and retro-futuristic aesthetic are lauded as visually striking and immersive. Some critics noted technical flaws, but they were overshadowed by the widespread acclaim for the game's artistic excellence. Overall, Harold Halibut is hailed as a visual masterpiece that offers a unique and captivating gaming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Harold Halibut, highlighting various positive aspects. IGN Deutschland and TheXboxHub both commended the fitting music and exceptional voice acting that brought the characters to life, contributing to the surreal and philosophical atmosphere of the game. Hobby Consolas and PlayStation Universe appreciated the standout soundtrack that enhanced the sci-fi experience with catchy melodies, as well as the mix of ambient and area-specific music that added to the overall atmosphere. Siliconera specifically noted the subtle instrumental music for cutscenes and environmental sound effects that created an immersive underwater-like atmosphere. Multiplayer.it also highlighted the original and licensed high-quality music that enhanced the immersive atmosphere of the game. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Harold Halibut was positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned by some critics. COGconnected praised the voice acting and quirky characters but did not delve into the music aspect, suggesting a potential lack of emphasis on this element in their experience. Additionally, IGN's feedback on the sound design enhancing the whimsical and dry humor of the story did not provide specific details on the music aspect, leaving room for interpretation on whether the music had the same impact as the sound design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Harold Halibut. The excellent voice acting, standout soundtrack, ambient music, and immersive sound design were highlighted as key strengths of the game by multiple reviewers. The music and sound elements were praised for enhancing the overall atmosphere, bringing depth to the characters, and immersing players in the sci-fi narrative. The positive reception from the majority of critics solidifies Harold Halibut's Sound Design and Music as a standout feature that significantly contributes to the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Harold Halibut's Sound Design and Music, praising the fitting music, exceptional voice acting, and immersive atmosphere. While some minor criticisms were noted, the majority of reviewers highlighted the standout soundtrack, ambient music, and high-quality sound effects that brought depth to the characters and enhanced the sci-fi narrative. Overall, Harold Halibut's Sound Design and Music were hailed as a standout feature that greatly elevated the game's overall experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Harold Halibut has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many highlighting it as a standout aspect of the game. IGN Deutschland praised the "exceptional English voice acting" that brought the characters to life in a heartfelt manner. TheXboxHub commended the performers for delivering character and emotion to the story, particularly noting moments like the musical number by Harold as "nothing short of stunning." GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe both emphasized the wide range of well-voiced personalities that added depth and personality to the characters, with interactions like those with Captain-At-Large Zoya being praised for their emotional depth and execution. Siliconera and XboxEra also lauded the voice cast for making the characters feel like fully-fledged individuals with distinct personalities, contributing to the immersion and connection with the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception of the voice acting in Harold Halibut, there were a few critics who did not provide specific feedback on any negatives related to the voice performances. Hobby Consolas, for instance, only mentioned that the game is fully voiced in English with Spanish subtitles without delving into any critique or areas for improvement regarding the voice acting. While the lack of negative feedback from some critics may suggest a high level of consistency and quality in the voice performances, a more diverse range of opinions could have provided a more comprehensive analysis of any potential drawbacks or areas where the voice acting could have been further enhanced. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Harold Halibut is of a very high standard, with exceptional performances that bring the characters to life and enhance the overall experience of the game. The praise for the voice cast's ability to deliver emotion, depth, and distinct personalities to the characters underscores the significance of voice acting in creating an immersive and engaging narrative. The positive reception from critics like Jeuxvideo.com, who described the voice acting as "truly excellent," and XboxEra, who highlighted the stellar voice cast bringing quirky characters to life, further solidifies the notion that the voice acting in Harold Halibut is a standout feature that greatly contributes to the game's success.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are raving about the exceptional voice acting in Harold Halibut, praising it for bringing characters to life with emotion and depth. The performances have been described as stunning and have been highlighted for adding depth and personality to the game. While some critics didn't provide negative feedback, the overall consensus is that the voice acting is top-notch and a standout feature that greatly enhances the game's immersive narrative.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, critics generally praised Harold Halibut for its smooth gameplay and impressive visuals. Pure Xbox highlighted the smooth 60FPS performance in performance mode, recommending it for a nearly perfect experience. IGN Deutschland also commended the detailed graphics and fitting music that enhanced the overall experience. TheXboxHub further emphasized the impressive technology used in the game, showcasing smooth action and execution. On the other hand, some critics pointed out technical shortcomings on certain platforms. Hobby Consolas mentioned occasional bugs on the PS5 that required restarting, while Eurogamer Poland criticized the PC version for technical flaws and design errors that hindered the overall experience. IGN on PC also noted issues with sluggish and unresponsive controls impacting the gameplay. However, these negative aspects were not universal across all platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Harold Halibut delivers a solid technical performance across different gaming platforms. While some platforms experienced occasional technical issues, such as delays in loading character models on PS5 as noted by Jeuxvideo.com, these problems did not significantly detract from the overall experience. PlayStation Universe praised the steady performance and the availability of quality and performance modes on the PS5. GamesRadar++ highlighted smooth sailing technically on PC, with only occasional animation issues and one troublesome bug affecting interaction with a character. The general sentiment is that Harold Halibut offers an engaging gameplay experience with visually appealing graphics and immersive music, despite some minor technical hiccups on certain platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics love Harold Halibut on Xbox Series X for its smooth gameplay and stunning visuals, with praise for its 60FPS performance and impressive technology. However, some platforms like PS5 and PC faced technical issues like bugs and design errors. Overall, the game offers a solid technical performance across platforms, delivering an engaging experience despite minor hiccups.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

23%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The positive aspects of Harold Halibut that critics highlighted include its unique humor, personality, and artistic qualities. IGN Deutschland praised the game for leaving a lasting impression on players despite lacking in challenge and decision-making. GamingTrend also noted the game's personal stories and odd diversions, making it worth exploring for fans of narrative adventures. Additionally, Siliconera mentioned that well-developed characters and optional secondary tasks offer some replay value by allowing players to explore different interactions and storylines. On the other hand, several critics pointed out the negative aspects affecting the game's replay value. Dexerto and Hobby Consolas both highlighted the monotonous and repetitive gameplay as a limiting factor for replayability. Push Square echoed this sentiment by mentioning the repetitive nature of the game that may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. COGconnected also noted the slow-paced opening hours and lack of immediate rewards, which could challenge impatient gamers seeking more engaging content. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Harold Halibut offers a memorable and unique experience with its humor, personality, and artistic qualities. While the game may lack substantial replay value due to its linear narrative and repetitive gameplay, there are elements like personal stories, odd diversions, and well-developed characters that add depth and potential for exploration. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the importance of engaging with main and optional tasks to enhance the world and character depth. Ultimately, Harold Halibut seems to cater more to players who appreciate the narrative-driven focus and thematic coherence rather than those seeking extensive replayability or immediate gratification.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praised Harold Halibut for its unique humor, personality, and artistic qualities, leaving a lasting impression despite lacking challenge. The game's personal stories and characters offer replay value, but its monotonous gameplay and slow pace may deter some players. Overall, Harold Halibut provides a memorable experience for narrative-driven gamers who value depth over replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Harold Halibut has garnered praise from multiple critics for its unique and captivating narrative, handcrafted visuals, and immersive storytelling. Critics like PlayStation Universe and IGN Deutschland commend the game for excelling in storytelling, world-building, visuals, and voice acting, creating a compelling and heartwarming experience. The dedication to handcrafted visuals and engaging world-building, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com, adds to the game's charm and makes it a memorable experience for players who appreciate narrative-driven games. The game's unique art style, engaging characters, and immersive storytelling, as noted by Try Hard Guides, contribute to its status as a true work of art and a captivating adventure that deserves to be experienced. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out the shortcomings of Harold Halibut, particularly in terms of gameplay issues, pacing problems, and repetitive elements. Eurogamer Poland highlights the game's lack of substance as a video game, suggesting that it might have worked better as an interactive film. Critics like Push Square and Metro GameCentral mention pacing issues and repetitive gameplay as hindrances to the overall experience, with Push Square noting that the prolonged runtime filled with repetitive gameplay detracts from the game's charm and narrative depth. Additionally, Dexerto mentions that the game is visually innovative but lacks in gameplay, making it a tough recommendation for most players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Harold Halibut is that it is a visually stunning and narratively engaging experience that may not appeal to all players due to its focus on storytelling over traditional gameplay elements. While the game receives praise for its unique art style, captivating story, and memorable characters, it also faces criticism for its gameplay issues, pacing problems, and repetitive elements. Despite these drawbacks, Harold Halibut is recognized as a charming and quirky game that offers a unique and immersive interactive film experience, succeeding in delivering what it aims to be, as highlighted by Pure Xbox and COGconnected. Players who appreciate narrative-driven games and are drawn to handcrafted visuals and immersive storytelling are likely to find Harold Halibut to be a worthwhile and memorable experience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Harold Halibut for its captivating narrative, handcrafted visuals, and immersive storytelling, making it a heartwarming and compelling experience. However, some criticize the game for gameplay issues, pacing problems, and repetitive elements. Overall, Harold Halibut is recognized as visually stunning and narratively engaging, though not appealing to all players due to its focus on storytelling over traditional gameplay. Fans of narrative-driven games and unique art styles will likely find it a memorable experience despite its flaws.

CRITIK

Reviews

80 reviews found

100

Try Hard Guides

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut is described as a true work of art, a unique and memorable experience that may not appeal to all players due to its focus on narrative and character interactions over traditional gameplay elements. The game's strengths lie in its cinematic presentation, engaging characters, and immersive storytelling.

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100

Siliconera

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut presents a visually stunning and narratively engaging experience with well-developed characters and a unique art style. While the gameplay may not be complex, the game offers a light and accessible adventure for players to enjoy.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut is a wonderfully creative endeavor with a great story, engaging gameplay, outstanding visuals, excellent sound design, and technical performance. Despite some backtracking issues, it's a game that deserves to be played.

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Shacknews

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut offers a fascinating story with weird, likable characters, amazing visuals, and a deliberate slow pace that may become tiring after several hours. It doesn't conclude every thematic thread as well as the main ones.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut transcends the line between video game and interactive art piece, exploring the meaning of home on an isolated alien water world. Despite pacing issues in the story, the handcrafted visuals, extravagant cast, and personal stories make it a treat for fans of narrative adventures.

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Multiplayer.it

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A unique and captivating adventure that deserves to be experienced, appealing to players looking for a narrative-driven gaming experience.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut is a resounding success, excelling in storytelling, world-building, visuals, and voice acting. Despite light gameplay elements, the game's heart and narrative depth make it a compelling experience.

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GamesRadar+

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut is beautifully messy, uniquely compelling, and recommended for those charmed by its handcrafted aesthetic despite its imperfections.

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Jeuxvideo.com

PlayStation 5

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Harold Halibut is a visually stunning and unique narrative experience with well-crafted characters and excellent voice acting. While the gameplay may feel routine and the story lacks intensity at times, the dedication to handcrafted visuals and engaging world-building make it a memorable experience.

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IGN Deutschland

Xbox Series X

Apr 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A charming and quirky game that offers a unique and immersive interactive film experience with a focus on storytelling and atmosphere, succeeding in delivering what it aims to be despite some technical issues.