Harold Halibut, a long-awaited game, is finally set for release after 14 years in development. The handcrafted narrative adventure will be available on April 16 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Prior to its release, Digital Trends had the opportunity to experience the first five hours of the game and gain insights from its creators.
The debut title from Slow Bros. follows a sci-fi tale about a community residing entirely on a spaceship, the Fedora, which is stranded in an alien planet’s ocean. Players assume the role of Harold, an assistant to a scientist on the ship, in search of a way to free it and resume its intended journey. Despite its seemingly dark premise, the game exudes warmth in its tone, focusing on the relationships among its diverse cast of characters.
One of the standout features of the game is the handcrafted nature of every object within it. The claymation-like visuals account for the extensive development time. Slow Bros. elaborated on the evolution of the project and the various iterations of Harold Halibut during a pre-launch presentation.
The project, originally conceptualized in 2010 as a point-and-click adventure game with a focus on puzzles, transitioned into using handcrafted objects out of necessity rather than choice. Objects were scanned into the game through photogrammetry, a process that involved meticulous detail to bring them to life. Characters were animated using motion capture technology, adding to the game’s unique visual appeal.
Despite the challenges, Slow Bros. persevered with their meticulous approach, resulting in a game that feels distinctly analog yet entirely interactive. The creators draw inspiration from various animation styles, contributing to the immersive experience of exploring the Fedora’s intricate world.
While Harold Halibut may not fulfill traditional expectations of a point-and-click game, its narrative-driven approach offers a captivating experience. The game’s deliberate pacing allows for a deeper dive into its world, rich with social commentary and dry humor.
As the release date for Harold Halibut approaches, Slow Bros. remains committed to their signature style, ensuring future projects benefit from their refined workflow. The game’s unique charm and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout title worth exploring.
Harold Halibut launches on April 16 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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