Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’.
The game primarily features a narrative-driven, exploration-focused gameplay loop with a slow, relaxed pace. Players control Harold, the protagonist, as he navigates the city-sized spaceship "Fedora I" and interacts with its diverse cast of characters. The core gameplay consists of walking/running between locations, engaging in dialogue, and completing simple tasks or mini-games.
The majority of the gameplay experience involves conversing with the game's well-developed and endearing cast of characters. Players can initiate dialogue, uncover the characters' backstories, and learn more about the game's setting and narrative. The dialogue often receives praise for its thoughtful, witty, and emotionally resonant writing, which helps players become invested in the characters and their personal journeys.
While the gameplay is largely dialogue-driven, players can explore the meticulously crafted environments of the Fedora I at their own pace. The stop-motion visual style, combined with the game's attention to detail, creates a highly immersive and tactile world for players to inhabit. Many players express joy in simply taking the time to soak in the game's atmosphere, admire the hand-crafted set pieces, and uncover the various secrets and side stories hidden throughout the ship.
The game does not feature complex gameplay mechanics or challenging puzzles. The gameplay is intentionally simple, often involving tasks such as fetching items, activating switches, or participating in mini-games. While some players may find the lack of substantial gameplay mechanics to be a drawback, others appreciate the game's focus on narrative and exploration, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the experience without being distracted by demanding gameplay.
Despite the linear nature of the main narrative, the game offers players the opportunity to make some meaningful choices throughout the story. These choices, while not significantly altering the outcome, can still influence the relationships between Harold and the other characters, as well as the player's understanding of the game's themes and message.