Harold Halibut

• Developer: Slow Bros.
• Publisher: Slow Bros.
• Platform: Played on PC
• Availability: Out TBC 2024 on PC (Steam) PS5, Xbox (Game Pass)

When exploring the world of Harold Halibut, it’s difficult not to draw comparisons to the captivating First Contact mission in Starfield. In both scenarios, you encounter an alien ship emitting otherworldly sounds, only to discover that it has actually been inhabited by descendants of Earth. These generations have evolved in isolation, with limited understanding of humanity beyond what they’ve learned from history books and classes on board. Harold Halibut follows the story of Harold, a lab assistant who resides in a stranded spaceship that has become an underwater enclave on an uninhabitable planet.

The result is a beautifully designed environment, with each room feeling like a meticulously crafted diorama, filled with intricate details and nostalgic nods to the late ’70s. The game’s animation style adds a tactile element, making it a visually striking experience. However, the true magic lies in the depth of the world-building. The characters are rich, funny, and authentically strange, capturing the essence of small-town life in an underwater setting. The level of detail and immersive storytelling sets Harold Halibut apart, delivering a unique and captivating gaming experience.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the vibrant and lively world of Harold Halibut. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and creativity, offering a fresh and compelling narrative adventure that shouldn’t be overlooked.

This piece is part of Wishlisted, a week-long series on Eurogamer covering some of our favourite games from February 2024’s Steam Next Fest. You can read all the other pieces from the series at our Wishlisted hub.