Harold Between Worlds 3 offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its charming retro pixel graphics, which provide a refreshing departure from the more commonly seen RPG Maker assets. The visual style alone sets the game apart, capturing the essence of classic 16-bit adventures and appealing to fans of retro gaming.
Despite its visual charm, Harold Between Worlds 3 feels like an ambitious project that struggles with the constraints of a game jam format. The game seems to be a repurposed version of one of the developer's larger projects, and this ambition leads to an overwhelming amount of content and mechanics. In the 45 minutes of playtime allotted for this review, I found it difficult to grasp and utilize the myriad features and systems the game offers.
The pacing of Harold Between Worlds 3 is another area where it falters as a jam game. The story is heavily front-loaded, with a significant amount of narrative setup before players can dive into the gameplay. While the storyline itself is engaging, the slow start may deter players who expect a more immediate and fast-paced experience typical of jam games.
In terms of gameplay, there's nothing inherently wrong with Harold Between Worlds 3. The mechanics and systems are solid, and the game functions well. However, for a game jam entry, it likely needed to be scaled back considerably. A more focused and streamlined approach would have made the game more accessible and enjoyable within the limited playtime.
In conclusion, Harold Between Worlds 3 is a well-crafted game with endearing retro visuals and a promising storyline. However, it misses the mark as a jam game mostly due to its complexity. With further refinement and a more focused scope, it has the potential to be a standout title. For now, it's an interesting but somewhat overwhelming experience that might be better suited for a full-fledged release rather than a game jam.