Halflight

Halflight is a Taiwanese indie horror adventure game developed by MatchB Game Studio, set in rural 1970s Taiwan. The story follows young protagonist Xi-sheng, who ventures into the Chinese underworld while searching for his mysteriously vanished brother Mu-sheng. Combining puzzle-solving with atmospheric exploration, the game blends Taiwanese folklore with supernatural horror elements, all presented through a graphic adventure interface.

Halflight: A Haunting Journey Through Taiwanese Folklore and Horror

Introduction

Halflight is a gem of Taiwanese indie game development, a hauntingly beautiful adventure that blends folklore, horror, and puzzle-solving into a cohesive and emotionally resonant experience. Developed by MatchB Game Studio, this 2020 release is a testament to the power of storytelling in video games, offering players a deeply atmospheric and culturally rich journey. In this review, we will explore the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and its lasting legacy in the gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Halflight was born from the passion of four students at Taiwan’s National Yunlin University of Science and Technology. As part of their graduation project, they created a game that would go on to win first place in Taiwan’s 2017 Unreal Competition held by Epic Games. The game’s success led to the formation of MatchB Game Studio, a team dedicated to bringing Taiwanese culture to the global gaming community.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

Developed using Unreal Engine 4, Halflight benefited from the engine’s robust tools for creating immersive environments and realistic lighting, which are crucial for a game that relies heavily on atmosphere. The game’s release in 2020 coincided with a surge in interest in indie horror and adventure games, a niche that Halflight filled with its unique blend of cultural storytelling and psychological horror.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The game follows Xi-sheng, a young boy who ventures into a phantom world after his younger brother, Mu-sheng, mysteriously disappears. The narrative is steeped in Taiwanese folklore and the cultural context of 1940s Taiwan, a period marked by Japanese occupation. The game’s setting is a fusion of reality and imagination, where memories intertwine with nightmares.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue is rich with Taiwanese and Japanese phrases, reflecting the historical context and adding authenticity to the game’s setting. Themes of family, sacrifice, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy are explored through the interactions between Xi-sheng and the eccentric characters he encounters, such as the slug-man painter and a giant talking chicken.

Atmosphere and Pacing

The game’s pacing is deliberate, allowing players to soak in the eerie atmosphere and piece together the story through environmental storytelling. The horror elements are subtle but effective, relying on psychological tension rather than jump scares. The game’s use of silence and minimalist design creates a sense of isolation and dread, enhancing the player’s immersion in the phantom world.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Halflight is a third-person adventure game with puzzle elements. Players must explore the environment, interact with objects, and solve puzzles to progress. The puzzles are designed to be logical and intuitive, encouraging players to observe their surroundings carefully.

Combat and Character Progression

There is no traditional combat in Halflight. Instead, players must use their wits to escape from the “unspeakable” entities that chase them. The game’s progression is tied to the narrative, with players uncovering the truth behind the phantom world through collected photos and notes.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface is minimalistic, with a focus on environmental storytelling. The game’s use of lighting and sound design creates a sense of urgency and danger, prompting players to use the environment to their advantage.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a fictionalized version of 1940s Taiwan, blending historical accuracy with fantastical elements. The phantom world is a surreal landscape filled with monstrous scenery and eerie creatures, reflecting the game’s themes of fear and the unknown.

Visual Direction

The art style is a mix of realistic and stylized elements, with a focus on creating a visually striking and immersive world. The use of lighting and shadows is particularly effective, enhancing the game’s horror elements and creating a sense of unease.

Sound Design

The sound design is a crucial component of Halflight‘s atmosphere. The game uses a combination of ambient sounds, traditional Taiwanese music, and unsettling sound effects to create a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The use of silence is also noteworthy, as it amplifies the tension and dread.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Halflight received mixed reviews upon its release, with praise for its atmospheric world-building and narrative depth, but criticism for its pacing and puzzle design. Despite this, the game has developed a cult following among fans of indie horror and adventure games.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Halflight has influenced a new wave of indie developers to explore cultural storytelling and psychological horror. Its success has also highlighted the potential of Taiwanese game development on the global stage.

Conclusion

Halflight is a remarkable achievement in indie game development, offering a unique blend of Taiwanese folklore, psychological horror, and puzzle-solving. Its atmospheric world-building, rich narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the adventure genre. While it may not be perfect, its cultural significance and emotional resonance ensure its place in video game history. For those seeking a hauntingly beautiful journey through a world of memories and nightmares, Halflight is an experience not to be missed.