Halver is a 2D puzzle platformer developed and published by Gologames. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Halver Review Overview
What is Halver?
Halver is a challenging physics-based puzzle platformer that puts your logic and precision jumping skills to the test. Take on the role of a rectangular protagonist in a blueprint-inspired world, where the key to success lies in splitting blocks with well-aimed shots to solve puzzles and navigate your way to the level exit.
Halver features:
⚫︎ Challenging Physics-Based Puzzles
⚫︎ Blueprint Visual Style
⚫︎ 48 Carefully Designed Levels
⚫︎ Meditative Relaxing Music
⚫︎ Level Editor
| Platform | Price |
|---|---|
 Steam |
$9.99 |
Halver Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Amazing and Creative Puzzles Beautiful and Relaxing Visuals and Music |
No Level Editor Upon Release |
Halver Overall Score - 82/100
Halver strikes a perfect balance between being both relaxing and thought-provoking. Unlike many puzzle games, it doesn't leave you feeling frustrated or angry thanks to its fair difficulty levels. The beautiful visuals and meditative music create a tranquil atmosphere that keeps you in a state of calm focus. With a plethora of well-crafted puzzles and platform segments, it's easy to lose track of time. However, I must admit I'm disappointed that the level editor mode wasn't available from the beginning, especially considering the game's seven-year development period. Nonetheless, it's a great way to give your brain a workout.
Halver Story - 5/10
This game doesn't really have a story, so if you're looking for a puzzle game with a strong narrative, this one might not be for you. However, there's a very funny and clever Easter egg hidden in one of the game's level hints, telling the player that they can search for the game's story online. You can discover after a brief search that it's about the rectangular shaped hero trying to break free from blueprint-like world.
Halver Gameplay - 9/10
Halver is a puzzle platformer with straightforward controls: just use the arrow keys and some handy tools to navigate. Your goal is to reach the dotted exit, but the simplicity ends there. The puzzles are diverse, ranging from easy to challenging, and they don't rely on cheap tricks. You'll need to think outside the box and use everything at your disposal to solve them. However, I wish there were more creative ways to tackle the puzzles, given that this is also a platformer. Still, they're incredibly well-designed, reflecting the seven years of development. Although, it would have been nice to have the level editor mode available from the start.
Halver Visuals - 9/10
I'm really drawn to the abstract simplicity of the blueprint-like visuals in this game. The blue background with white lines sets a unique tone, and I appreciate the detailed drawings like Buddha and flowers on certain levels. The visuals blend seamlessly with the soundtrack, creating a soothing atmosphere that enhances the puzzle-solving experience. Overall, they've done a great job of creating a relaxing environment for players to enjoy.
Halver Audio - 9/10
The music in this game is incredibly soothing. It exudes meditative vibes, and although I'm not sure about the science behind it, I found it really helped keep my cool, especially during the tougher levels.
Halver Value for Money - 9/10
Halver is a steal for what you get. With a whopping 48 thoughtfully crafted puzzle levels, you're looking at a solid 8-12 hours of fun. Plus, the randomizer mode keeps things fresh by throwing in some unpredictability. It's a bit of a bummer that they didn't include the level editor from the get-go, but I'm glad to hear it's coming in the next update.
Halver Review: A Meditative and Thought-Provoking Puzzle Game
According to the developers at Gologames, Halver was in development for seven years, and in my opinion, the game definitely lives up to that time investment, with just one minor drawback. Right from the start, the game draws you in with its puzzle platform mechanics.
You control a rectangle stuck in a blueprint-like world using WASD or arrow keys on your keyboard. The early puzzles start off simple, gradually introducing mechanics like pushing objects to create platforms or using a gun to shoot blocks in half.
As you progress, puzzles become more complex, requiring you to think outside the box. Your main goal is always to reach the exit, but how you get there can be complicated.
Sometimes you need to solve puzzles to access the exit, while other times you must complete specific tasks, like destroying all liquid blocks or collecting all the level's collectibles.
It's engaging and rewarding to navigate these dynamic puzzles, using the mechanics provided. The game features a replay button for easy level restarts and a hint button that can be used if you've collected enough energy.
The platform mechanics are simple but enjoyable, especially when combined with the intricate puzzles that require creative problem-solving.
However, I wish more levels allowed for multiple approaches, similar to the puzzles in Breath of the Wild. Still, the puzzles are incredibly well-designed, showcasing a lot of thought and effort.
What really impressed me about Halver is that I never once felt stuck or frustrated while playing, which is a common issue I have with many puzzle games. This is largely thanks to the beautiful visuals and music that work together seamlessly to create a relaxing atmosphere.
The soothing blue background sets a calming tone, while the ambient music with its slow percussion makes you feel like you're in a spa.
I also appreciate the simplistic designs, which are easy on the eyes and not overwhelming. The use of geometric shapes gives the game a minimalist aesthetic that should feel like solving a tedious math problem, but somehow it doesn't—it actually has the opposite effect, making the experience enjoyable and more engaging.
The only downside I found with the game is that it doesn't have the level editor yet. They've mentioned it'll be added in the next update (even though the mode is already advertised in the menu), but I wish it had been included from the start, especially considering the game's seven-year development time.
Having the level editor would have added so much to the replay value and extended the gameplay hours, especially since they plan to make the editor online, similar to Mario Maker.
Seeing the creative puzzles people would come up with would be amazing, so I wonder why this feature wasn't included initially. Despite this, I'm happy that there are plenty of levels to keep you busy, plus the randomizer mode adds an extra challenge once you've finished all the levels or want more variety.
Pros of Halver
| Things Halver Got Right |
|---|
|
Amazing and Creative Puzzles Beautiful and Relaxing Visuals and Music |
Amazing and Creative Puzzles
The level design in this game is absolutely fantastic. Each puzzle is like a carefully crafted piece of art, starting off simple but gradually becoming more complex as you progress. What's really refreshing is that the game keeps using the same tools introduced in the beginning, so you never feel like you're being cheated out of a challenge. Restarting levels is encouraged, which is great for getting to know the designs better. And while hints are available, you rarely need to rely on them—the game makes you feel like you're getting smarter with every puzzle you solve.
Beautiful and Relaxing Visuals and Music
Halver really nails it when it comes to setting up a chill gaming atmosphere. The blueprint-style design is so simple yet charming, and the ambient music just adds to the relaxed vibe. It's like you're not rushed to finish the level—you can really take your time and explore. And those background sketches? They're such a nice touch, it feels like you're looking at a real blueprint with all those detailed doodles. Playing this game is a soothing experience for both your mind and soul.
Cons of Halver
| Things That Halver Can Improve |
|---|
|
No Level Editor Upon Release |
No Level Editor Upon Release
I'm kind of bummed that the Level Editor wasn't available right from the start. I feel like it would've added a lot to the game’s longevity. It could have extended the fun and given us a chance to see some awesome player-created puzzles and let's be honest, probably some hilarious troll levels too.
Is Halver Worth It?
Yes!
Even though Halver doesn't have a level editor, I still had a blast playing it from beginning to end. There are loads of finely crafted levels and the randomizer mode adds even more replay value. Considering its price, it's definitely worth grabbing, especially if you're a fan of puzzle games.
| Platform | Price |
|---|---|
| Steam |
$9.99 |
Halver FAQ
What are the System Requirements to Play Halver?
● OS *: Windows 7 or higher
● Processor: Core i5 or equivalent
● Memory: 4 GB RAM
● Graphics: GeForce GT 630M (1 GB) or Radeon 8670M (1 GB)
● DirectX: Version 11
● Storage: 200 MB available space
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Halver Product Information
 |
|
| Title | HALVER |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 12, 2024 |
| Developer | Gologames |
| Publisher | Gologames |
| Supported Platforms | PC |
| Genre | Puzzle Platformer |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Halver Website |
We were absolutely thrilled to read such a detailed and thoughtful review. Thank you for diving into the world of Halver and unraveling our ideas and tricks We sincerely apologize that the level editor wasn't available in the release. It was our passion to include it, but we decided to allow players to get the game after two release date changes Now we are working on two new main features: Achievements and Level Editor to bring some new challenges to the players