Overview
Harold's Hills brings festive chaos to life with its high-speed downhill present delivery concept. This dexterity-focused holiday game features the beloved Icy Tower character Harold navigating treacherous slopes on a rusty toboggan. While the core gameplay delivers addictive arcade-style fun with impressive customization options, early players note the experience feels somewhat unpolished with repetitive elements that slightly dampen the Christmas spirit.
High-Speed Present Delivery
The heart of Harold's Hills lies in its simple yet challenging downhill runs. Players guide Harold as he careens down snow-covered slopes littered with presents, using arrow keys to steer the rickety toboggan. The primary objective involves collecting scattered gifts while dodging hazardous rocks, then executing perfectly timed jumps onto rooftops where presents automatically drop through chimneys. This satisfying delivery mechanic creates a rhythmic flow of collection and reward that quickly becomes addictive.
All you need to do is to steer Harold on his toboggan. Pick up presents, deliver them in houses, and watch out for obstacles.
DPJ93
The game's breakneck speed significantly elevates the challenge, transforming what appears to be a casual holiday game into a genuine test of reflexes. This velocity creates exhilarating moments when threading between obstacles, though it may prove overwhelming for younger players. The constant risk-reward tension between grabbing presents and avoiding crashes keeps each run engaging, with near-misses and last-second escapes providing genuine adrenaline spikes.
Customization and Competitive Elements
Where Harold's Hills truly shines is in its unexpectedly robust customization and competitive features. Players can extensively modify their experience through various settings, including control schemes and HUD display options. This flexibility allows for personalized gameplay that caters to different skill levels and preferences, a standout feature that elevates the entire package.
The game extends its longevity through seven distinct online leaderboards tracking various achievements beyond just high scores. Categories like "biggest crash" encourage different playstyles and provide multiple pathways to competitive glory. This clever approach to score tracking transforms what could have been a simple arcade diversion into a game with substantial replay value, as players strategize not just for points but for specific types of performances.
The incredible amount of customization options - from controls to individual HUD display elements - are an excellent addition.
Gohst
Presentation and Polish Concerns
Despite its strengths, Harold's Hills shows some roughness around the edges in its current state. The most frequently mentioned drawback is the repetitive soundtrack that loops during gameplay. While the festive music initially enhances the holiday atmosphere, its limited variety becomes noticeable during extended play sessions, slightly diminishing the overall experience.
Visual polish also emerges as a concern, with the game's environments and character models appearing somewhat basic. Though the simple aesthetic aligns with its arcade origins, the presentation lacks the refinement seen in similar titles. These technical limitations become particularly apparent during chaotic moments when multiple objects crowd the screen, occasionally causing visual confusion during critical maneuvers.
Verdict
Addictive holiday racer with rough edges
