• Comment: It simply doesn't seem like the game is notable, nor would it have a page without its developer making one himself, which is not typically how games are meant to make it on to Wikipedia (see WP:NOTPROMO). Advertise the game to journalists, not here. ᴢxᴄᴠʙɴᴍ (ᴛ) 16:26, 26 February 2025 (UTC)

Half Away is a narrative-driven puzzle-adventure game developed by Better Half Team, released the 28 of december on itch.io.^[1] and Steam^[2]. The game is directed by Fabio Salvador, with Katia Serafini serving as the art director and narrative writer. The game’s design combines Slavic and Japanese mythological elements in a fantasy setting where players explore a mystical world of spirits and liminal realms. A trailer for the game has been released, providing a glimpse into its captivating world and gameplay. It can be viewed on Youtube^[3]

Half Away features a third-person 3D perspective with a rail-based camera system, guiding players through a visually minimalistic, immersive environment. The gameplay focuses heavily on narrative, with players solving puzzles that are interwoven with the game’s storyline. The protagonist, Juna, has a unique ability to listen to objects and characters, revealing hidden information and clues that drive puzzle-solving and interactions with the world. These elements contribute to an empathic experience aimed at promoting self-discovery and introspection.

The story begins with Juna waking up in a mysterious forest, having no memory of how she arrived. She recalls only that she was bedridden with a high fever. Juna soon realizes she has entered Limbo, a world forbidden to humans, where spirits reside. Her journey is tied to her own survival, as her soul lies suspended between life and death, and she must decide whether to find a way back to the living world or remain in Limbo to assist both spirits and humans, potentially impacting events in the living realm.

Juna navigates Limbo, a fragmented land composed of countless micro-dimensions, meeting various spirits, learning about their world, and gathering power. Her choices and actions will determine her ultimate fate upon reaching the Portal of Return, where she must make the decision to either go back to the Land of the Living or stay and help those who reside in Limbo.

Half Away is being developed and self-published by Better Half Team. The project originated in November 2023 at the International School of Comics in Padua, Italy^[4], beginning with a core team of six members. As the game progressed, the team expanded to include over 30 aspiring artists, sound designers, and animators. This collaborative effort has brought together a wide array of talents to shape Half Away's unique narrative and visual style. The game reflects the team’s focus on cultural mythologies and allegorical storytelling, with art direction led by Katia Serafini and overall project direction by Fabio Salvador.

The development team showcased Half Away at several conventions in 2024, offering attendees an early look at the game and its unique design. These conventions included:

Svilupparty 2024: Organized by the Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA), the event provided an opportunity for indie developers to present their projects.^[5]

Fiera RadioAmatore e Games&Co di Pordenone 2024: A popular event in Pordenone, Italy, featuring gaming exhibitions and technology showcases.^[6]

BeComics di Padova 2024: A vibrant comic and game convention in Padua, Italy, where the team connected with fans and other developers.^[7]

These events allowed the team to gather valuable feedback from players and gaming enthusiasts while increasing awareness of the project within the gaming community.

Gaming Alpaca praised Half Away for its unique art style and deep narrative, highlighting its immersive atmosphere and puzzle mechanics. The review emphasized the game's cultural influences and emotional themes.^[8]

The game has been reviewed by Steam curators and holds an overall score of 78 on Metacritic.

The game's director, Fabio Salvador, was interviewed by Press Start, where he discussed the creative process behind Half Away and the role of learning in video games.

Online, numerous gameplay videos of Half Away can be found, showcasing different playthroughs and strategies. Additionally, the game's full soundtrack is available, allowing players to experience its atmospheric music outside of gameplay.