Horace

About

This masterpiece from Paul Helman and Sean Scapelhorn is a classic platformer that tells an emotional and surprisingly rich tale of self-discovery peppered with nostalgic popular culture references that will bring a smile to any gamer who enjoys the 8 and 16 bit era! An unmissable tale of a small robot on a big adventure!

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8
Based on
349 reviews
Country Compatibility:
Languages:
Developer:
Paul Helman
Publisher:
505 Games
Engine:
Unity
Release date:
18 July 2019
Recent Steam reviews:
Not specified
All Steam reviews:
Very Positive (349)

Game features

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Description

This masterpiece from Paul Helman and Sean Scapelhorn is a classic platformer that tells an emotional and surprisingly rich tale of self-discovery peppered with nostalgic popular culture references that will bring a smile to any gamer who enjoys the 8 and 16 bit era!

An unmissable tale of a small robot on a big adventure!
Made by just two people, Horace offers over 15 hours of exciting platforming and pushes the boundaries of the genre with profound storytelling and quirky and nostalgic pop culture references! A game made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!

  • “A frankly gorgeous-looking pixel art platform adventure game” Kotaku UK
  • 9/10 "Might very well be the best platformer of 2019" Cub3d
  • “Horace’s heartwarming narrative pushes you through the hardcore gameplay, and the high quality aesthetic and music burns themselves into your brain” Escapist Magazine
  • 9/10 “Definitely one of the best Indie titles I have played this year” Demon Gaming
  • 9.5/10 “This is one of the best games of 2019 and one of the best independent games I have ever played” Way too many games
  • 8.5/10 "Manages to offer his own personal reading of the platform genre, surprisingly walking the streets of narration" Multiplayer.it
  • 8/10 "Unique, unsettling and surprising title". Everyeye.it
  • “Brilliantly exceeds expectations” PDVG
  • “Is a treat, and very well worth getting hold of” Get Indie Gaming

Adventure through hours and hours of varied gameplay, dubbed by many as Indie GOTY 2019! Overcome 2D platforming challenges with a unique twist, unlock new metroidvania inspired robot abilities, enjoy plenty of retro-inspired mini games and reunite Horace with his family.


A charming single player narrative that will make you laugh, cry and cheer!
Watch this hand-crafted, cinematic story unfold.


Stunning 2D pixel worlds made by just two people inspired by the ‘golden age’ of UK software development.


Meet dozens of weird and wonderful characters.
Bond with every character you meet and find Horace’s family.


Mind bending platforming puzzles.
Unlock new metroidvania inspired abilities and defy the laws of physics to overcome all obstacles.


Take on thrilling and difficult boss battles.
Each a refreshing take on the boss battle formula until the game's stunning conclusion!


Revisit arcade classics from the 90s!
Play retro inspired mini games which have been perfectly interwoven into the narrative!

Recommended system requirements

minimum*

OS *:
Windows 7
Processor:
Intel i5
Memory:
4 GB RAM
Graphics:
Any DX12 graphics card
DirectX:
Version 12
Storage:
12 GB available space
Sound Card:
Any, onboard

recommended*

OS:
Windows 10
Processor:
Intel i7
Memory:
8 GB RAM
Graphics:
Any DX12 graphics card
DirectX:
Version 12
Storage:
12 GB available space
Sound Card:
Any, or onboard

User reviews

theymademedothat
Recommended | 16 Aug 2025
26.9h played

It has been quite some time since I played this game but I still have so many fond memories. I rarely do have this for a platformer. The game combines amazing characters, a truly indie story with well though out

Helpful: 2
Reefer Sutherland
Not recommended | 30 Oct 2024
20.1h played

This is one of the games I've requested that Steam remove from my Library. It has been a long time since I finished this one so my memories may not be 100% clear. I am sure I hated it though, which I feel bad about

Helpful: 6
slowmotionblues
Recommended | 15 Apr 2026
10.7h played

Absolutely LOVE this game! Have purchased the Switch version as well as this and even purchased it for a family member. Would put it in my top ten. More than a few laugh out loud moments and some happy tears!

Helpful: 1
Ragz
Not recommended | 30 Sept 2025
16.6h played

Story-driven 2D platformer. Certainly charming in terms of story and presentation -- with bit-tune renditions of classical music abound -- but the gameplay itself is ultimately lacking and devolves all too often into

Helpful: 3
storageheater
Not recommended | 12 Aug 2025
13.5h played

War is bad and death is sad. I don't think people rip into the story enough. It's sci-fi shaped with nothing to say. This wouldn't matter if it was the usual brisk and lively fare but this is 10 minutes of slow cutscene

Helpful: 4
RetroReactiv8
Recommended | 27 May 2025
23.1h played

Horace is simply outstanding. A love letter to both the 8 bit era and platform games in general. It's one of those games that is fun from the outset and incredibly addictive - a rare title where you are either playing

Helpful: 4