Herdling review

A grand adventure with an emotive twist is what gaming is all about. Though some people dislike slow stories and unusual moments, I adore them. Developer Okomotive is renowned for its striking style and interesting plots. The FAR games have a cult-like following, and I believe Herdling will generate quite the stir.

This single-player adventure doesn’t really hold your hand. Instead, it lets you discover most elements with a little experimentation. This lack of guidance leads to a little confusion and occasionally some unwanted danger. However, it was this nice mix and interesting design that kept you hooked throughout.

Herdling is short but thwart with danger.

You play the role of a shepherd who wishes to rescue each giant and loveable beast they encounter. The Calicorns are soft creatures who wish to live freely and in peace. However, mankind has decimated the world, and there are few areas of safety. With your help, the creatures can be rehomed and avoid harm.

This wholesome idea should be straightforward, but things rarely go to plan. Steep drops, predators, and plenty of shrouded moments keep you on your toes throughout. If you then add in the vulnerable nature of each creature, you feel responsible for their well-being.

Moving your herd from point A to B is a simple as the shake of a magical musical cane. Yet, keeping them under control and away from hazards and obstacles takes a little planning and a lot of patience. Death is a very real risk, and the harsh reality of losing a beast isn’t something I wanted to tackle.

A beautifully balanced plot.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the plot and the ambience. The blend of death, destruction, and failure hangs in the air. Luckily, the further you move from humanity, the lighter things come. Additionally, there is a delightful sense of freedom as you follow each linear path to Herdling’s inevitable conclusion.

Herdling is wholesome and captivating.

Moving animals to their safety shouldn’t have been so interesting. However, the developer has done a great job with their striking art style, interesting settings, and sense of danger and surprise. The audio enhances this delightfully atmospheric experience. Moments of silence are juxtaposed by high-energy bursts. Additionally, the beautifully presented lulls let you take in your glorious surroundings.

The developer has incorporated an on-screen tutorial if you get stuck. However, it doesn’t always work, and this causes confusion and frustration. Furthermore, getting to grips with controlling your herd can be tough. As such, expect to swear and curse as you master the basics.

Herdling is an excellent indie game.

Though Herdling won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I love the plot, the atmosphere, and the straightforward ideas. Moreover, the game forces you to care for your herd of Calicorns. Accordingly, losing one beast is surprisingly upsetting, and you’ll take it personally if anything happens. Though this takes no time to complete, it is an excellent indie game. Therefore, I suggest you play it on Game Pass or pick up a copy from the Xbox Store.