Sometimes a game sneaks up on you. One minute you’re minding your own business; the next, you’re gently nudging a flock of horned, calico-patterned beasts through the wreckage of a forgotten city—hoping they don’t scurry off or plow into a rusted dumpster. That’s Herdling in a nutshell: a short, wordless adventure that somehow grips your heart with the force of, well, a stubborn herd. Read our Herdling review to get the details.
A Wordless Tale Unfolds
You’re a silent kid in a hoodie, waking up beneath an overpass, alone except for the echo of distant traffic. Round the corner, you spot your first calicorn—a buffalo-like creature with a bucket stuck on its snout. Rescue it with a few stray branches and a gentle pet, and voilà: your sidekick is born. From that moment on, you’re hooked. There’s no dialogue, only environmental whispers—tattered billboards hinting at mountains beyond the city’s edge, flickering lights revealing human absence, and a painterly palette that shifts from grimy grey to sunlit amber as you progress. It’s minimalistic storytelling at its best, reminiscent of Journey and Okomotive’s own FAR series, yet entirely its own beast.
Herding as Gameplay
Guiding a herd sounds so… mundane, right? In practice, it’s oddly tense. Your “staff” transforms into a wand that sprouts flowered trails on command. Lead calicorns through these paths and they follow like spellbound puppies. Leverage patches of blue blooms to trigger stampedes—speedy jaunts that feel exhilarating, until performance hiccups and narrow choke points turn them into nail-biting gauntlets.
It starts simple: one beast, one direction. But by halfway you’re managing half a dozen creatures, each with slightly different horn shapes or fur swirls, weaving them through debris, dodging obstacles, and making split-second decisions when they fumble or wander off. It’s equal parts relaxing stroll and frantic shepherd’s scramble.
Moments of Magic
There are scenes that still make me pause. One minute I’m cursing under my breath as a stubborn calicorn refuses to budge, the next I’m staring at rolling hills bathed in golden light, my fluffy entourage grazing quietly by my side. The music swells—subtle strings that make your chest tighten—and suddenly you get it. You’re not just moving animals; you’re nurturing trust. It’s astonishing how much warmth blossoms from such simple interactions.
The world design deserves a nod, too. Dilapidated highway overpasses give way to lush meadows, misty forests, and abandoned stations. Each area feels hand-crafted, ripe for exploration. And yes, there are hidden collectibles and tiny environmental puzzles scattered about—enough to coax you back for a replay or two.
A Few Stumbles I didn’t Like
Let’s be honest: it isn’t flawless. Calicorns can clip through geometry, animations sometimes look a tad stiff, and tight corridors provoke more swear words than triumphant cheers. Personality mechanics—the notion that some calicorns are “brave” or “affectionate”—barely influence your play, which feels like a missed opportunity. And at around four to six hours, the adventure ends just as you’re settling into your shepherd rhythm.
Why You Should Herd
Even with its rougher edges, Herdling packs a surprising emotional punch. It asks little of you beyond patience and gentle guidance. No sprawling skill trees. No complex combat. Just you, your creatures, and a path home. If you’re craving a bite-sized journey that lingers in your thoughts, this is the one.
Key Highlights
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic), Xbox Series X|S (Game Pass), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
- Playtime: ~4–6 hours
- Core mechanics: Wand-guided herding, stampede boosts, light environmental puzzles
- Art and sound: Painterly visuals, emotive ambient score
Whether you’re a die-hard indie fan or just someone willing to follow some fluffy beasts up a mountain, Herdling deserves a spot on your playlist. It won’t revolutionize gaming, but it will remind you why simple, heartfelt adventures still matter.
What did you think of Herdling’s woolly wonders? Drop your own herd-taming tales in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more cozy game insights and unexpected gems.
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