Herdling

Okomotive's Journey-like adventure game delivers a strong emotional impact thanks to its memorable furry friends and a unique core concept.

Short, sweet, and utterly charming, Herdling's evocative beauty more than makes up for its superficial gameplay.

Herdling is a cosy, heartfelt trek that feels like a breath of fresh air and its stunning atmosphere and soundtrack do much of the heavy lifting. Whilst the game rarely stumbles, it seldom soars and often gets stuck behind janky controls or disappointing performance. Still, for all its rough edges, Herdling is a memorable adventure. If you're chasing the next grand expedition, this game might fall short, but if it's vibes you seek, look no further than this herd of lovable, clumsy beasts.

Herdling is a fairly linear game that wraps up in about six hours. Despite its relatively short playtime, Herdling does a decent job at capturing the unspoken bond that forms between a herder and their animals, while showcasing the many facets that come with the role.

If you’re hunting for adrenaline, Herdling won’t scratch that itch. There are no boss fights, no skill trees, no leaderboard climbs. It’s slow, contemplative, and fragile. But if you’re open to games that feel more like journeys than challenges, this is one to treasure. Fans of Journey, Abzû, or Gris will feel at home. So will anyone who craves something meditative after a week of high-intensity shooters.

Herdling boasts an excellent soundtrack and a completely unique shepherding premise, but only delivers upon the more surface-level aspects of its promise.

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.

Overall, Herdling is a wonderful adventure. It's a little rough around the edges in terms of framerates and hit detection, but it presents a unique outing that captures the loneliness of a child and the herd he inherits and protects. If you're after a sweet journey set among lavish landscapes, this one is worth checking out.

Despite its simplicity, Herdling is a truly emotional experience.

A delightful, if short and simple, adventure, you will not regret your time with the calicorns. Unfortunately, the graphics on the Switch can't quite match the majesty of the soundtrack, so you may be better placed playing Herdling elsewhere.