Some games pull you in with action, others with story, but Herdling finds its voice in the bond between you and its gentle beasts. Developed by Okomotive, the studio behind Far: Lone Sails and Far: Changing Tides, this new adventure places you in the shoes of a nameless child guiding a herd of creatures called Calicorns. It all starts with freeing a Calicorn from a piece of trash, then grows into a journey through cities, fields, and icy lands to bring them home.
The game’s focus is simple: care for your herd and get them safely to their destination. That simplicity is what makes the experience powerful. I still remember the first time I named one of my Calicorns. The moment didn’t just feel like adding another animal to the group. It felt like responsibility. Suddenly, keeping them safe mattered on a personal level, and I caught myself worrying whenever they strayed too close to danger.
Herdling tells its story without words, using visuals and music that match your pace. It’s a short adventure, but it sticks with you because of the bond you form with the herd.
Finding Meaning in a Wordless Tale
Herdling tells its story without any words. Instead, it relies on imagery, environments, and your connection to the Calicorns. You begin as a nameless child, waking under a bridge in a city that feels abandoned. It’s here that you meet your first Calicorn, freeing it from a piece of trash before guiding it out of the concrete ruins. This quiet opening sets the tone for what follows, a wordless journey that speaks more through feeling than explanation.
As you move from the city to the wilderness, the game frames each new area as both a challenge and a reminder of what is at stake. The Calicorns aren’t just obstacles to manage. They are companions that grow with you, and their presence gives the story its emotional weight. Each new Calicorn you rescue brings variety to the herd, whether through unique looks or subtle personalities.
There was a stubborn Calicorn I named early on. They often lagged behind, and I felt especially protective of them. When they nearly slipped into danger later, it shook me more than I expected. That connection made me stop, gather myself, and guide the herd carefully to safety.
The story doesn’t explain everything, and it doesn’t need to. It’s about finding hope in companionship and understanding that safety comes from the bonds you create. Herdling may not use words, but it tells a story that is heartfelt and memorable.
Guiding the Herd
Herdling is all about keeping your Calicorns safe while moving through different areas. Gameplay is straightforward but requires a lot of patience. With a flower-topped stick, you lead the herd ahead, carefully pushing them past dangers. You can stop them, slow their pace, or call for a stampede when quick bursts of speed are necessary.
The simplicity works well, because it allows the bond with the herd to drive the tension. Guiding a group across a fragile bridge feels heavier when you know one misstep could send a Calicorn limping. The game occasionally asks you to solve light puzzles, such as pushing objects, opening heavy doors, or finding a safe route forward. While not complex, these moments break up the movement and give you a sense of responsibility for both progress and safety.
In the forest filled with pine cone-shaped nests, I faced one of the most nerve-wracking challenges. Moving too close caused large birds to swoop down, threatening the herd. I had to carefully slow everyone down, reposition myself, and time each movement between nests. My heart raced as one Calicorn strayed too far, and I quickly called the group to a halt before regrouping. Getting through without losing anyone felt like a real accomplishment.
Sometimes the controls can feel a little clunky, especially with bigger herds in tight spots, but it never drags things down. The real reward comes from keeping everyone safe and moving forward together.
A Journey Told Through Sights and Sounds
Herdling stands out most in how it looks and sounds. Its world blends ruined cities with sweeping natural landscapes, each area feeling distinct while keeping the same dreamlike tone. The Calicorns themselves are brought to life through fur patterns, horn shapes, and small animations that show their moods. Watching them shift from cautious to playful makes them feel more than just creatures to guide.
The soundtrack adds another layer, shifting with your pace as you move. Slow down, and the music softens. Sprint into a stampede, and it swells with energy, carrying the momentum of your herd. These transitions feel seamless and make the journey feel alive.
Seeing the herd charge across a field of colorful grass was unforgettable. Their coats shifted with streaks of colour, and it felt like the game itself opened up. That rush of light and motion reflected the bond I had grown with them.
Technically, the game holds steady, though not without small hiccups. Frame rate drops can appear in busier sections, and grooming prompts sometimes fail to register when the herd crowds together. Load times are short, and nothing ever derails progress, but the rough edges do show here and there. Even with those issues, the presentation delivers. Herdling uses its visuals and music to make the journey memorable, supporting the quiet storytelling in ways words never could.
Herdling Builds Bonds That Last Beyond the Journey
Herdling isn’t a long game, but it left me thinking about it well after the credits rolled. Guiding the Calicorns never felt like just another gameplay task. It felt personal. Each one I named and cared for made the journey feel more important, and reaching the end was rewarding because we made it together.
The story works because it doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. You wake up under a bridge, help a creature in need, and from there the journey becomes about trust and responsibility. The lack of dialogue or text makes every interaction feel more genuine. It lets the world and your bond with the herd do the talking.
The look and sound of the game add even more to that connection. The ruined city feels heavy, while the open fields feel freeing. The soundtrack follows your pace, growing calm when you slow down and swelling when you stampede across the grass. A few control hiccups show up, especially when the herd gets crowded, but they don’t take away from the bigger picture.
What really sticks with me is how much I cared about the herd by the end. I wasn’t just moving them from one place to another. I felt responsible for them, and that feeling made every close call and every safe arrival meaningful. It’s a short adventure, but one that earns its spot as something I won’t forget anytime soon.
Herdling
Summary
Herdling blends simple gameplay with emotional storytelling, making the bond with your herd feel meaningful. The art direction and adaptive soundtrack make each step of the journey memorable, even when minor technical hiccups show up. It’s a short game, but one that delivers a rewarding mix of responsibility and heart. For those looking for a different kind of adventure, Herdling is worth taking.
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