Herdling Reviews
I like the idea of Herdling and for the most part it does work well, trotting along behind the beasts is wonderfully relaxing. The herding mechanism lets things down, as does the repetition of the dangers, especially when the game is only four hours long. One to play on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Herdling is a stylistically assured game that tells a compelling, wordless story in about three hours, a length that feels just right for its content. While its core herd-commanding mechanics are in need of more polish and it lacks a unique selling point, it remains an enjoyable journey I would gladly experience for the first time again.
Review in German | Read full review
Herdling is a magical game about some really unique creatures, and I loved guiding them.
"Herdling" is fantastic. It's not for everyone, but anyone who embraces the premise and the emotional journey will have an unforgettable experience. The gameplay is very simple and never too challenging. However, it feels great to lead your herd through epic or dangerous moments, and thanks to a relatively short playing time, it never gets boring. A magnificent soundtrack and beautiful visuals perfectly round out the emotional experience.
Review in German | Read full review
Herdling offers interesting mechanics and a fantastic soundtrack on any platform. It also has a fantastic style that should be a strength, but the Switch version in particular looks so washed out that it dulls the appeal of this part of the game. I’m not saying to avoid playing Herdling, but if you have any other options, I’d definitely recommend checking it out on another platform.
Herdling shows that games can have an effect without having complicated systems, deep stories, or intense battles. It’s a quiet, emotional journey that rewards you for being patient, paying attention, and understanding.
Despite frustrations with the slow-moving herd, Herdling is still worth trying if you enjoy visual story-telling and atmospheric games. That said, if you can play anywhere but Switch, do so.
Okomotive's Journey-like adventure game delivers a strong emotional impact thanks to its memorable furry friends and a unique core concept.
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.
Beautiful in every way, Herdling is a short and sweet adventure that will pull at your heartstrings.
Herdling continues Okamotive's reputation for unorthodox titles that resonate in unique ways. Desolate and survival-driven, yet warm and freeing, it's an adventure unlike any other despite the occasional hiccups.
Herdling is a captivating, albeit flawed experience that never has any low points, but never hits any genuine highs either.
Herdling's brisk walk through a wild world manages to charm from beginning to end, with just enough drama and beauty to make waving a makeshift cane at a horde of hairy beasts into an unforgettable journey.
Herdling is not the game to convert those averse to walking simulators: It can drag, and has a confusing control setup. But it is also beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures, and that’s all done without a single word spoken.
Go where the wind takes you..
It rarely gives you moments to form any specific attachments to its characters. The world certainly has some cool setpieces accompanied by a soaring soundtrack, but at the end of the day I struggled to care. There is still a well crafted world and some interesting mechanics at play, but the storytelling causes it to fall short of the genre greats.
Despite its mechanical simplicity, slow pacing, and limited gameplay evolution, Herdling stands out as an indie that leaves a lasting emotional impact—thanks to Okomotive’s beautiful audiovisual storytelling, its touching journey of guiding creatures to safety, and impresses not through mechanics, but through heart.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Herdling puts the player on the role of a guide for mysterious beings that are on the border of fantasy and arouses curiosity in knowing up to which point the protagonist is before something real and whether they understand the weight of their role. However, in the end, the developers managed to make it so that the player wishes to reach the end for the sake of the calicorns.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I don’t even have anything negative to say about the game, as I loved every minute of it and will happily replay it for the remaining trophies I missed for being a clumsy guide for my calicorns in certain areas. It’s just the perfect kind of indie game that I needed right now and I’m glad that Okomotive has continued to see enough success to keep making games in these terrible times.