Sunrise Parabellum Herdling Review

Herdling is a pretty straightforward and linear adventure you can finish in about three hours, but it makes those hours count. The atmosphere is chill and relaxing, with a soundtrack that’s honestly the star of the whole game. Sometimes soft and cosy, sometimes bursting with energy during the stampede sequences, which are easily the most exciting parts.. the music sets the mood perfectly ! The game also shines in how it presents its world, especially with the wide camera angles give a sense of scale. I don't know if it is just me but the animals l encountered felt alive, some with their own little personality trait. This got me attached to them and I wanted to keep them safe, which made the journey surprisingly charming and even a bit emotional at times. Most importantly, it doesn’t overstay its welcome : to me, three hours felt just right. Now on the downside, the technical side could have used more work. There are very few options in the settings, the performance isn’t great (lots of stutters), and I’m not sure what to make of the art style.. I mean it’s stylized yeah, but also a bit generic. And finally, the price feels higher than it should be considering the short length of the game. All in all, I can confidently say that I enjoyed my time with Herdling, it surprised me even. It’s a cosy little escape with a fantastic soundtrack and some memorable moments. If you’re in the mood for a short adventure with great music and atmosphere, it’s worth checking out. I’m now looking forward to trying the studio’s previous games (the FAR series), which I’ve heard are even better.