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...
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....
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.
