I tend to gravitate toward sad stories in all forms of media. Shows like The Leftovers and Six Feet Under, books like Station Eleven, and songs like Circa Survive’s Spirit of the Stairwell resonate with me. Games like Rime, Spiritfarer, and Before Your Eyes also capture this emotional depth that I connect with. This is why I am eagerly anticipating Herdling.
Herdling, the upcoming game from Swiss studio Okomotive, follows in the footsteps of their previous indie hits, Far: Lone Sails and Far: Changing Tides. Like its predecessors, Herdling appears to tell a poignant story without spoken words, immersing players in a world of muted colors and enigmatic landscapes. The game challenges players to unravel its narrative as they guide a group of mammoth-like creatures back to their natural habitat.
The central mechanic of Herdling involves leading these displaced animals through various environments that pose both physical and emotional obstacles. As players progress, the story unfolds gradually, drawing them deeper into the mystery of the creatures’ plight. The game, much like the acclaimed Journey, promises to deliver a narrative that resonates long after the final moments.
The demo I played showcased intuitive controls that allowed me to guide the calicorns, as the creatures are called, through diverse terrains and challenges. Despite the lack of explicit instructions, the game’s level design subtly guided me forward, ensuring a clear sense of direction without sacrificing the thrill of exploration.
What sets Herdling apart is its emotional depth, particularly in its portrayal of the calicorns. Each creature is imbued with a distinct personality, from the somber elder to the playful younglings. The game’s designer, Fabio Baumgartner, emphasized the intention to evoke a mix of emotions in players, mirroring the varied personalities of the calicorns themselves.
As I guided the herd through perilous landscapes, I felt a profound sense of responsibility for their well-being. The game’s mechanics underscored this emotional journey, challenging me to protect the calicorns from harm while nurturing their trust in me as their guardian.
Herdling serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between protection and vulnerability, echoing the complexities of parenthood and societal responsibility. The game’s narrative mirrors real-world dilemmas, inviting players to contemplate the consequences of their actions and the bonds they forge with those in their care.
Ultimately, Herdling offers a unique blend of gameplay and emotional storytelling, promising a poignant and unforgettable experience for players. The game is set to release this summer on PC, Xbox, and PS5, inviting players to embark on a journey of compassion, resilience, and self-discovery.
