"Visually stunning, cute and cozy" - Herdling gets 95% positive rating within days of launch with universal acclaim
Okomotive is no stranger to making games that tug at your heartstrings. The developer's third title, Herdling, which debuted on Steam less than a week ago, is unsurprisingly no different. Set in a world with visually stunning graphics, the game features a soulful soundtrack and a storyline that will evoke plenty of emotions without having to utter a single word.
The game currently boasts a 95% positive rating on Steam from over 170 reviews, which reveals how much players are loving the title. Reviewers also have lots to say about this endearing game, with GameSpot's Mark Delaney granting the title an impressive 9 out of 10 points in his touching review.
Herdling puts players in the shoes of Via, the protagonist. Via comes across a beastly creature, which the game calls a calicorn. A calicorn is almost unlike any other animal, although it does bear a striking resemblance to what I would consider a pre-historic buffalo, such as an Auroch. With thick layers of fur and beautifully twisted horns, the calicorn is seemingly lost in the city, and must be guided back to its home by the child protagonist, named Via.
A journey of belonging and discovery
The player can form a lasting bond with the calicorn, through a dose of petting. Once tamed, the calicorn can then be herded like most other domestic animals. On their journey, the little protagonist will come across several more calicorns, each boasting unique external features. The herd must then be guided through a variety of landscapes, including forests, valleys, and mountains, all the while protecting them from dangers and adversities. Some of the calicorns might even perish if not looked after, which certainly adds to the game's emotional depth.
Folks who enjoy slow-paced, yet challenging titles with tons of emotional depth will undoubtedly be extremely pleased with this gem of a game. The philosophical aspect of feeling out of place and embarking on a journey to discover your home is also very prevalent in Herdling. The game runs decently enough on the Steam Deck (curr. $665 on Amazon), and boasts very modest system requirements, making it quite accessible for gamers with older hardware. The game is available with a 20% launch discount till the 28th of this month, so those interested are advised to act quickly.
