Game: Herdling
Genre: Adventure
System: Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 (also on PlayStation, Xbox and Steam (Windows))
Developer | Publisher: Okomotive | Panic
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Teen
Price: US $24.99 | UK £19.99 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: August 21st, 2025
Review code provided, with many thanks to popagenda PR.
Herdling – A Shepherd’s Journey Through the Heart
Every now and then a game comes along that doesn’t just entertain you but nudges something deep inside. For me, that game is Herdling. When I saw the trailer during Nintendo’s Indie showcase, I knew it would resonate. What I didn’t expect was how personally it would hit me, more on that later. For now, let me just say this: Herdling is a rare kind of video game, one that feels less about “winning” and more about feeling.
A Quiet, Emotional Adventure
At its core, Herdling is what people like to call a “walking experience” game. The emphasis isn’t on twitch reactions or complex systems but on slowly guiding a herd of lovable, goat-like creatures through vast landscapes. These creatures, called Calicorns, feel like they’ve wandered out of some lost piece of folklore. Original, kinda ugly but lovable.
The game begins quietly: you wake in an empty city, the streets hauntingly still. Soon, you stumble upon your first Calicorn, a lonely and frustrated soul, much like your own. After removing a bucket on its head and a pat and a stroke, the two of you set off together.
Before long, you meet more of these creatures, each requiring a small act of kindness to join your herd. Maybe you’ll rescue one from danger, maybe you’ll introduce it to another companion, or maybe you’ll simply offer food. Once tamed, you even get to name them, which only deepens your emotional bond. And let me tell you, naming them will tug at your heartstrings. You can have the game pick a random name if you prefer.
Guiding the Herd
Mechanically, Herdling drip-feeds new ways to interact with your animals. Using the shoulder buttons, you can gently guide them left or right like a true shepherd. You can also rally them into a stampede, stop them for food and rest, or even comfort them when they’re injured. Each creature has a mood meter that shifts from calm blue to dangerous red, and keeping everyone safe becomes a rewarding part of the journey.
As your herd grows, you start solving environmental puzzles with their help. Some can push heavy objects, others boost you up ledges. These aren’t brain-melting challenges, but they’re just enough to keep things engaging. Take time to explore the world and you can dress your herd up with little trinkets you find. There are even tense sequences where you’ll need to protect your herd from threats, but I won’t spoil those here, they’re best discovered on your own, including some lovely surprises.
A Journey Through Nature
The environments in Herdling are stunning in their variety. You’ll travel from empty city streets to open plains, from train tracks to woodlands, eventually climbing into snowy mountains. The Switch 2 version can look a little rough at times, with performance dips and jagged details, but step back and the artistry shines.
What really makes these landscapes sing is the little touches. Tall grass slows your herd as they push through it. Water splashes underfoot. Foliage bends as they brush past. The world feels alive, even when you’re not rushing through it.
The sound design deserves just as much praise. Ambient noises like birds, rushing trains, or distant winds fill the air. And when the music swells, gentle, emotional, and carefully timed, it elevates moments into something stunning.
Not for Everyone, but Perfect for Some
Here’s the thing: Herdling isn’t a game for everyone. It’s slow. It’s meditative. You won’t find high scores, loot drops, or hundred hour grinds here. At around five hours, it’s short, and much of it really is just… walking. For some, that will feel like nothing happens. For me, though, it was everything.
And this is where it gets personal. Years ago, I volunteered as a shepherd, caring for rare breeds of sheep. I grew attached to them, their quirks, their lambs, even the sadness when some moved on or passed away. Playing Herdling felt like stepping back into that experience. The connection with the herd, the quiet responsibility of guiding them, the joy of simply being alongside them, it all hit me right in the heart.
Conclusion – A Wonderful Journey
Herdling is not a flawless game. Some may find it slow, others may wish for more gameplay depth. But for those open to its pace, it’s a beautiful, heartfelt journey. It’s a game about trust, companionship, and moving forward together, even when the path is hard.
For me, it’s an easy recommendation. Maybe not for everyone, but absolutely for anyone who wants a game that speaks to the heart rather than the hands.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
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Appreciate how it highlights the unique bond with the Calicorns and the serene, immersive world
I liked it a lot.. ❤️