A week ago, I was just getting into Okomotive’s new game, Herdling, when a life-altering incident occurred: I accidentally hit a squirrel with my car. The moment shook me to my core as I grappled with the unexpected consequences of my actions. This emotional backdrop meshed strangely but fittingly with the game’s premise of guiding a family of vulnerable animals back to safety.
In Herdling, you take on the role of a nameless child who wakes up under a bridge and stumbles upon a creature known as a calicorn, which resembles a buffalo. The game unravels visually, using environmental storytelling rather than written words, allowing players to intuitively understand the calicorn’s desire to escape the dire urban environment and find its way home. The city, displayed through flipped cars and dreary colors, starkly contrasts with the distant mountain range calling the calicorn back to nature.
As you care for and guide the calicorn, players can nurture a growing herd, recognizing each animal’s unique features and personalities. This deep connection fosters a compelling emotional experience, making it feel personal to each player. You name each calicorn, giving them identities and creating relationships that resonate beyond mere gameplay mechanics. Each new animal enriches the journey, as players witness the diversity among them.
Traversal in the game is a puzzle-platforming experience where you must navigate obstacles like narrow bridges and icy patches while ensuring the safety of your herd. The dynamic controls allow for both careful movement and moments of urgency when the situation calls for a stampede, evoking exhilarating emotions akin to guiding a live herd.
The relationship between the child and the calicorns isn’t just about companionship; it’s about mutual support. The game beautifully emphasizes the theme of friendship between human and animal, culminating in moments of joy as the animals dash through vibrant fields, experiencing freedom as they escape their harsh reality.
Accompanied by a breathtaking soundtrack that shifts with your actions, Herdling creates an evocative atmosphere. The music dynamically aligns with your pace, enhancing emotional moments—especially during the exhilarating runs across open spaces where the herd blossoms in color and energy, embodying the joy of newfound freedom.
Overall, Herdling is a poignant exploration of purpose and connection, reaffirming that both the protagonist and the animals deserve to escape the confines of an unwelcoming world. It serves as a reminder of the individual lives that share this planet and the shared experiences that create genuine understanding and love. The game leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the beauty of finding solace and safety through companionship—an adventure to remember.
