Herdling is a wordless game, but it's full of soul. The story unfolds through gameplay, brief cutscenes, and the little details in the surrounding world. Your task is to lead your herd of fluffy friends through a forest, foothills, and mountains - beautiful but filled with hidden dangers. If you love animals, caring for them brings warmth and heart to the game, making you genuinely worry about each one in risky situations. You monitor their condition and truly protect them, creating a strong bond between you. And by the way, you can give each of them a name - since they're all different, each with a unique personality and appearance. This encourages you to play more carefully and attentively, because what's at stake isn't just the journey, but the fate of those you care about.
This is one of those games that grabs you from the very first moment. Stunning graphics, a wonderful soundtrack, a fairytale-like story, and enjoyable gameplay (even if quite simple) all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. During the playthrough, we often paused just to admire the landscapes around us. Herdling is full of moments that you want to remember - quiet, warm, and genuinely beautiful.
That said, it's not without its flaws. They don't ruin the overall impression but are worth mentioning. Occasionally, there were FPS drops - which is surprising for such a simple and cozy-looking game. The controls, while intuitive, sometimes let you down: the herd doesn't always respond immediately and can behave differently than expected. It's not critical, but it did cause some mild frustration a couple of times.
The game is wonderful both in length and in its aesthetic. Over the course of four and a half hours, you never get bored or tired. Everything is crafted with care and attention to detail so that every moment brings maximum enjoyment.
If you've already tried being a courier in Death Stranding, why not try being a shepherd in this unusual and beautiful world? 8/10.
