A mountain trek with beasts as companions is a striking departure even for Okomotive, and Herdling makes that unusual premise the core of its identity. Published by Panic, the PlayStation 5 version blends elements of travelogue, puzzle adventure, and survival-lite mechanics into something meditative yet occasionally tense. Like the studio’s FAR titles, it’s wordless and atmospheric, but the twist of guiding and protecting a herd of “Calicorns” introduces fresh dynamics – for better and for worse.
From the start, Herdling leans heavily on its emotional framing. There’s no dialogue or overt lore; the bonds with the Calicorns are built through small actions like keeping them together, nudging them past danger, or simply pausing to watch them graze as wind rustles through the alpine passes. It’s easy to grow attached, which makes it all the more effective when threats intrude, whether in the form of collapsing terrain or shadowy predators. Yet, as affecting as this minimalism is, some players may find the absence of narrative scaffolding leaves the world feeling vague rather than enigmatic.
Mechanically, Herdling alternates between gentle environmental puzzles and more dynamic stampede sequences. Guiding the herd through tight corridors or across icy plains requires attentiveness; stragglers can quickly become liabilities. The puzzles are rarely complex, often hinging on observation and timing, but their simplicity suits the flow of travel. The stampedes, by contrast, inject bursts of speed and spectacle, though they occasionally veer into trial-and-error frustration.
On PS5, the controls map cleanly to the DualSense, with responsive inputs for managing the herd’s formation and issuing commands. Haptic feedback adds subtle reinforcement, like a vibration when the herd brushes against an obstacle or surges forward. Still, when the action gets busier – especially in stampede moments – the camera can struggle to keep up, leading to a bit of disorientation and the occasional unfair stumble.
Okomotive’s touch is unmistakable in Herdling’s visual presentation. Vast panoramas of snow, fog, and stone are rendered with painterly precision, and transitions between biomes give the sense of a true expedition. The lighting shifts and weather effects deepen the mood, making each pause with the herd feel contemplative. The soundscape works in tandem: sparse music, natural ambience, and the soft calls of the Calicorns together create a sense of intimacy amid scale. The trade-off is that repetition in both sights and sounds can set in during longer stretches of travel.
Herdling is at its best when you’re in sync with your herd, finding a rhythm between protection and progress while marveling at the scenery. It’s less effective when its simplicity tips into monotony or when its cinematic ambitions outpace its mechanics. Still, as a meditative adventure with flashes of urgency, it offers a distinctive experience on PS5 – one that may not satisfy those looking for depth or difficulty, but will resonate with players open to a quieter, more unusual trek.
Score: 7.8/10
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