HERDLING Review for PlayStation 5

Herdling Review for PlayStation 5

I was really hyped to get a key for “Herdling.” I already knew Okomotive had a reputation for delivering atmospheric, emotionally resonant journeys thanks to their FAR series. Those games proved they could capture quiet moments of perseverance in bleak worlds, and with this new project, they’ve once again leaned into that same creative DNA. Only this time, instead of piloting strange machines through crumbling landscapes, I found myself guiding a group of living companions, creatures called Calicorns, through alpine mountains and forgotten valleys. What unfolded was a wordless tale that spoke volumes about companionship, hardship, and the strange bonds that carry us through when everything else has fallen apart.

The game places you in the role of a young shepherd, though the word “role” feels almost too formal for what Okomotive is doing here. You’re not managing stats, assigning orders, or weighing dialogue options, you’re simply present with your herd, nudging them forward through the snow, across precarious ridges, and into shadowy forests. The lack of dialogue means every interaction between you and your Calicorns is conveyed through animation, subtle gestures, and shared motion. That design choice gives Herdling its strongest emotional punch. I quickly found myself caring about each one of these strange but lovable animals, not because the game told me to, but because it trusted me to invest in them naturally as I kept them safe. What makes the journey engaging is how seamlessly the emotional storytelling is tied to the gameplay. Most of the challenges you face aren’t designed to stump you with complexity. Instead, they’re light puzzles and environmental obstacles that keep you focused on the herd’s safety. Sometimes you’ll need to clear a path or guide the Calicorns away from danger. Other times, you’re navigating tight mountain passes or rushing down a hillside in exhilarating stampede sequences. These moments strike a good balance between calm exploration and bursts of energy, reinforcing the themes of survival and togetherness.

Even though Herdling never delivers any jaw-dropping set piece or sudden plot twist, which would have been nice, ultimately it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in its restraint. By keeping mechanics simple and the story wordless, Okomotive highlights the emotional texture of the experience. The bond between the shepherd and the herd becomes the game’s central mechanic, and while it never escalates into anything groundbreaking, it remains consistent and heartfelt throughout. The sense of companionship I felt during the long treks up icy cliffs or across quiet valleys carried me more than any clever puzzle could. Visually, the game is often stunning. The mountain landscapes are painted with a soft, minimalistic style that makes each environment feel like a moving illustration. As I guided my herd through fog-wreathed forests, snowy plateaus, and desolate valleys, I was struck by how much personality Okomotive squeezed out of its restrained aesthetic. The lack of clutter lets every detail breathe, a patch of snow disturbed by the herd’s hooves or a distant peak glowing in the sunset, and that minimalism mirrors the simplicity of the gameplay. Herdling is less about conquering the environment and more about absorbing it.

Despite its emotional resonance, I did feel the experience was limited in scope. While it’s captivating to guide your herd through the world, the game never builds toward something that feels like a true high point. Likewise, it avoids sinking into anything that could be called dull, leaving the whole journey in a curious middle ground. It’s steady, consistent, and quietly effective, but it never risks breaking free of its own understated design. Depending on your perspective, that could either be a strength or a weakness. Personally, I found myself wishing for at least one moment that surprised me mechanically or emotionally. That being said, I admired the themes “Herdling” tackled beneath its gentle surface. The game doesn’t shy away from framing its story around hardship, loss, and survival, but it does so with a focus on community and trust. Playing through it felt like a meditation on what it means to find family when everything else has been stripped away. The Calicorns may be fictional creatures, but their bond with the shepherd taps into something deeply human. It reminded me of the way animals and people rely on each other in real life, not just for survival, but for comfort and connection.

By the time I reached the end of the journey, I realized “Herdling” wasn’t aiming to wow me with spectacle or challenge. Instead, it wanted me to reflect, to pay attention, and to feel. Its quiet, wordless design leaves space for that kind of reflection, and while it may not linger in my mind as one of the most memorable adventures I’ve played, it does leave behind a warmth that’s hard to shake. In the end, “Herdling” is a small but thoughtful adventure, one that thrives on atmosphere and emotion rather than complexity. It’s not flawless, and those looking for big payoffs or mechanical depth may find themselves underwhelmed, but as a compact, heartfelt experience, it succeeds in what it sets out to do. Okomotive has once again proven they know how to craft journeys that are as much about the player’s inner response as they are about what happens on-screen.

8/10

For more information, visit HERE

Related: Nick Navarro Reviews

Nick Navarro

+ posts

Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87

Tags: Herdling Okomotive Panic