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MONSTER

Herdling

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Herdling
Item: Herdling
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Casual, Single Player

AvailableAug 21, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperOkomotive

Overview

Guide a herd of mysterious creatures on a stirring and beautiful journey into the mountains… and beyond.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Herdling captivates with its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth, praised for its charming narrative and themes of connection and rebirth. Critics highlight the bond with the Calicorns and the protagonist's journey as heartwarming. However, some reviews flag the story's minimal depth, pacing issues, and vagueness that could leave players unengaged. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that may resonate with fans of emotional journeys while potentially disappointing those craving a more substantial narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Herdling highlight several positive aspects that resonate with players. Many reviewers praise the game's emotional depth and the unique storytelling approach that relies on atmosphere and environmental design rather than dialogue. Gamereactor UK notes the "charming storyline" and the emotional connection players can forge with the Calicorns, while TechRadar Gaming emphasizes the themes of "homeship, nature, found family, death, and rebirth," which allow players to engage with the narrative on a personal level. Critics like Finger Guns and Final Weapon also highlight the heartwarming nature of the story, focusing on the protagonist's journey and the bond with the herd, reinforcing the idea that Herdling successfully evokes a sense of companionship and connection. However, not all reviews are as favorable, particularly regarding the depth and engagement of the story. NintendoWorldReport points out that the narrative is "minimal and lacks depth," which can leave players feeling unmotivated in their actions. Similarly, GameBlast criticizes the vagueness of the narrative, stating it lacks sufficient elements to engage players fully. Eurogamer Germany echoes this sentiment, suggesting that while the journey is visually appealing, it does not hold the same impact as other titles in the genre. Critics like CGMagazine and GameSpot also mention pacing issues and unanswered questions about the protagonist and the world, indicating that the storytelling may not resonate with all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Herdling presents a unique and emotionally charged narrative experience, albeit with some notable shortcomings. While many reviewers appreciate the game’s ability to evoke feelings of connection and companionship without traditional dialogue, others express concerns about its lack of depth and engagement. The game appears to be a mixed bag, appealing to players who enjoy atmospheric storytelling and emotional journeys, while potentially leaving those seeking a more robust narrative experience wanting more. The balance of praise and critique suggests that Herdling is a title that may resonate differently depending on individual player expectations and preferences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Herdling charms with simple, intuitive herding mechanics that foster emotional connections, but critics highlight its repetitive gameplay, clunky controls, and lack of depth. While the experience is engaging at first, it ultimately falls short due to limited challenges and shallow mechanics, leading to mixed reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Herdling has garnered a mix of appreciation for its simplicity and engaging mechanics. Several critics, such as Finger Guns and Final Weapon, highlight the intuitive controls that allow players to guide their herd of Calicorns effectively. The straightforward herding mechanics are noted for their emotional impact, with Final Weapon emphasizing the rewarding experience of nurturing and connecting with the creatures. Critics like GameSpot and GamingBolt also mention the engaging nature of the gameplay, particularly when it comes to navigating light puzzles and managing the herd's movements, which can create interesting challenges despite the simplicity of the controls. On the flip side, a significant number of reviewers point out the shortcomings in Herdling's gameplay. Critics from Gamereactor UK and Nintendo Life express concerns over the lack of depth in the mechanics, suggesting that while the game offers straightforward puzzles, they can become repetitive and unchallenging as players progress. Additionally, issues with clunky controls and awkward camera angles are noted by NintendoWorldReport and TechRadar Gaming, which detracts from the overall fluidity of the experience. Critics like GameBlast and Eurogamer Germany describe the gameplay as shallow and limited, suggesting that it lacks the engaging tasks and puzzles that could elevate the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Herdling presents a charming yet simplistic gameplay experience. While many appreciate the emotional connection fostered through herding mechanics and the calming nature of the game, there is a clear sentiment that the gameplay lacks depth and variety. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and WellPlayed recognize that despite the engaging moments, the execution can feel clumsy and the challenges limited, leading to a mixed reception. Ultimately, Herdling appears to be a game that excels in its concept but struggles to maintain engagement over time due to its simplistic mechanics and lack of variety.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Herdling impresses with its stunning visuals and vibrant art style, earning praise for its gorgeous environments and captivating dreamlike atmosphere. Critics highlight the game’s emotional resonance and charming aesthetics. However, technical issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch, mar the experience with muddy textures and low-poly distant landscapes. Despite these shortcomings, Herdling still manages to deliver a visually compelling journey that enchants players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Herdling is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's aesthetic appeal. Reviewers from various outlets, including Gamereactor UK and TechRadar Gaming, highlight the game's beautiful environments and art style, describing them as "gorgeous" and "stunning." Critics like CGMagazine and GamingBolt appreciate the combination of cel-shading and semi-realistic details, which contribute to a dreamlike atmosphere and vibrant colors that bring the game's characters, particularly the Calicorns, to life. The visuals are noted for enhancing the exploration experience, with Finger Guns mentioning the charming atmosphere and detailed environments reminiscent of beloved animal-centered games. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings that detract from the overall visual experience. Nintendo Life specifically mentions performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, including muddy textures and frame rate drops, which can disrupt immersion. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport notes that while the graphics are generally good, distant landscapes appear low-poly, suggesting a lack of detail that could elevate the visual fidelity. Eurogamer Germany also expresses concern over the lack of depth in visual perspective, which diminishes some of the game's magic. Critics like GameBlast further mention that while the environments are varied, the models and animations appear dated up close, indicating that technical execution may not fully match the artistic vision. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Herdling features a visually captivating and artistically rich world, with many praising its painterly art style and vibrant environments. While the overall aesthetic is celebrated for its emotional impact and charm, technical limitations, particularly on certain platforms like the Nintendo Switch, and issues with detail in distant landscapes are recurring criticisms. Critics like WellPlayed and Final Weapon emphasize the game's picturesque landscapes and emotional depth, suggesting that despite its flaws, Herdling succeeds in creating a compelling visual experience that resonates with players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Herdling is celebrated for its stunning sound design and music, which enhance emotional depth and gameplay dynamics, praised by critics for its orchestral beauty. However, some note a lack of variety and minimal audio engagement, leading to a sparse sound landscape that might detract from immersion. Overall, the soundtrack remains a standout feature, significantly contributing to the game's narrative and emotional impact despite some critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Herdling have garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, highlighting its emotional resonance and atmospheric quality. Reviewers such as Nintendo Life and TechRadar Gaming commend the soundtrack for its beautiful melodies and rich orchestral elements, which effectively enhance the emotional tone and complement the visuals. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and GameSpot emphasize how the music dynamically matches the gameplay pace, elevating key moments and reinforcing the game's themes of freedom and companionship. The use of tribal instruments and orchestral arrangements, as noted by Finger Guns and Gaming Nexus, adds a unique depth to the auditory experience, making it a standout feature of the game. However, not all opinions are uniformly positive. Gamereactor UK points out the minimal audio relevance in Herdling, noting a lack of dialogue and significant sound design, which could leave some players wanting more in terms of auditory engagement. CGMagazine echoes this sentiment, describing the soundtrack as good but lacking in variety, with moments of silence that may detract from the overall experience. This critique of minimalism in sound design suggests that while the music is praised, the overall audio landscape might feel sparse to some players, potentially impacting immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is largely favorable, with many praising the soundtrack and sound design as essential components that enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of Herdling. While some reviewers highlight areas for improvement, such as the need for more variety or audio elements, the prevailing sentiment is that the game's music and sound design significantly contribute to its storytelling and emotional impact. Critics like XboxEra and WellPlayed reinforce this view, describing the music as gorgeous and fitting, ultimately solidifying Herdling's auditory experience as a highlight of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Herdling" shows potential, particularly on PC with seamless controls and solid visuals on Xbox Series X. However, serious technical issues plague the Nintendo Switch and PS5, including game-breaking bugs and framerate drops. Critics agree that while some aspects are commendable, widespread performance problems may hinder overall enjoyment, leaving players wary of fully embracing the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of "Herdling" across various gaming platforms, it is evident that there are some notable positives, particularly on PC. Critics like CGMagazine highlight that the game performs well technically, offering seamless controls, which enhances the gameplay experience. Additionally, GameSpot mentions that while there are minor technical hiccups, they do not significantly detract from overall enjoyment. On the Xbox Series X, XboxEra describes the game as beautiful, suggesting that its visual aesthetics are a strong point, even if the technical performance is not groundbreaking. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch version has some reviewers, like NintendoWorldReport, noting that performance is generally stable on the Switch 2, indicating that there are playable aspects even amidst some issues. However, the negatives across platforms are quite pronounced. On the Nintendo Switch, Gamereactor UK and Nintendo Life point out serious technical issues, including game-breaking bugs and camera problems that significantly hinder the experience. TechRadar Gaming also notes performance issues during specific gameplay modes, further emphasizing the struggles on this platform. On PC, while some critics find the performance acceptable, Eurogamer Germany raises concerns about stability on the Steam Deck, and GamingBolt mentions frame rate drops that can affect gameplay. The PS5 version is similarly criticized, with Gaming Nexus and WellPlayed both highlighting persistent framerate issues and distracting performance problems, indicating a need for optimization. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed bag of technical performance across all platforms. While there are some commendable aspects, especially on PC, the Nintendo Switch and PS5 versions face significant criticism for their performance issues. Critics like Metro GameCentral acknowledge that despite some irritating control issues on the PS5, the game maintains a stable experience overall. However, the recurring theme of technical shortcomings across platforms raises concerns about the game's polish and optimization. As a result, while "Herdling" has the potential to be an enjoyable experience, the technical performance issues may deter some players from fully embracing it.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Herdling charms players with emotional connections to calicorns, boosting its replay value, according to some critics. Unique experiences and collectibles add appeal, but many highlight its linear gameplay and short four-hour length as drawbacks, limiting incentives for repeat play. Overall, while it offers a touching experience, the game's simplicity may keep players from returning often.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Herdling exhibit a mix of positive sentiments, particularly emphasizing the game's charm and emotional engagement. Critics like GameSpot and XboxEra highlight that the emotional connection players develop with the calicorns can motivate them to revisit the game, suggesting that the experience transcends mere gameplay mechanics. Finger Guns offers a more optimistic perspective by noting the unique experiences generated through the randomization of Calicorns and the player's ability to craft their own narratives, which enhances replay value. Additionally, TechRadar Gaming mentions that the presence of collectibles and discoverable content contributes to a decent replayability factor, despite the game's short playtime. On the flip side, several critics express concerns about the game's limited replay value due to its straightforward and linear gameplay. Gamereactor UK and Eurogamer Germany point out that the game's simplicity and short length may deter players from returning after their initial playthrough. GameBlast and GamingBolt echo this sentiment, emphasizing that the shallow mechanics and linear campaign structure result in a lack of depth that could limit the game's appeal for extended play. WellPlayed also notes the game's brevity, clocking in at around four hours, which may not entice players to replay it frequently. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Herdling offers a charming and emotionally resonant experience, its replay value is generally perceived as limited. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Gamereactor UK acknowledge that the game's straightforward nature and short duration may not provide enough incentive for players to return. However, the emotional connections and unique experiences mentioned by some reviewers, such as Finger Guns and XboxEra, suggest that there is a potential for players to revisit the game for the sake of reliving those moments, albeit not as frequently as one might hope for a title with more substantial gameplay depth.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "Herdling" is mixed, with several critics praising its charm, artistic potential, and emotional resonance. Many reviewers, such as Finger Guns and GameSpot, highlight the game's beautiful visuals, touching narrative, and the heartfelt bond it portrays between humans and animals. Critics like Nintendo Life and TechRadar Gaming also appreciate the cozy atmosphere and stunning music, suggesting that the game has a unique appeal that may resonate with players seeking a more serene gaming experience. The game's artistic merits are frequently acknowledged, with CGMagazine noting its showcase of the artistic potential of video games, and Eurogamer Germany describing it as a charming journey. However, the game is not without its flaws, which significantly detract from the overall experience. Many critics, particularly those who played on the Nintendo Switch, such as Gamereactor UK and Nintendo Life, report technical issues, including janky controls and performance problems. These concerns are echoed by other reviewers like GameBlast and Gaming Nexus, who point out shallow gameplay and weak narrative elements that prevent the game from achieving greatness. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and Metro GameCentral also mention the lack of emotional depth and engaging gameplay compared to genre greats, indicating that while the game has potential, it falls short in several key areas. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "Herdling" is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that offers a cozy and heartfelt adventure. However, it is marred by technical issues and gameplay shortcomings that hinder its overall impact. While some reviewers, like WellPlayed, find it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a unique narrative, others, such as Gamereactor UK and NintendoWorldReport, caution potential players about its limitations. Ultimately, "Herdling" appears to be a game that could appeal to a niche audience, particularly those who prioritize atmosphere and artistic expression over gameplay complexity and depth.

TL;DR

"Herdling" charms with stunning visuals and a touching narrative about the bond between humans and animals, appealing to players seeking a serene experience. However, technical issues and shallow gameplay detract from its potential, leaving critics divided. While some find its artistic merits worthwhile, others warn of its limitations, making it a niche title for those who value atmosphere over gameplay depth.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

GameSpot

Aug 21, 2025