Verdict:

Skip it

Overview

A game about herding fictional yak-like beings. If that sounds stupid to you, it’s because it is.

We’re generally sympathetic to games that don’t rely on violence as a core mechanic, but the “mundane jobs as gaming entertainment” genre has seen better entries.

Herdling is intended to be pretty and calming, perfect for the lo-fi homework girl. In practice, you’re constantly micro-managing little movements, which goes against the whole idea of a good vibes spaceout.

Time Investment / Mental Investment

Herdling is divided into chapters which provide some easy gates for chunking out your gameplay.

Can be enjoyed on absolutely any substance you can think of, or combinations thereof.

You can play this game high as a kite, swiping on Hinge, talking to your significant other, cooking dinner, etc. For some, maybe that’s a bonus. For others, a sign of the thin gameplay.

Fulfillment

The light-puzzling and chapter endings aren’t particularly fulfilling. Typically lacks the job-well-done feeling of heftier lifts.