There are unexpected things in life, like when one of the recipes in my Gousto box (basically Hello Fresh) was missing a key ingredient: a single red pepper. It’s devastating, especially since it’s only happened to me once. Regardless, it’s a long but significant transition to a game from Far: Changing Tides and Lone Sails developers Okomotive, which was just announced at this year’s Geoffcom. It’s called Herdling and has nothing to do with sailing through a decaying universe, and a lot to do with alpine expeditions and friendly beasts. Very unexpected.
As the name suggests, Herdling is a single-player game in which you must “guide, protect, and fall in love with a motley herd of Calicorns.” Calicorns are large, bison-like creatures. The journey will involve guiding your furry companions through mountains, “fog-shrouded forests,” valleys, and snowy plateaus, all while honing your herding skills.
While it’s unclear what exactly will test your ability to herd the animals, the game does feature “threats” and “mild environmental puzzles.” By mild puzzles, I’m guessing there’ll be a gaping hole and you’ll have to tell your Calicorns to push a wooden plank to fill the gap. I could also imagine a section where you’ll have to guide them through dangerous darkness to areas of light, where the areas of light are safe spaces. That’s how video games work: I’d bet a box of Gousto containing five meals that these things are true.
Elsewhere, we know there will be “scramble sequences,” which can only mean a gust of wind and some soaring ropes to accompany the scramble. I expect Herdling to be an emotional success, perhaps a bit like The Last Guardian, but where you develop an affinity with a whole family of fur babies.
Herdling is set to release in 2025 and you can find the game on its Steam page.
For more of the latest news and previews from Gamescom 2024, head over to our Gamescom 2024 hub.