In Herdling, you assume the role of a child who befriends and herds large, fluffy beings known as Calicorns, resembling a blend of sheep and woolly mammoths. The Calicorns are charming with their adorable snorts and nods, bringing a sense of realism to their character. You can engage in activities like fetch and, indeed, pet the Calicorns. You have the option to name your fluffy companions with names suggested by the game, resulting in my herd having delightful names like “Dilruba” (or “Dil” for short), “Fardar,” and “Toe.”

You guide the herd using a magical stick. By pressing a trigger, a small bright spot appears ahead of you, drawing the herd to follow. The Calicorns adeptly stick together and follow your lead, most of the gameplay involves walking behind them, steering them through picturesque realms such as forests and mountains. By leading the herd to step on rare patches of vibrant flowers, you can activate a stampede, allowing quick traversal over open plains or up steep inclines.

Walking with the herd is generally tranquil. I often found myself admiring the game’s scenery while the Calicorns ambled along to my desired destination. The serene, Breath of the Wild-esque soundtrack complements the calming experience, making Herdling ideal for unwinding after a chaotic day in reality.

However, there are more intense segments, such as avoiding lurking giant birds or keeping your Calicorns from straying onto fragile ice. These instances demand patience to safely navigate the herd through challenges, providing a sense of relief when they come out unharmed. (For those preferring a worry-free experience, there’s a setting to make your Calicorns immortal.)

If this description makes Herdling sound reminiscent of the indie gem Journey but with furry companions, it’s because they share many similarities. This isn’t negative; the diverse landscapes and moods made Journey unforgettable despite its brief duration. Herdling similarly offers standout moments, and by the conclusion of our three-hour journey, I felt a genuine connection with my Calicorn crew. The length felt just right, but I might revisit my saved game in the future to enjoy another pleasant stroll with Dil and the flock—or simply to play fetch again.

^{Herdling is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.}