Upon starting Okomotive`s new game, Herdling, players might assume its enchanting landscapes are purely imaginative. However, these fantastical vistas are, in fact, inspired by real-world hiking experiences undertaken by the development team during the game`s creation.
Don Schmocker, Herdling`s creative director, revealed that the team embarked on several hikes in the Swiss mountains both before and during the game`s development. These expeditions, which included trips to the scenic Suretta Lakes near the Swiss-Italian border and ascents of famous peaks like Mount Rigi, served as a constant source of inspiration, offering a refreshing break from their digital work.
The game, Herdling, an enchanting adventure where players guide unique mythical creatures through mystical mountainous terrain, directly draws its scenic inspiration from these real-world hikes, particularly those around the Suretta Lakes and Mount Rigi. The developers aimed to encapsulate the essence of discovery and exploration within the herding mechanic, ensuring it felt organic and immersive rather than artificial.
Schmocker explained that the concept of guiding peculiar animals through mountainous regions initially captivated the team. Their primary challenge, however, was refining the core herding gameplay. Extensive prototyping explored various methods, with some proving too rigid and mechanical, while others lacked intuitiveness. A key objective was also to imbue the in-game creatures with natural, animal-like behaviors that complemented player actions without disrupting them.
Ultimately, Okomotive successfully crafted a fluid and intuitive gameplay experience. To achieve seamless movement, the team drew insights from titles such as The Pathless, Journey, and surprisingly, even racing games like SSX, ensuring that the herding mechanic avoided the pitfalls of feeling like a tedious escort quest or a frustrating puzzle.
Herdling`s visual design is a harmonious blend of fantasy and real-world inspirations. The distinctive Calicorn creatures, for instance, are influenced by traditional Bulgarian Kukeri costumes. Furthermore, the magical ambiance of the game world was shaped by the aesthetic and thematic elements found in films such as Pan`s Labyrinth, Spirited Away, and The Last Guardian.
Schmocker noted that while their previous “FAR” series utilized environmental storytelling to convey grand narratives about the world and historical events, Herdling opts for a more intimate and personal story, focusing on the journey of its protagonist, Via, and her herd.
Herdling offers a playtime of approximately three to five hours, making it completable over a few afternoons, though players might spend additional time exploring its diverse, mountain-inspired environments. Mark Delaney, in his review, found the game`s journey particularly impactful, describing it as a narrative about discovering one`s purpose.
He praised the game for its portrayal of animals as distinct individuals seeking affection and security, much like humans. Delaney concluded, “It was one of my favorite experiences in video games to help them find that safety and to feel that love.”