I played through Herdling this weekend and exuberantly recommend it. It’s a short, beautiful journey with a growing group of rescued furry beasts, and it’s long enough to make you feel connected to each and every one of them without wearing out its welcome. The mechanics are just right, and it’s punctuated with exhilarating moments and peaceful campfire rests.

At campfires, some of the Calicorns wait away from the fire, providing gentle signals that they need something from the player — one would wait near firewood to make sure I found it, another always wanted a few rounds of fetch with a toy it found, and others need cleaning, a pet, or a bite of fruit before they’re ready for bed. I got invested in making sure they were all taken care of.

The game is mostly about pathfinding, with increasing danger from the environment as you progress. The intensity is really satisfying, with risks and reveals that contribute to the sense of being part of something grand and mysterious. It’s a lovingly crafted adventure.