Herdy Gerdy

"Don't let some minor flaws prevent you from playing this game!"

I have the sinking feeling this game is going to go the way of ICO, praised by pros, coveted by the hardcore and ignored by the general gamer. Is originality really that hard to tryout? Or would you rather play the sequel upon sequel of the same game with newer graphics yet same basic plot and story line? The president of Nintendo said that American gamers prefer games that are the same thing over and over only in prettier packages each time. He said we would rather play a sequel than try some thing new and original or unique. I'm starting to agree with this line of reasoning. Ok, enough preachin' onto the review.

Take the basic idea behind games like Lemmings and Pikmin and mix it with an action/adventure platformer and you get the general idea behind Herdy Gerdy. Yet there is so much more to this game than that and that's what sets this one apart from the rest. The art style and overall look puts you right into an animated cartoon epic journey. You are young Herdy, son of a great Shepherd, and due to his great ability to Herd your father has been cast under a spell to prevent him from entering into a great Shepherd's tournament in which the prize is the very life force of the land. You know must take up your father's trade and follow in his footsteps in order to save him. A cast of colorful and unique characters guide you on your way.

Graphics 9/10
Far and away from the best graphics ever but the huge sprawling and very heavily detailed levels (which does lead to a loading issue that many people have been having, more on this further down) and a very ''Disney'' look that is accomplished better than any game that uses cel-shading. Though the game feels more like an old Don Bluth animation. If you take some time to stop on look you'll see pain-staking detail attention to the look of everything.

Control 8/10
First part character control 10/10
Herdy moves and reacts to the environments almost flawlessly.
Second Camera...7/10
Even with several ways to control the camera the detailed levels do step in and get in your way from time to time (not quite as bad as a lot of these guys have been making it out to be).

Sound 8/10
Cool music that fits the game very well, the song that kicks in when the Gromps chase you is the best. Decent sound effects that work well and don't distract too much. The voice-overs are fairly decent and better than most games out there. Herdy seems to be a bit monotone but secondary characters for the most part are well played.

Gameplay 10/10
Herding these strange creatures is a blast and adds the adventure/exploration part in and you've got an extremely entertaining and rewarding game despite some minor flaws. Not too short either just tad over 20 hours depending on whether or not you run right through or explore for the secrets. The level design and detail adds so much to the gameplay as well, fantastic landscapes.

Overall 9/10
Unsure? Rent or apparently buy it at EB, they let you keep it for several days and if you don't like it you can return it, sure you pay $5 more than any where else but none of the other stores will let you take it back. Either way if you play this game give it time, it does take a bit to get going into game but well worth the effort. As for those load times...they initial load is a bit long and each level has to load (not that long) but as you begin to see the size, scope and detail of the levels. Not to mention character and animation, you end seeing why and after a bit you won't notice it that much. Think of it as a perfect opportunity to get another soda.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/10/02, Updated 03/10/02