Herald: An Interactive Period Drama - Book I & II

Herald: An Interactive Period Drama - Book I & II

4.0
Очень положительные
249.00₽
Steam Store

Разработчик: Wispfire

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Описание

Media








About the Game

Herald is a choice-driven adventure game set during an alternate 19th century in which the West is united as a colonial superpower: the Protectorate.
Help tell the story of Devan Rensburg, a man of mixed heritage who became steward on board of the HLV Herald, a merchant ship set for his country of birth.
As Devan it is your job to keep the peace among the crew and passengers by resolving their daily squabbles. Set during a time of widespread inequality and injustice, you are challenged to uncover a great mystery that surrounds the Herald's perilous voyage.

Together, Herald Book I & II have around 4 hours of gameplay. Each Book has its own contained story in a larger narrative. Book III & IV are currently in development and will conclude Devan's adventures.

The last two books will be released as a DLC bundle in 2023.
For the Complete Edition go to:

Key Features


  • A branching narrative that changes depending on how you decide to play. Do you choose to be bold and stand up for the downtrodden, or would pleasing the elite be the safer and smarter choice?
  • Uncover all of the secrets aboard the merchant clipper Herald, as you explore its many nooks and crannies.
  • The Herald is a microcosm of 19th century society. The crew and passengers all have their own dark secrets and often use sly coercion to convince Devan to help them. But who can you trust?
  • Herald's diverse cast of characters is brought to life by beautifully animated portraits, and the performances of thirteen talented voice actors.
  • Herald is set during an alternate 1857 in which the West has been united as a single global superpower: the Protectorate. Governed not by kings but by an elected 'Lord Protector’, the Protectorians believe they are morally superior. But are they?
  • A gripping tale about finding your place in a world divided by race, class and culture.

CONTENT WARNING: Emotional and physical violence, suggestive themes and infrequent use of strong language. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Поддерживаемые языки: english

Системные требования

Windows

Minimum:
  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS *: Windows 7 64 bit
  • Processor: Dual Core Processor @2,4 GHz
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Direct X 9 compliant video card with 1GB of VRAM / Intel Graphics HD 4600 (720p, Low Settings)
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Storage: 3 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Recommended Monitor Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and 16:10
Recommended:
  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS *: Windows 7 64 bit
  • Processor: Intel i5 @2,8 GHz or equivalent
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GTS 450 or equivelant (1080p, High Settings)
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 3 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Recommended Monitor Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and 16:10

Mac

Minimum:
  • OS: Mac OS X 10.8+
  • Processor: Dual Core Processor @2,4 GHz
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Video Card with 1GB VRAM / Intel Graphics 4600 (720p, Low Settings)
  • Storage: 3 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Recommended Monitor Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and 16:10
Recommended:
  • OS: Mac OS X 10.8+
  • Processor: Intel i7 4700MQ @3,4 GHz or equivalent
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GTS 450 or equivelant (1080p, High Settings)
  • Storage: 3 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Recommended Monitor Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and 16:10

Linux

Minimum:
  • OS: Ubuntu 12.04+
  • Processor: Dual Core Processor @2,4 GHz
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Video Card with 1GB VRAM / Intel Graphics 4600 (720p, Low Settings)
  • Storage: 3 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Recommended Monitor Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and 16:10
Recommended:
  • OS: Ubuntu 12.04+
  • Processor: Intel i5 @2,8 GHz or equivalent
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GTS 450 or equivelant (1080p, High Settings)
  • Storage: 3 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Recommended Monitor Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and 16:10

Отзывы пользователей

Рекомендую 03.01.2025 18:35
0 0

8/10

Loved it, but the story is incomplete.

Время в игре: 343 ч. Куплено в Steam
Не рекомендую 24.11.2024 20:04
0 0

Unfinished and obviously never going to be finished (the only "recent" news was from 2 years ago....for a game released 7 years ago).

Время в игре: 763 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 31.12.2023 16:51
0 0

An enjoyable story. Looking forward for its continuation. I only wish that a) I could save the game whenever or b) I was warned when the game saved so I wouldn't have to worry about quitting before a checkpoint. It would also be nice if there was a slightly quicker walk speed. Alas, all minor complaints as overall it was a nice game with lovely art and an interesting plot.

Время в игре: 168 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 11.12.2023 04:48
0 0

I revisited this game as we approach the estimated release window of the next parts. It's just as beautiful and unique as I remember when I first played it. Looking forward to spending more time with these characters. The indie road is long and difficult, and I'm rooting for this team to cross the finish line.

Время в игре: 407 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 22.02.2023 07:10
0 0

Great story and I'm excited to learn more! Initially I was a little worried given the mild opening to the frame story and some tired mechanics (loved Telltale but I think I'm over some of those mechanics) but the story is very very strong and quickly immerses you into the environment. I find the historical fiction worldbuilding interesting in addition to the real world bits about life on a ship--thought I knew about it but apparently not! Story is filled with twists and turns that feel earned and kept me wanting more. Thematically also very interesting and I am wondering how those will be ultimately handled. Can't wait for the next installment!

Время в игре: 147 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 24.01.2023 13:19
0 0

I loved it! The art style is sincerely one of the most beautiful ones I've seen. I also really enjoyed the dialogue and the characters, as well as the themes being worked on. My only complaint is that the books could be longer, but it didn't stop me from really enjoying the game. I hope the last chapters come out soon!

Время в игре: 296 ч. Куплено в Steam
Не рекомендую 24.11.2022 07:01
0 0

The story picked up at the end of episode 2 so this review might go from 'no' to 'yes' in the future but based on these 2 episodes only I just didn't find it engaging. I couldn't truly connect with any of the characters and while the choices were interesting at times I found myself wishing to be playing a different game. I got it on sale for $3 and I'd say it's that worth that but no more.

Время в игре: 214 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 20.06.2022 03:17
0 0

This is a heartfelt and meaningful story. I am back on Steam to look through the possible various achievements and learn more about the content to come. I am enraptured and cannot wait to learn more!

Время в игре: 247 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 06.01.2022 15:09
0 0

I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the IIIrd and IVth books to come out.

This game has a gorgeous aesthetic and wonderful atmosphere. The team have done wonders to make a beautiful game with minimal jank (I did not encounter any bugs or poor performance in my playthrough) and a charming aesthetic despite limitations of scope and team. You don't feel rushed while playing and can easily explore whatever you like to your heart's content. The same applies for the choices as there's no rush or time limit to your decisions.

Far from being difficult, the puzzles/mysteries you solve to progress the plot are straightforward and pleasant, without either holding your hand too much or leaving you in the dark. Disco Elysium this is not, however, and you don't have much freedom to pursue sidequests or explore outside your main objective. But that is not the point of this game. You have a narrative, which the game sticks to faithfully without diluting its main ideas.

The story and characters themselves is where things really shine. Quite a lot is made obvious as the plot goes along, though you are given hints to read between the lines and speculate on your own. There is plenty to enjoy whether you like overanalysing or simply going along with whatever the story asks of you, the revelations are satisfying even if you happen to predict them.

Overall, a delightful game with a calming and nostalgic feel to it, and an engaging story to boot! <3

Время в игре: 275 ч. Куплено в Steam
Не рекомендую 24.09.2021 04:38
23 0

While a fun, thrilling and interactive choices-matter visual matter which has well developed characters and an intriguing plot...the game is incomplete and ends without warning. The game was released in 2017 and has not been updated since 2021 - nor are there any news of upcoming changes. Thus, a tad disappointing for the price for a game that is not fully complete and barely finished within 2 hours.

Время в игре: 153 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 21.08.2021 13:08
1 0

If you're scrolling through here and wondering 'should I play this game?' the answer is YES.

- Strong, compelling story that covers a diverse range of topics
- Diversity and representation
- An array of characters with memorable personalities
- Your choices affect the game, choose wisely!

Время в игре: 258 ч. Куплено в Steam
Не рекомендую 20.06.2021 02:45
16 0

I rarely post reviews because I like to support the idea of people letting people making there own decisions on matters of taste such as video games. I know tastes vary a lot from person to person. Still there a few occasions where I feel compelled to write in attempt to inform other players. Herald is one of these titles.

In my opinion it has a strong start and an interesting hidden hook for LGBT players and fans to find if they spend a little time looking. It does good job in staying true to it's period setting although it started to unravel at the end. It's game play is decent although not nothing to write home about. All in all it's good game that's reasonably priced... expect well... it's incomplete.

Now in fairness in got it on sale last year and I saw that it said Book 1-2, so I was expecting it would conclude in a later title. Well it's been almost year since then and the news I've seen has ranged from Jack to Squat. Add that to the fact the title was published in 2017 and... Well I'm not counting on seeing a real ending any time soon. Now in the unlikely chance that one of the developers sees/reads this and wants to prove me wrong. Please do so! This is a rare case where I want to be wrong. I'd advise you to keep your players informed regularly, until your game is finished. Otherwise you look unreliable.

Время в игре: 488 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 02.03.2021 17:24
13 0

This review is for Book 1 & 2, as Book 3 & 4 have yet to be released.

This story takes place on a ship named The Herald, in an alternate historical timeline, during the mid-1800s. Perhaps they wanted to highlight how horrendous the British Empire was for all their means of colonization, but without directly naming Great Britain? Or perhaps it's a criticism of colonization all together, as the colonization of parts of Central America (or "New Spain") is mentioned as well. A large aspect of the story revolves around indigo trade, which was literally subsidized with slavery (of Native Americans and black people) and cheap labor (by Colonial India). Though the story doesn't name India directly, it is heavily implied that that's where the protagonist and the other main character are from. A newspaper clipping speaks of revolts in the colonies, which specifically did happen in Colonial India. Though it isn't mentioned in the story, in reality, the British government slaughtered countless people in India in order to suppress the uprising. Meanwhile, throughout the story, non-white characters deal with subtle or passive racism from their white colleagues.

As the story is yet to be finished, I don't have full thoughts developed on the story as a whole, but I did enjoy this first half of it. It also has a really interesting plot twist. I like historical fiction, so I recommend it to anyone else that does as well.

Время в игре: 470 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 24.12.2020 02:28
0 0

i loved the game. from the moment i saw it at a game convention i knew i wanted to buy this game when it came out. i hope it finishes its series someday. really enjoyed the voicework and the visual altho some indie shows

Время в игре: 157 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 25.11.2020 00:36
2 0

This was a pretty interesting game, although the "Let's make this interactive" bits involve a lot of fetch quests and tedious tasks. The actual gameplay could be spruced up a little, but the story carries it pretty well, and it's still worthwhile. It does end on a cliffhanger (and a very interesting one), so be aware that that's the case. I'm looking forward to the remaining part(s)!

Время в игре: 166 ч. Куплено в Steam
Не рекомендую 07.11.2020 08:08
18 0

No manual save, no save on exit.
So, either you only ever exit immediately after reaching a checkpoint (apparently, at the end of each sub-chapter?.. so at any point of time you have no idea how far it is), or you play through all dialogues again, which is ridiculous and not fun at all.
Too bad, seemed promising.

Время в игре: 27 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 27.11.2018 13:31
1 0

A charming visual novel with a dash of point&click, though don't let this game's(beautiful) visual mislead you, since it soon finds it's roots in the mystery genre and could deceive when it dedicates its narrative to some heavy topics. Addressing all those it wishes to address with the necessary weight, without bashing it over your head with an anvil.

The narrative follows the "how-we-got-here" model, recounting the sea voyage of a man trying to reconnect with his roots. He finds himself instead being dragged into the mysteries surrounding his fellow passangers on the titular ship, while framing it in the form of a flashback that Devan himself is narrating.
The story takes place in a semi-alternative history and obviously with a lot of research dedicated to it, even if the game itself uses it mostly for worldbuilding and character backgrounds. Show, don't tell works well here together with the documents and books you can find and read to fill in the blanks. After all, the story takes place on a relatively medium staffed ship (for now), so with a smaller cast of characters and flows well with it's plots and twists, actually delivering some solid emotional punches and motivating to play on. Like reading a good book.

It was nice to see some more thoughtless answers have matching consequences and affecting relationships a little, though you shouldn't expect heavy branching. This game has a story to tell and it follows that. The gameplay mechanics themselves may seem a bit stiff and outdated, but it's the narrative and worldbuilding that is more the focus here.

Out of my own preferences I also must really point out the superb voice acting for basically every character and nice sound design(effects+ Soundtrack). And characters of course. In a genre like this you need to have someone to root for. Which works in Herald's favor, because most of cast have their own little secrets or are at least intriguing, if not yet fully utilized at this point (currently II chapters released out of IV) and it's obvious that the story is just now growing out of it's build-up stage.
And I really wish to know the how-we-got-here.

Время в игре: 1594 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 02.09.2017 15:20
6 0

Really enjoyed this. If you liked games like Life is Strange, Telltale, Dreamfall chapters, then you might enjoy this too.
It's not particularly long, but still really enjoyable and very polished. There was a lot more interaction than I was expecting; the screenshots made it seem a lot more text based than it really is - it's almost entirely fully voiced and there's a lot of exploring the ship.

I'm surprised this game hasn't had more attention! I don't usually leave many reviews but I think this game deserves way more interest. I would hope that if the devs require more funding to finish the next chapter(s) then they would consider crowdfunding as I'd definitely support that.

Время в игре: 163 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 11.06.2017 19:03
25 0

The game takes place in an alternate history where 1800's Europe and its colonies are unified under a single republican government, the Protectorate.

You play Devan, a young man in search of identity and adventure as you set out to sea towards the lands of the east where you born, but never got to experience. Along the way, you'll make choices that affect events not unlike recent Telltale games. Be prepared to encounter some weighty topics like colonialism, racism, feminism, and classism.

Animations are very stilted and robotic, but the hand-drawn artstyle still manages to bring everything to life. The voice acting is also top notch and gives the characters some real, well, character.

As only Books I and II are released as of this review, be prepared for a very short game with a "to be continued" ending. Books III and IV will be released at some point in the future to conclude the story.

Overall, worth the $10 I paid and I'm looking forward to the final two episodes.

Время в игре: 183 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 02.05.2017 16:56
4 0

Everything what telltale wants to be, exists within this very Game, The Dialog reminds of Gameboy games with text Windows and the Moving pictures, there are even Some very well made Cut scenes showing the Ship and such, the Plot and the dialoge really adapts to your decisions, i payed 10$ and recieved a little less then 4 hours of solid and interisting story with point and click gameplay in between which is usually not my style.

The story belongs into a Criminal/thriller category with delightful jokes and joyful moments like a piano beeing played in between.

Truely a Indie game which deserves to be elevated by support upon the steps of budget to create an even greater and longer experience in the future.

the first game since years which had zero bugs, performance issues or a moment where i watched at the clock waiting for it to end.

may this be the start of a beloved series, and more games with this style in the future.

Время в игре: 181 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 30.04.2017 23:02
90 1

Herald is a tightly woven dramatic interactive novel, which plays like a mystery play. Some beauty knows no language. But, this beautifully animated point & click choice based drama crosses language and race barriers with issues that we struggle with today like suicide, faith, racism, gun control, interpersonal relationships, & slavery; all set in the 19th Century.



It seems that, in Herald, I am everyman and every woman. The script draws us in to experience the motives & thoughts of each character. The narrative, characterizations, art, & voice acting are incredibly well done.

Gameplay Mechanics:
The game plays out via simple p&c mechanics, where you use a mouse click to move through the ship. Controller options have recently been patched in, and are still being tweaked. The narrative is revealed in textboxes, where in parts it is just dialogue advanced by clicks, interspersed with sets of choices. Dialog is followed by cutscenes that are enjoyable and advance the story. I never got bored even after multiple games. The save system is convenient, making it possible to reload the chapter if you feel you made bad choices.

Graphics & Sound:
The soundtrack is lovely! One particularly haunting tune that appears in the theme is played on the piano by a character in one scene, who sings the words. This means a soundtrack would definitely be a plus.
Even with a good machine, the framerate never went above 30 fps for me. I felt like this was intentional, as it creates a not quite slow-mo effect, lending a dramatic flair to each scene. If lower framerates bother you, this may not be the game for you.
Most of the animations were done well, if simply. Most character movements seem true. There is one point where a character walks through a door, and then the irritating movements of the doctor helping a patient. Almost comical, the doc’s eyebrow moves side to side in one conversation. But, in most other scenes, it is almost entrancing to see that simple can be elegant.

Where Herald Succeeds & Fails with Choices:

Mystery/ Foreshadowing Herald is a mystery in its whole. At this point, only the 1st 2 books are released, so there is much to work with here and the writers seem to have taken full advantage of that, succeeding in every account.
✔ There is a revealer in the final scene of the 2nd book that changes what you thought you knew in very early scenes. This leaves you with a cliff hanger of sorts.
✔ Even multiple play-throughs add to and expand your opinions of different characters. Some things are never answered for us, but we are left to form our own opinions.
✔ Some apparent mysteries are left open at the end, hinted at only by shadows and shapes in the artwork.
✔ Ultimately, characters are left to being human with various interpretations of their behavior still being available after several replays.

Complexity of Choice
I rate the choice in Herald a solid 8 out of 10. I played Choice of Robots, an excellent choice game that was totally text-based. I would rate that as a perfect 10, because your choices changed everything. The choice web was intricate, creating literally hundreds of outcomes. But, games like Firewatch, which I also loved but would rate a 5, presented only cosmetic changes with the choices. The players were all drawn back into the original plot line at collection points, so that ultimately your choices did not really change the story in Firewatch.
✔ In Herald, there is one story. The narrative rules as a mystery which you will reveal over the course of not only these current 2 books, but future books. But, your choices can affect the interplay of characters, and the outcome of scenes, and the appearance of different dialog trains. Information which you have not revealed is not later available in a conversation.
✘ Many decisions often affect only that immediate tier, and sometimes only in the emotional feel of the dialog. For example, whether you offer to do Ian's job for him or not, you get to do it. Regardless of how you respond to the Rani in the prologue, the results are the same. And, with the captain, navigator, & senator, I was accused of taking so long whether I stalled or took the direct text options.
✔ Numerous choices can change whether a character lives, dies, or is in the brig. Some characters can appear earlier in a scene, or in the place of another character, if your responses change. Interestingly, if you choose to start at the scripted start of the 2nd book, instead of in the 1st, I discovered that the script goes with the option of no characters being dead.
✘ No choice seems to have an effect beyond its immediate scene, with the exception of whether certain players exist or not. Because of this & the save system, it is possible to exit to the menu and restart a book multiple times, to get multiple achievies at once. Basically, some crucial decisions will pop one of 3 different achievements. No achievement requires more than one scene’s set of responses to resolve, with the possible exception of Mad Discourtesy, which requires probably 2 scene’s answers.

Replayability
✔ Despite the save/ reload ability, multiple playthroughs will probably be needed to get all achievements. Also, you won’t get all info in the mystery without at least 3 plays. My 1st play took about 8 hours, with reading everything, even the letters that are unlocked at the end and the credits. The 2nd play took 4 hours, still reading choices and popping some achievements. After that, additional plays took about a half hour per book with skipping dialog & quick choices. So, after experiencing everything the story has to offer thus far… in every nuance, I have almost 16 hours.

Dev Support
✔ The dev team has made the art available in the trading card collectables.
✔ A large collection of concept art was made available free in earlier release notes. They don’t seem to be attempting to monetize every bit of data, as many devs are doing.
✔ They are responding quickly to comments and or email.

Suggestions for Improvement:
1. The log is helpful in-game, but access to what you’ve accumulated after the game would be a great addition to the menu.
2. Voice acting could be added for the letter collections in the menu. (Only half of them seem to pop after these first two books.)
3. Having musical options & even a musical library in the menu, as with the letter archive, would be even better. Alternately, a soundtrack would be a plus.

With a storyline as deep as the ocean, & several currents relevant to any age, Herald is so much more than a lovely journey between the sea & the stars. As a choice-based p& c adventure game, Herald provides hours of mystery drama for fans of gaming narrative. I highly recommend the game, and I look forward to the exciting upcoming books.



UPDATE:
I contacted Wispfire with some questions, & got a detailed response from the writer, Roy van der Schilden. I wanted to pass along a few of those details here.
• Lady Tabatha’s song, Vows, was composed by Bart Delissen. He composed all Herald’s music, as well as music for other games like Verdun. The writer wrote the lyrics for Vows, as well as directing the voice-over work.
• Herald is an indie title. This is the writer & artist’s 1st commercial game, though they have done a number of theatre productions.
• The plan is to release books III & IV as a bundle, but that could change.
• The target framerate is 30fps, to create an overall cinematic experience, as well as being a bit lighter on hardware.
• Composer Bart Delissen’s game music can be sampled here.
• Aida de Ridder gives more info on the art here.

Время в игре: 951 ч. Куплено в Steam
Не рекомендую 26.04.2017 20:22
38 4

Period drama, sorta. More like alternative history with plot holes you can sale a barque through.

The animation is just bad. It often bugs out and objects "pop" in and out of the characters' hands.

The "choices" never seem very organic, often feel counter productive, and don't have much clear impact on the story.

The story is told in what amounts to about 5 pages of written text, tops. Most of the time you are walking back and forth over the same rooms for fetch missions of no interest.

The genre is so desperate for content that this has gotten good reviews, but if you've ever debated with a partner about where to get dinner, you've played a more interesting version of this game.

Время в игре: 829 ч. Куплено в Steam
Рекомендую 23.04.2017 03:35
8 0

This is so good. I just finished book II and it delivered such an emotional punch that I am left incoherent, I don't know if I can write anything making sense. The mechanics felt a bit outdated but they are easily overlooked by the immersive experience. Not only the story is captivating, but the world of Herald feels very real. There is a care for detail, a work of documentation, that feels very respectful both to History and to me as the player. Too often games and shows simply handwave things and produce half baked, loosely held, environments in which to frame the story. Not here. Herald seems to say "I respect you too much not to bring something thoroughly researched and thought out" and it shows.
Wonderful experience with good re-play value. Highly recomendable.

Время в игре: 406 ч. Куплено в Steam

Дополнительная информация

Разработчик Wispfire
Платформы Windows, Mac, Linux
Ограничение возраста Нет
Дата релиза 22.01.2025
Metacritic 77
Отзывы пользователей 89% положительных (93)

Отзывы пользователей

89%
83 положительных и 10 отрицательных отзывов
Обновлено: 20.01.2025 12:31

Жанры

Indie Adventure

Особенности

Single-player Steam Achievements Full controller support Steam Trading Cards Steam Cloud Family Sharing