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Herdy Gerdy Preview
Jason Julier
00/12/0000
We take an updated look at one of the most important PS2 releases.
Herdy Gerdy is an original and startling game from Eidos who are in need of some success on the Playstation 2. How ironic that a game such as this rather than yet another sequel from Core Design could provide it. Not much is known about the game apart from its unique look, so TVG thought it was worthy of an updated preview.
The game concept was developed by the team sometime ago, during the days of the Psone but at that time, no format existed that could do the vision justice. With the arrival of the all-conquering Playstation 2, things have changed and the game is almost ready to hit the shelves this December with the PC version following soon after.
The story is set in a unique world where nature is very much balanced and any actions could have consequences. Nature is an important part of the game and understanding all the animals, food chain and the importance of harmony is key. This whole living environment is the background for your adventure and becoming The Keeper of the Acorn. Perhaps not such a prestigious title to any one outside the world of Herdy Gerdy but inside the game this is the most important role possible. The Keeper once selected has the important task of ensuring that the natural nirvana that is Herdy Gerdy is maintained i.e. the balance between nature and progress. A Keeper is chosen every five years as the overall winner of a tournament however the current winner (Sadorf) is deeply unpopular. He prefers to abuse his power and has little regard for maintaining anything other than his own powerful position. Events begin to take place when the next tournament approaches, the peopleās champion is a Master Herder known as Gedryn. In a brutal act, Sadorf uses the magical power of the Acorn and casts an evil spell on the unsuspecting contender plunging him into a deep sleep. Tale over? Not exactly as Gedryn had a son (Gerdy) who has decided to take on Sadforf and defeat him in the tournament by becoming a Master Herder himself.
The most impressive aspect about Herdy Gerdy is the sheer scope of the project complete with its own eco-system. We are promised intelligent creatures with advanced intelligence, thoughts and feelings. In total there are 12 creature sets that you will encounter and have to understand. Not every living thing on the island is friendly, far from it in fact; Grimps and Gromps would love a young shepard for dinner. Visually the game is unique, while Jet Set Radio started the cell-shading craze Herdy Gerdy has gone for a visual cartoon look complete with lush colours and picturesque locations. This world has been created by hand, as hand drawn textures form the basis of everything. As you can see from our screenshots this game is in a class of its own for the system. Not everything is beautiful as there is a distinct nightmarish quality running through the game, similar to that seen in Treasureās Freak Out. Another important aspect of the game is that rather than base the gameplay on exploration and puzzles alone, the developer has sought new avenues. As nature plays an important part in the world, it is very important that you learn what reactions inhabitants and environments have on one another. Whereas in most games the only way to victory is fighting an opponent, in Herdy Gerdy you must know every animal. Just as in our world each animal has their own characteristics and behaviour patterns, therefore they all have unique weaknesses. Find that Achilles Heel and you can easily overcome your opponent whilst preserving the eco-system, this is not a guns blazing experience.
As Gerdy is an experienced herder, expect plenty of herding tasks, hopefully involving more than just the usual sheep. New skills, abilities, useful items such as a magical flute, clothing which increases abilities such as jumping or strength, reward progression through the game.
