HERD NERD

This is my entry in the "I, REBEL" game jam, hosted by Atari/Jeff Minter.  😃🐑

Made over a few days between 11–18 April, 2025.

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WHAT IS THIS?

HERD NERD is a game where you control a smiley face and have to herd sheep. You must use your skill to manoeuvre the flock and then quickly jump on the backs of all the sheep to score as many points as possible! You can try as many times as you like.

I've worked hard to add a lot of depth to the gameplay, and there are a few hidden things you'll find if you play well. It's an odd little arcade game, which happens to be my favourite type. Have fun!

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NOTES

• Requires a controller with analog joystick, eg. Switch, Xbox
• Runs in a resizable window and can be made full screen
• All the text below is also in the game

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CONTROLS

• Analog STICK = Aim/Move
• A or X = Jump
• B or Y = Whip
• START = Play/Pause
• SELECT = Back/Menu
• L or R = Change Menu Page
• Any D-PAD = Toggle CRT Shader

THE BASICS

• Jump on all sheep for high score
  
• Combo increases with each successful jump
  
• Bad jumps cause nearest sheep to disappear
  
• Bonus sheep are awarded for good behaviour
  
• The black sheep is worth double points
• Use whip to herd sheep at expense of energy
• Energy recharges when you touch grass!
  

PRO TIPS

• Jump on all sheep for high score
  
• You will land on a sheep if close enough
  
• You can still adjust your aim after jumping
  
• Touch all sheep for bonus scoring chance
  
• Extra black sheep can arrive somehow
• Hold button for continuous whip action
• Energy recharges when you touch grass!

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ABOUT ME

• I'm a full-time indie developer, which means making games like this is my only job! My blog has more info
• This game is free, but I'd love it if you could Pay What You Can
• My game YOYOZO was featured in "Best Games of 2023" by Ars Technica, alongside Super Mario Wonder, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom & Baldur's Gate 3! Read about it