TERA
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.
The ‘Complete Edition’ contains all four books that tell the entire story of Herald.
For the episodic version of the game, please go to the store page of Herald: Book I & II.
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.
Game Discussion
Steam User 16
I'm a visual novel and adventure game freak and iruly believe that this is one of the more special games in the genre. The way the game plays with player expectations and creates a scenario where despite being relatively powerless, you feel like your choices matter in a realistic way is something I haven't seen since something like Fata Morgana. If you love hotel dusk, 999, obra dinn, or really any visual novels, give this a shot.
Steam User 8
Getting back into the game after playing Book I earlier. The art, voicework, story telling and playstyle are great and fit together - hats off to the developers for bringing this work to completion.
Steam User 10
A passion project by Wispfire.
Stories can do so much more than just entertainment. Wispfire truly opens eyes. The story and choices are tailored to learn not just more about the voyage and the crew, but also about yourself and your place in this world.
While the game, with about 5-6 hours of playtime for an ending, is not the longest visual novel out there, the amount of camera angles animations and cutscenes makes every scene memorable and special with no filler text.
Everything, to the subtle 3D animation of the journal UI, show a great deal of polish.
I'd gladly recommend this to anyone to whom the setting of this game even slightly interests.
Steam User 9
Happy release day!! Finally~ I hope Herald gets the attention it deserves, the storytelling is so smart in my opinion, and the choices are higher stakes than one might think. Especially in the last two books, things get TENSE. Excuse me, now I gotta lie down and think about the consequences of my actions
Steam User 6
If you like storydriven games with strong characters and a meaningful theme, this is your game.
I absolute adore the 2D character portraits and the story. Controls can be a bit clunky sometimes but don't worry about it, this is a relaxing game where you don't need to have quick reflexes.
Definitely get this if you like history and are interested in 2 cultures clashing.
Steam User 7
I played the first couple of chapters years ago when they were released in a separate package. They were beautiful and highly polished. The voice acting is very nice and the art is excellent. Lots of interesting choices and variations on how things can go too. I would never have thought this was produced by a small team. I'm looking forward to playing the rest of the game now that it's out in one big collection!
Steam User 6
the games great havent finished it yet but if you are really into games where choices and ur actions matter . you will love this game