Herald: An Interactive Period Drama - Book I & II

Herald: An Interactive Period Drama - Book I & II

Released Feb 2017

Herald is a choice-driven adventure set on colonial tides. Board the HLV Herald and uncover its dark secrets in an intriguing tale about tyranny and servitude.

90% positive · 152 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $11.99
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Evaluation

Herald: An Interactive Period Drama - Book I & II originally launched on February 22, 2017, covering only the first half of Devan Rensburg's story. The developer, Wispfire, spent several years working to secure funding for Books III & IV, navigating difficult financial circumstances detailed in updates from September 2018 and December 2018. By late 2022, they revealed a teaser for the concluding books, signaling the finish line was in sight. On March 14, 2025, Wispfire announced a release date of May 1, 2025 for Herald: The Interactive Period Drama - Complete Edition, which would bundle all four books and bring the story to its conclusion. That release arrived as promised on May 1, 2025. The Complete Edition was launched as a separate Steam store page, and existing Book I & II owners were offered a discounted upgrade bundle. The store description for this Book I & II page now explicitly directs players to the Complete Edition for the full story, describing itself as ending "at a halfway point." The story of Devan Rensburg is now fully told, and no further content has been announced.
Evidence
Wispfire announced the release of Herald: The Interactive Period Drama - Complete Edition, containing all four books and multiple unique endings, completing the story of Devan Rensburg.
news post · May 1, 2025 source development ending
high
Release date announcement confirmed May 1, 2025 as the launch date for the Complete Edition, including all-new Books 3 and 4 to conclude the story.
news post · Mar 14, 2025 source content planned
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Wispfire
Achievements
27
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player

About this 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.

Herald Book I & II ends at a halfway point in the story of Devan Rensburg and the Herald. For the Complete Edition of the game, go to the Steam store page of 'Herald: The Interactive Period Drama - Complete Edition'.

IMPORTANT FOR RETURNING CUSTOMERS: If you already own Book I & II and want to upgrade to the Complete Edition, buy the 'Complete Edition Upgrade' bundle.

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.

Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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