Sheep may seem like an uncanny choice for game characters, but they have appeared in a large number of titles, often adding humor or charm and sometimes even integral gameplay mechanics. From quirky platformers to detailed simulations, these woolly creatures have made the hearts of players stop in different genres. In this article, let’s examine a few of the most interesting appearances of sheep in both PC and console games as playable characters and NPCs.
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SHEEPO (PS4, PS5, PC)
One of the best examples of which is SHEEPO, a Metroidvania-style platformer developed by Kyle Thompson. In this game, players are thrust into the role of a shape-shifting sheep-thing as it embarks on a mission to collect samples of living species from an uncharted planet. There is no traditional combat mechanic in this game, though it is very much focused on exploration and platforming. By capturing eggs from each of these species, SHEEPO gains the ability to transform into taking on their capabilities, unlocking new paths of traversal through its world. Character and game design encourage whimsical exploration over violence in this refreshing take on adventure games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
Sheep are among the cute NPC villagers that one gets to interact with within Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Probably the most iconic one is Dom, a Jock personality sheep introduced within the 2020 release. Dom is this vibrant character in speaking about exercising and having muscles, but beyond that, he really is one of the more memorable villagers within the Animal Crossing series that adds humor and color to this peaceful island life. In fact, even among the large number of animal villagers in the game, other sheep NPCs like Willow and Baabara bring varied personalities, further making them a joy to be around.
Minecraft (PC, Console, Mobile)
Sheep are part of that category of necessary elements in Minecraft, one of the most popularly played sandbox games ever. Sheep are passive mobs in Minecraft that provide wool and mutton, two of the major resources. For acquiring wool, players can shear the sheep to craft beds or decorative banners. They can also breed them for farming. There are various colors of sheep, and their versatility makes them a staple for the creative and survival players alike. Some even go so far as to build complex sheep farms to make pixel art or other creations with colored wool.
Worms (Multi-platform)
Indeed, the Worms series is notorious for its zany, explosive gameplay, and sheep feature uniquely as a weapon in these strategy games. Aptly described as a “Super Sheep”, it is a signature item one can launch to fly through the air and unleash a strong explosive attack on enemies. First appearing in Worms 2, the Super Sheep had to be considered one of the most loved weapons due to its unpredictable flight path and great potential damage. That is a great example of how sheep can be transformed into something unexpectedly deadly and funny.
Catherine (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, PC)
The game Catherine is categorized as a puzzle-platformer and relies on such elements as relationships, dreams, and morality. In his dream sequences, Vincent interacts with other characters in sheep form—those people in Vincent’s life who are going through the same nightmarish trials. Such a use of sheep shows themes of herd mentality and survival, clambering up collapsing towers and solving puzzles to survive. Sheep in Catherine are working as NPCs that further help or hinder his journey in which a psychological link between their fates and his is drawn.
Flock! (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
In Flock!, one can control a UFO in this puzzle-based game to herd sheep, cows, and other animals into a mothership for abduction. The sheep in this question would be the main focus of gameplay, whereby using one’s creative problem-solving skills, the player will guide them across various obstacles while avoiding hazards. The charm of Flock! lies in how humorously it takes along with the sheep, confused and skittish creatures that usually need a little nudge—or a scare—in the right direction.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GameCube)
In Twilight Princess, Link can engage in the sheep herding mini-game. Although the sheep are not featured in the basic sense of the game, they do make an appearance during a moment of farming-peaceful—when Link must guide them into their pens with a mix of movement and light strategy. This quiet game moment brings a certain rural, pastoral atmosphere to the beginning of Twilight Princess, really highlighting the game’s contrast between peaceful village life and the looming adventure.
Yoshi’s Woolly World (Wii)
Okay, so Yoshi isn’t exactly a sheep, but the wooly aspect instantly makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, just thinking about sheep. This visually impressive platformer takes a yarn-based approach with its environments, enemies, and even Yoshi himself appearing knitted and woven. While there are not exactly sheep, the woolly, soft textures throughout give the game almost the same kind of “fluffy” feeling, creating an atmosphere which could surely be compared to being surrounded by sheep.
Why Sheep Matter in Games
Considering such meek, lowly creatures, sheep appear in the most imaginative and original ways in video games. Whether it be for comic value—as bit players, versatile and trusty farm animals—or even meant to serve in strange gameplay mechanics, sheep add charm and humor to any game. From the farms of Minecraft to the Super Sheep of Worms, these fluffy little beasts have earned themselves a special place within gaming culture. They add light-heartedness and relaxation in most games, like Animal Crossing, while at other times, they create complex puzzles for the player to solve, such as in Flock! and SHEEPO. Their symbolic use in other titles, such as Catherine, allows for deep comments on human nature and survival instincts, showing even the tamest of animals can hold profoundly metaphorical weight. They might not be the first animal to come into people’s minds when they think about gaming icons, but their relentless presence and versatility make them unforgettable to many players.