The concept of blending Dark Souls’ rich atmosphere with turn-based tactical combat may seem unconventional, but for me, it’s an idea that’s been simmering in the back of my mind for ages. Now, with Death Howl, we have a game that comes remarkably close to bringing this vision to life.
Developed by The Outer Zone and published by 11 bit studios, Death Howl is an adventure set in a mystical “Mesopotamian Europe,” combining a hauntingly immersive atmosphere with a unique visual style. I recently had the chance to try out its demo, which will soon be available to everyone, so let me walk you through what makes this title stand out.
The World and Story
The game takes place in the mysterious forests of Mesopotamian Europe, a setting teeming with mythic allure. The story begins with a strikingly grim scene: two deer lying lifeless in a pool of blood. These turn out to be the children of our protagonist, a woman called Ro, who embarks on a dangerous, ritualistic journey into the spirit world to bring her child back. This premise weaves together themes of sacrifice, ancestral rites, and the fragile threads connecting the spiritual and material realms.
Narrative-wise, Death Howl draws inspiration from Dark Souls and Elden Ring, relying on quite cryptic storytelling that encourages players to piece together the lore themselves. The game world, even from the small taste offered in the demo, feels expansive and richly detailed, promising exploration and depth in equal measure.
Art and Audio
Visually, Death Howl is nothing short of mesmerizing. Its art style blends pixel graphics and dark tones, underscores the ethereal nature of the spirit world, and perfectly complements the game’s themes. The audio design is equally impressive. Atmospheric music, layered with haunting melodies, amplifies the sense of immersion. Together, the art and sound create an unsettling and captivating experience.
Gameplay and Combat
The gameplay structure leans into a mix of exploration and turn-based combat. You control the protagonist using mouse clicks, similar to a point-and-click adventure game, navigating what promises to be a sprawling, interconnected world. Along the way, you’ll encounter corrupted creatures and engage them in grid-based, tactical combat.
The combat system introduces an intriguing card mechanic: each card corresponds to an action, such as throwing rocks, pushing enemies, or activating a shield. As you defeat enemies, you’ll unlock crafting options, enabling you to forge new weapons and abilities—again represented as cards. In addition to these, equipable items grant bonuses add a layer of customization to your builds.
Final Thoughts on the Demo
While it’s always risky to overhype a game based solely on a demo, Death Howl feels like more than just another indie RPG. Its meticulously crafted art, compelling audio design, and unique approach to combat and exploration make it a standout. I can’t wait to dive deeper into this enigmatic world and see how the full game unfolds. The game has no release date yet, but a demo will soon be available through Steam. Belo an overview, screens and the announcement Trailer.
About This Game
In forgotten lands shrouded by myth, Ro—a hunter from a small tribe—is overcome by grief following the death of her beloved son. Guided by voices from another world, she transcends into the realm of spirits, in hopes of bringing him back.
Death Howl weaves an atmospheric tale of grief, healing, and resilience. As Ro, you’ll face relentless spirits in turn-based battles that challenge your tactical sense and adaptability. To succeed, you must craft and master decks of powerful cards and use shamanic totems while unearthing forgotten tales and secrets that shape Ro’s path.
Master Your Deck-Building Skills
Explore the realm of spirits and gather ingredients to craft cards from each region. Discover shamanic totems to enhance your deck and cast a variety of melee and ranged spells to balance your offensive and defensive skills. Each new card lets you tailor your tactical style while preparing for your next deadly encounter.
Engage in Grid-Based Combat
Face a host of restless and eerie spirits in grid-based battles where each move is crucial. Test your wit by fighting unique enemy types and powerful bosses. Grow stronger, adapt your deck, and choose your battles as you explore grim lands like the Forest of Howling Shadows or Meadows of Delusion.
A Mother’s Grief, A Spirit’s Journey
Take part in a mother’s spiritual journey through grief, where every step uncovers a new layer of her story, reflecting themes of love, loss, and the path of acceptance. Discover a mysterious world of forgotten lore, where darkness whispers secrets and invites you to unearth buried memories.
