Developer: The Outer Zone
Publisher: 11 bit studios
Genre: Tactical Deck Builder, Action RPG,
Price: $19.99
Release Date: Dec 9th, 2025
Where to buy: Steam, PSN, Xbox
A Desperate Descent
Death Howl is a haunting departure from traditional card games, blending the high stakes of a “Soulslike” with deep tactical deck-building. Players take on the role of Ro, a grieving mother who ventures into a surreal spirit world to reclaim her son from the clutches of Death. The narrative is minimalist but emotionally heavy, told through evocative pixel art and somber environmental storytelling. From the very first encounter, the game establishes a tone of oppressive beauty and relentless challenge. It successfully transforms the abstract concept of grief into a tangible, dangerous landscape.
Tactical Grid Warfare
The core gameplay revolves around turn-based combat played out on an isometric grid where positioning is just as vital as the cards in your hand. Unlike typical deck-builders where you simply play cards to attack, Death Howl requires you to manage mana for both movement and abilities. This creates a constant tension between staying safe and committing to a powerful offensive strike. Every move feels like a calculated risk, especially since enemies possess distinct, often devastating patterns. Mastering the grid is the only way to survive the game’s increasingly complex encounters.
The Soulslike Cycle
The game earns its “Soulslike” label through a punishing but rewarding progression system tied to the titular “Death Howls.” This currency is used to craft new cards and level up, but it is lost upon death, forcing players to fight back to their “corpse” to retrieve it. Checkpoints known as Sacred Groves offer a brief respite, though resting there causes all defeated enemies in the region to respawn. This loop encourages a methodical approach where players must learn the intricacies of each biome. It turns the act of grinding into a thematic journey of resilience and adaptation.
Innovation and Complexity
One of the most innovative features is the “Realmless” card system and the mana penalties associated with traveling between different spirit realms. As Ro moves through the four major regions, cards from previous areas become more expensive to play, forcing the player to constantly evolve their strategy. This prevents a single “overpowered” deck from carrying you through the entire experience and keeps the difficulty curve steep. Additionally, the inclusion of shamanic Totems adds another layer of customization, allowing for highly specific character builds. While these systems are complex, they reward players who enjoy deep mechanical experimentation.
A Masterpiece of Atmosphere
Ultimately, Death Howl stands out as a unique and polished experience that bridges the gap between strategy and action-RPG. Its muted color palette and brooding soundtrack perfectly complement the themes of loss and determination found in Ro’s quest. While the difficulty spikes can be frustratingly sharp, the sense of triumph after overcoming a massive boss is unparalleled in the genre. It is a rare game that manages to be both mechanically rigorous and deeply moving. For fans of tactical challenges and somber narratives, this journey into the spirit world is essential.
