Death Howl Review: Is This Spirited Shuffle Hauntingly Good?!

Death Howl, the latest offering from 11 Bit Studios, isn't just another soulslike trying to cash in on the FromSoftware craze. This turn-based, grid-based deckbuilder, developed by The Outer Zone, genuinely earns its comparisons. Released on PC late last year and now hitting consoles, Death Howl weaves together a surprising number of genres into a cohesive and, dare I say, enjoyable experience. I've spent the last few weeks neck-deep in its spirit world, and let me tell you, it's a trip worth taking, even with its occasional stumbles.

Death Howl Review: Is This Spirited Shuffle Haunti...

You play as Ro, a protagonist driven by the timeless motivation of parental love. After a tragic accident rips her son from her grasp, she ventures into the spirit world to bring him back. This journey involves seeking the aid of four great spirits and scaling the ominous Howling Mountain. Along the way, she meets a plethora of spirits – some helpful, some decidedly less so, and many requiring a good old-fashioned spectral beatdown.

Now, the "journey into the afterlife" isn't exactly groundbreaking territory, but Death Howl manages to carve out its own niche. The muted color palette, coupled with a haunting soundtrack, creates an atmosphere that's both melancholic and mesmerizing. The monster designs are genuinely unique, often grotesque and surreal, lending to the game's distinctive visual identity.

The combat is where Death Howl truly shines. As mentioned, the "soulslike" label isn't just marketing fluff here. Defeating enemies rewards you with "death howls," which act as currency to unlock new cards and abilities. Each battle is a risk, a dance on the edge of survival. Limited checkpoints mean careful resource management is key. And the bosses? Oh, the bosses! These are massive, unforgettable creatures, each inhabiting unique environments that amplify the challenge and spectacle.

Across four distinct realms, you'll build your deck, amassing cards that deal damage, inflict status effects, and even summon allies. Here's where Death Howl's brilliance really comes into play. Cards are "nerfed" outside their native realm, increasing their cost and forcing you to adapt your strategies. Each realm also focuses on a specific mechanic, like discarding or taking damage, and boasts its own skill tree. Then there's the "overwhelm" feature, which rewards you for leaning into a realm's favored action. One realm, for example, rewards constant movement, culminating in Ro unleashing a devastating blast. This system encourages experimentation while maintaining a consistent sense of danger and discovery. I particularly enjoyed the realm that focused on manipulating enemy positioning – leading to some truly satisfying tactical victories.

But the main quest isn't the only thing to do, and that's important. Death Howl's sidequests are equally compelling, if not more so. They begin when Ro encounters a spirit in need, granting her a unique quest card. These cards block fast travel and can't be removed from your deck until the quest is complete (or abandoned). Each quest also introduces a unique mechanic, which can either help or hinder your progress. For instance, one quest card I encountered granted healing at the cost of severely limiting my card draw – a real gamble!