Death Howl PS5 Review: A Deep Dive into Turn-Based Strategy with Soulslike Sensibilities
After gaining a cult following on PC, the strategy game Death Howl has arrived on consoles, including the PlayStation 5, blending elements of Soulslikes with intricate turn-based battles. This demanding yet highly rewarding release from Polish developer and publisher 11 bit studios continues their tradition of thoughtful, tactically complex games that defy easy categorization.
Gameplay Mechanics and Combat System
Death Howl is described as a Soulslike deck builder, but it offers much more. Players deploy cards from an expanding deck in turn-based battles on a square grid, where positioning and movement critically impact attack and defense outcomes. Success requires lining up shots, planning area-of-effect attacks, and exploiting backstabs for greater effectiveness. The game shares similarities with Into The Breach in its grid-based combat, featuring specific attack patterns and effects like knockback or fire.
In the opening scene, protagonist Ro loses her son, setting her on a quest through the underworld to reclaim him. Players navigate pixel art biomes, each with unique enemies, cards, and beasts, aided by a mysterious spirit animal. Like FromSoftware titles, Death Howl provides minimal guidance, forcing players to learn through trial and error. Early encounters can feel impossible, but sacred groves—functioning like bonfires—allow healing, skill acquisition, and enemy respawns for grinding crafting materials to create new cards.
Progression and Strategic Depth
The game demands grinding from the outset, as players repeat early encounters to gather loot and craft cards for incremental power boosts. Cards interact with totems, which grant perks and can be equipped in up to four slots once unlocked. This system offers expansive depth, with each new card requiring testing to understand synergies and demands. Enemies respawn identically after visits to sacred groves, enabling strategy refinement as players gain experience and cards.
Despite being turn-based, battles require intense concentration, with many moments of regret over hasty decisions. Biomes introduce environmental modifiers, such as cover or marsh slowdowns, adding tactical layers. The plot unfolds through exploration, with conversations and discoveries integrated into gameplay, unlike games like Hades that separate story elements. The world is dark both visually and thematically, with lore revealed in fragments that gradually form a coherent picture.
Overall Assessment and Final Thoughts
Death Howl is not for casual players. Its complexity, high difficulty, and multiple interacting systems demand dedication and experience. Victories feel earned and satisfying in this idiosyncratic game. The beautiful bleak art style, involving tactical battles, and enigmatic plot delivery are standout pros, though the steep learning curve and mental demands may deter some.
In summary, Death Howl is a deep, demanding turn-based strategy and deck-building game with Soulslike elements that challenges players to uncover its intricacies independently. It scores 9/10 for its rewarding gameplay and unique design, available on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PC for £17.99.
