Death Howl: A Unique Deck-Building Game with Soulslike Elements

A deck-building game with soulslike elements is an unusual genre mashup, but that is precisely what the three-person Danish studio The Outer Zone is developing with Death Howl. The second demo for this indie PC title is set to launch next week on Steam.

Artistic Vision and Narrative

The distinctive blend of genres is not the only hallmark of Death Howl. The game features a stunning art style complemented by music that resonates with its rich themes. Players assume the role of Ro, a hunter from a small tribe who is mourning the death of her son. Mystical voices call her toward a spirit realm as she embarks on a quest to bring him back. Ro’s journey is described as one of “love, loss, and the slow path toward acceptance.”

Gameplay Mechanics

The game’s deck-based combat system allows players to unlock various melee and ranged spell attacks. As players progress through the game, they will craft cards tailored to their preferred tactical style. Additionally, shamanic totems will enhance their decks and strengthen their strikes.

Soulslike Elements Explained

What makes Death Howl soulslike, aside from its challenging gameplay? Publisher 11 Bit Studios provided some insights on Reddit. “Initially, we thought about a different label for Death Howl,” the publisher stated wrote. “However, as we played it more and brought in random testers, we noticed something surprising. The game, despite not being an action RPG, does feel like a soulslike. It evokes emotions similar to those experienced in a soulslike game.” The game’s difficulty is particularly evident during boss battles and side quests.

Demo Launch Details

Death Howl is not scheduled for release until later this year. However, the second demo will be available for play from June 9 to June 16. Interested players can head to the game’s Steam page to check it out. In the meantime, a new trailer for the game can be viewed below.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at Engadget.