Howl
- January 23, 2024
- Mi'pu'mi Games GmbH
Howl is a turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times. A sinister "howling plague" has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts. You play a deaf heroine plunging into danger in search of a cure.
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Get on PS Store"Howl" is a turn-based tactical game set in medieval times where you play as a deaf heroine on a quest to find a cure for the "howling plague." This plague has turned people into feral beasts, and you must outmaneuver them using up to six steps of advanced planning and a variety of abilities. As you progress, you'll upgrade your skills and unlock more action slots, while also shaping your own prophecy through your choices in battle.
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Reviews
- Beautiful art style and soothing music create a charming, fairy tale atmosphere.
- Engaging and challenging puzzles that encourage strategic thinking and replayability.
- The game successfully combines tactical gameplay with a unique narrative premise, featuring a deaf heroine in a world affected by a howling plague.
- The story is relatively basic and lacks depth, which may leave some players wanting more.
- Gameplay can feel repetitive due to predictable enemy movements and limited mechanics.
- The game is short, and while it offers a completion challenge, it may not provide enough content for extended play.
- story32 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story in "Howl" is generally described as straightforward and simplistic, yet it is effectively narrated and complemented by charming visuals and music, creating a storybook atmosphere. While some players found the premise intriguing, particularly the representation of a deaf protagonist in a world plagued by werewolves, others felt the narrative lacked depth and complexity. Overall, the story serves as a sufficient backdrop for the gameplay, though it may not be compelling enough to sustain long-term engagement.
“The art style and music had me hooked immediately, as did the story, even if it is a bit cliché.”
“Howl is a short and sweet little game with a very interesting story premise: a plague that turns people into beasts if they hear another beast's howl.”
“Having the hero be a deaf woman in a world overrun by werewolves whose very howls turn you into a beast is a story setup I absolutely adore.”
“There's not really any story or anything else to keep you going.”
“I was not impressed by the story.”
“[lacks enemy variety, story is pretty basic]”
- gameplay21 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its charming tactical and puzzle elements, featuring intuitive mechanics that are elegantly designed yet somewhat basic. Players appreciate the depth of strategy involved, especially as they navigate increasingly challenging levels with limited fight/hide options. The combination of beautiful art, a captivating soundtrack, and a unique premise enhances the overall experience, making it both enjoyable and accessible for newcomers while still appealing to genre enthusiasts.
“It has beautiful art, a lovely soundtrack, a unique premise, and fascinating gameplay.”
“Intuitive mechanics, charming presentation, and just long enough to feel fully realized without overstaying its welcome.”
“Howl combines challenging turn-based gameplay, creative visual effects, and a somber story to produce a unique strategy puzzle game.”
“The fight/hide mechanics are rather limited, but there are multiple ways to use them in a particular level and with an ever-increasing number of enemies on each level, it's not easy to get through the game, especially if you're in for all achievements and don't use assist mode.”
“It’s turn-based tactical gameplay has depth, designed to satisfy fans of this genre, but is accessible enough for newcomers.”
“The mechanics are somewhat restrictive, which can hinder the overall experience, especially in more challenging scenarios.”
- graphics21 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their soothing, hand-drawn art style that evokes a storybook ambiance, reminiscent of a well-loved fairy tale. The visuals, combined with well-crafted music and narration, create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience, drawing players in with their charm and uniqueness. Many reviewers appreciate how the art direction complements the gameplay, making it visually appealing and engaging.
“The graphics have a very pleasant and unique 'hand-drawn' art direction, like you're looking at mobile ink on paper.”
“I immediately liked the game's storybook visuals and was intrigued by the promise of challenging tactical gameplay.”
“In its sound, mechanics, visuals, and narrative, howl captures a dark fairytale and creates a gorgeous folktale without losing its way.”
“The graphics are outdated and lack detail, making the game feel less immersive.”
“The character models look flat and lifeless, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, failing to capture the player's interest.”
- music20 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its beautiful and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall ambiance and atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. Players appreciate the well-crafted soundtrack, which complements the art style and gameplay, creating a relaxing and immersive experience. The combination of music and narration adds significant depth to the game's emotional impact.
“The music perfectly suits the vibes of the game; the faint strums of guitar strings are exactly the kind of music I want for a puzzle/tactics game like this.”
“I really enjoyed the gameplay, music, and art; everything lends itself to a beautiful, fairytale-inspired atmosphere.”
“Love the art and art style, the 'desktop dungeon'-esque gameplay (with nice graphics!) and I find the music very well made and oddly relaxing!”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its charming, storybook quality, enhanced by beautiful visuals, engaging music, and fun narration that complements the gameplay without being overwhelming. Reviewers highlight how these elements work together to create a captivating, fairytale-inspired experience that draws players in, even those new to strategy and tactics games.
“I have little experience with strategy/tactics games, and I was lured in by pretty visuals and music (both are great and add a lot to the atmosphere).”
“All with wonderful narration and stellar art that complement one another perfectly to create a super charming storybook atmosphere.”
“I really enjoyed the gameplay, music, and art; everything lends itself to a beautiful, fairytale-inspired atmosphere.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find the puzzles engaging and enjoyable, others feel that once solved, the lack of new challenges diminishes the incentive to replay. However, a few reviews highlight the game's art design and tactics as factors that enhance its replay value.
“The engaging puzzles and tactics, along with the cool art design, provide lots of replayability.”
“While each puzzle is entertaining to figure out, there's not much replay value.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that the game's grinding mechanics are visually appealing and provide a solid challenge, while avoiding feelings of tedium or stress.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a combat system that, despite its initial appearance, presents significant challenges intertwined with a deeply emotional narrative, creating touching moments that resonate with players. The inclusion of an assist mode allows for a more accessible experience, ensuring that the emotional depth can be appreciated by a wider audience.
“While it may not look like it from the onset, it does hold some tough challenges and touching moments inside.”
Critic Reviews
Howl (Nintendo Switch)
Howl combines challenging turn-based gameplay, creative visual effects, and a somber story to produce a unique strategy puzzle game. Built-in repetition and a lack of instruction do slow things down, but, taken in smaller doses, there’s enough here to compel most puzzle fans through to its resolution.
70%Howl Review (PC)
Howl is very good without being too complex. It’s turn-based tactical gameplay has depth, designed to satisfy fans of this genre, but is accessible enough for newcomers. And the narrative elements are strong enough to keep both groups engaged, trying to collect as much confidence and skulls to open up new options. If a battle becomes frustrating, try as many different approaches as possible first but don’t hesitate to activate the Assist mode before frustration sets in. Howl is a great experience because it blends strong narrative and engaging combat in interesting ways. Review key provided by the publisher.
90%Howl Review - An Enchanting Walk Through Dangerous Woods
I felt that this was a very well put together, and engaging puzzle game. While it may not look like it from the onset, it does hold some tough challenges and touching moments inside. While it won’t be for everyone, if what I have said has interested you at all, I recommend giving Howl a shot.
70%
