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Title: The gorgeous indie game Death Howl will have a new demo on June 9

Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:50:57 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-gorgeo...

A deck-building game with soulslike elements is an odd genre mashup, to say
the least. But that's what the three-person Danish studio The Outer Zone is
creating with Death Howl. The second demo for the indie PC title launches
next week on Steam.

The unusual blend of genres isn't the game's only hallmark. Death Howl also
has a gorgeous art style and music to match its rich themes. You play as Ro,
a hunter from a small tribe, who is grieving her son's death. Mystical voices
beckon her toward a spirit realm as she tries to bring him back. Ro's
adventure leads her on a journey of "love, loss and the slow path toward
acceptance."

The game's deck-based combat will unlock various melee and ranged spell
attacks. As you progress, you'll craft cards built around your preferred
tactical style. Meanwhile, shamanic totems will enhance your deck and buff up
your strikes.

The Outer Zone / 11 Bit Studios

What makes it soulslike, besides being hard? Publisher 11 Bit Studios offered
some insight on Reddit. "Initially, we thought about a different label for
Death Howl," the publisher wrote. "But 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 evoked emotions similar to what
you experience in a soulslike." Meanwhile, the game's difficulty reveals
itself most in boss battles and side quests.

Death Howl doesn't arrive until sometime later this year. But the second demo
will be playable from June 9 to 16. Head to the game's Steam page to check it
out. In the meantime, you can watch its new trailer below.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-gorgeo...
have-a-new-demo-on-june-9-205057519.html?src=rss

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