PC Critic Reviews

Death Howl is a complex, yet easy-to-get-into deck builder that utilizes a slick, stylish mix of Soulslike gameplay systems and card-based combat. The world and story are breathtaking, with outstanding pixel art and ominous, subtle sound design. Combat feels excellent, but if RNG and dying a lot in games isn't your idea of a good time, it may not win you over in that regard.

Death Howl is amazing. It takes the deck builder and the Soulslike and makes something I didn’t know I was missing. As a Day One Game Pass title on PC, it’s there and ready if that interests you. The game comes to consoles on February 19th, 2026. It is a 30+ hour playthrough with incredible highs, even at its most frustratingly difficult moments.

Though I felt the game’s progression system was somewhat flawed, Death Howl still managed to impress me thoroughly with its incredible storytelling, art, and unique blend of genres, creating something utterly unique and highly memorable.

The deckbuilder and the soulslike accommodate each other well, even if Death Howl is initially too busy killing you to show its best hand.

Death Howl seems to have taken the heart of turn-based grid-based strategy games (think Into the Breach), and the deck building of modern indie classics (think Inscryption) and paired their gameplay strengths with a unique story. Strong recommend.

Death Howl has been a fantastic time for me, and it’s been a wonder to slowly piece together how The Outer Zone managed to fit two rather opposing genres in a way that feels tangible and engaging.

Death Howl elegantly blends deckbuilding with soulslike elements all while telling an emotional tale of a mother’s guilt and her desperate attempt to save her son. This title, though not for the faint of heart, is an absolutely gorgeous experience with rewarding exploration, slow-drip storytelling, and punishing gameplay. If you're a fan of either deckbuilders or soulslikes, this game is a must-buy.

All these transgressions against convention add up to the most engrossing deck-builder of the past couple of years. [Issue#420, p.96]

Death Howl is cohesive and well-crafted. The game's dour tone complements its surreal art style and soundtrack. Its myriad genres coalesce into consistently engaging combat and tactics. But most of all, across story and gameplay, Ro's journey taught me to embrace obstacles to overcome them. Having reached its end, it's a journey I'm glad to have taken.

By combining elements from seemingly very different genres and focusing on narrative as the guiding thread for the journey, Death Howl proves to be a deckbuilder that is as original as it is captivating. Although its high difficulty may be daunting at first, it is worth embarking on this melancholic journey through the afterlife and the power of maternal love.