Howl is a turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times, developed by Mi’pu’mi Games and published by astragon Entertainment. The game is centered around a deaf hero who must venture into danger to find a cure for a sinister ‘howling plague’ that has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts. The game’s visuals are created through ‘living ink’, a flowing art style that paints the story as you play. Howl is scheduled for release in 2023 for Steam, Epic, and Nintendo Switch, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X & S .
In terms of gameplay, Howl is a turn-based tactical folktale written in ‘living ink,’ in which you predict the actions of your enemies and plan your moves several steps ahead. You can use your weapons and wits to survive, planning up to six steps in advance to outmaneuver your opponents. As you plot out your attack, you’ll also craft your own prophecy, weaving a continuous piece of scripture during the fight. The game is priced at $29.99 on Steam, with a demo version already available for PC.
Ink-Style Turn-Based Games
'Howl' Has a Unique Storybook Artstyle and Deep Tactical Gameplay
Trend Themes
1. Turn-based Tactical Games - Howl showcases the rising trend of turn-based tactical games with a unique storybook artstyle and deep gameplay mechanics.
2. Living Ink Artstyle - 'Howl' introduces the innovative trend of 'living ink' visuals, painting a captivating story as players progress through the game.
3. Deaf Protagonist Storylines - With a deaf hero at its center, 'Howl' exemplifies the growing trend of incorporating diverse and inclusive narratives in video games.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - The unique art style and tactical gameplay mechanics in 'Howl' present disruptive innovation opportunities for video game developers to create immersive and visually stunning experiences.
2. Entertainment Software - The 'living ink' artstyle in 'Howl' opens up new possibilities for interactive storytelling in entertainment software, providing users with engaging and visually appealing experiences.
3. Accessible Gaming - By featuring a deaf protagonist, 'Howl' highlights the potential for accessible gaming experiences that cater to a wider audience and promote inclusivity within the industry.