Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 78 | 22 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 92 | 41 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 96% | 91 | 32 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Mar 13, 2025) · 32 reviews sampled · 29 total reviews in window · weighted 22.2 up / 0.8 down · computed 10h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (17)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“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.”
read full review ↗ - 70
- 83
“While it can take a few beats to really groove with its strategic play, Howl looks great and provides a fair challenge”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Howl's pace is a brisk whirlwind of quick turns and calculated moves. Its imagery is a charming blend of whimsy and violence, dancing across the screen with a playful ferocity. Yet, beneath this surface, a shallowness lurks. The challenge lies not in the depths of its strategy, but in the player's ability to exploit the predictable patterns of its adversaries. These creatures of the wilderness, though fierce in their appearance, are ultimately creatures of habit, their actions dictated by algorithms and predictable responses. Howl isn't a test of tactical prowess, but a puzzle of exploitation. A game of manipulation, where the gamers are mastermind puppeteers in the shadows, orchestrating the movements of their foes to their own ends.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Howl is a masterpiece in writing that takes the features from basic games like chess, adds a touch of childhood nostalgia, and supercharges it with card-based mechanics. There’s very little left to flaw here with this game. The game is quite cheap on the PlayStation store and is definitely worth a try. Players having a PlayStation Plus subscription are encouraged to download the game trial and give it a go, one session should be enough to make one take the nostalgia train back to the time when they were children.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Howl is a delightful combination of puzzle and tactics RPG that is easy to pick up and difficult to master.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Overall, Howl is a fun experience. It doesn't exactly break any molds, but it's a solid strategy/puzzle game that is well put together, and it scratches the itch of something like Into the Breach, even if it lacks much replayability. The gameplay loop feels great, and the short stages mean that you don't feel bad having to restart a level multiple times to assure a good score. It's well worth giving a shot, and it's a great example of a charming, low-budget indie title.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Howl is a decent strategy title, but eventually the combat does tend to get a bit repetitive.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Howl by Mi'pu'mi Games is an enjoyable mix of strategic challenges and folkloric aesthetics, inviting players to immerse themselves in a world painted with “living ink.” For fans of turn-based tactical adventures, this is worth checking out. It may have its share of hiccups, but much like the protagonist's journey, the experience is about embracing the challenges.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“In its sound, mechanics, visuals, and narrative, Howl captures a dark fairytale and creates a gorgeous folktale without losing its way.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“HOWL from developer Mi’pu’mi Games GmbH is a narrative-driven puzzle-strategy game that brings a simple concept but a complicated gameplay design. The inclusion of a deep goal system that plays into how a player can progress in the game makes for a fun experience, while the offensive and defensive nature of its card system pleasantly complicates and compliments the gameplay. While not everything is perfect, it’s still better than expected.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“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.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Fintendo
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
Gameffine
Siliconera
Worth Playing
SomHráč.sk
Switchaboo
But Why Tho?
Digital Chumps
PlayStation Universe…and 5 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Security Patch now availableOct 3, 2025
- Free Update Chapter – Heart of Rot is now availableMar 13, 2025significant · resets scoring window