Vaewolf Preview: A Roguelite Trifecta That Blends Strategy and Supernatural Combat
Vaewolf, the upcoming isometric action game from developer Milky Tea, is positioning itself as a fresh contender in the roguelite genre, drawing clear inspiration from the success of Supergiant Games' Hades. Our hands-on time with an early build reveals a title that combines fast-paced combat with a unique three-form mechanic, offering a promising twist on a familiar formula.
What is Vaewolf and how does its core mechanic work?
Set in a fantasy world inspired by English folklore, Vaewolf follows an elf whose village is slaughtered by a band of werewolf Vikings. After being turned into a part-werewolf, the survivor seeks vengeance and gains vampire powers from an elder, creating a protagonist who can shift between three distinct forms: elf, werewolf, and vampire.
This shapeshifting ability is the heart of the gameplay. As an elf, the protagonist excels at ranged combat with a bow, but enemies are aggressive and will force players to adapt. The werewolf form delivers heavy melee damage, breaks shields, and knocks back foes, while the vampire form unleashes multi-hit area-of-effect attacks that control crowds. Switching between these forms is seamless and essential, as certain enemy combinations are only easily defeated by a specific form.
How does Vaewolf build on the roguelite formula?
Each form has a standard attack, a charged attack, and a special ability, all on cooldowns. This prevents players from spamming moves and encourages a defensive, tactical approach when skills are unavailable. The game layers on complexity through weapon upgrades and passive boons known as Trinkets and Runes, which can alter everything from health recovery to infusing fire into the werewolf's claws.
Progression extends beyond individual runs. Players collect Coins to buy health items and Trinket slots, while Mead and Bloodstones serve as permanent currencies. Mead unlocks passive upgrades at the tavern, and Bloodstones allow players to unlock new weapons and abilities at the training grounds, which also features a captive Viking for practice. This structure mirrors the hub-world progression seen in Hades, ensuring that death feels like a stepping stone rather than a setback.
What did we think of the demo's boss fight and overall promise?
The demo featured a single area, Eskdale Forest, culminating in a challenging boss encounter against the Three Witches of Copeland Woods. This trio consists of a berserker, a shaman, and an alchemist, each with distinct attack patterns that force players to manage both close-quarters threats and area denial simultaneously. It was a fun and demanding fight that showcased the game's potential.
While the demo is limited in scope, the core mechanics are solid and the three-form system offers genuine strategic depth. If the full game maintains this quality, Vaewolf could easily become another indie hit in the roguelite space.
Frequently asked questions about Vaewolf
When will Vaewolf be released?
An official release date for Vaewolf has not yet been announced. The game is currently in development, and the demo we played represents an early build.
What platforms will Vaewolf be available on?
Platform availability has not been officially confirmed. Given the genre and developer's history, players can likely expect a PC release, with potential console ports to follow.
How does Vaewolf compare to Hades?
Vaewolf clearly takes inspiration from Hades in its hub-world progression and roguelite structure. However, its unique three-form combat system sets it apart, offering a distinct tactical layer that Hades does not have.