The Howler Thumbnail

The Howler similar games & best alternatives

The Howler

PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, Android • 2014

Related articles

Quick resume

Use gravity, tension, and wind currents to get your hot air balloon to its destination, dropping off cargo on your way, in this ultra-challenging physics-based game. All art used in the Howler was meticulously created by classically-trained experienced painters.

Global score

78/100

Genres

Casual, Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Adventure, Platform, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique voice control mechanic
    • Beautiful hand-drawn steampunk art style
    • Simple and accessible gameplay
    • Low price with trading cards
    • Relaxing atmosphere

    Cons

    • Very short game length
    • Lack of achievements
    • Limited replay value
    • No fullscreen or resolution options
    • Some frustration with controls and balloon physics

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Fellowship, Expression. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Survival, Expression. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players control the balloon's vertical movement freely via mouse or voice commands, but horizontal movement is dictated by wind currents, blending player control with environmental influence."

    • Competence
      2

      "The game involves skillful timing and precision to navigate wind currents and avoid obstacles, with some levels requiring repeated attempts, but overall mechanics are simple and accessible."

    • Competition
      -4

      "No evidence of competitive modes or player comparison; gameplay focuses on individual progress and personal challenge."

    • Continuation
      1

      "Short game length (~1-2 hours) and some frustration with controls limit long-term engagement, but unique voice control and art style encourage replay for enjoyment."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative elements mentioned."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Unique voice control mechanic and hand-drawn art style provide creative expression, though gameplay follows preset level designs."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting power or superiority over others; gameplay is solitary and non-confrontational."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Relaxing steampunk atmosphere and artistic visuals offer a pleasant escape from reality."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for fun or relaxation, often attracted by art style and unique controls rather than obligation."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Voice control and physics-based wind navigation encourage players to experiment with different strategies and sounds."

    • Exploration
      1

      "Players explore different levels with varying objectives and environments, though the game is short and levels are limited."

    • Expression
      2

      "Artistic style and voice input allow some personal expression, but no character customization or environment modification."

    • Fantasy
      1

      "Set in a stylized steampunk version of Vilnius with some fictional elements, blending imaginative fiction with historical setting."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; gameplay is individual."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players improve skill in controlling the balloon and mastering wind currents, though learning curve is mild."

    • Health
      -5

      "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention due to timing and precision; not suitable for passive or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No close social relationships or emotional sharing involved."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements."

    • Progression
      2

      "Progression through levels with increasing difficulty and unlocking a bonus level, but no item collection or upgrades."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Calm, artistic atmosphere and simple controls provide a relaxing experience despite some challenging moments."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Enjoyable hand-drawn visuals and ambient sounds provide sensory pleasure, though sound design is minimal."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or ranking systems present."

    • Story
      1

      "Minimal narrative connected to a steampunk novel, presented in brief texts before levels; story is light and secondary."

    • Strategy
      2

      "Requires planning and timing to navigate wind currents and complete objectives, though gameplay is straightforward."

    • Thrill
      0

      "Some tension from avoiding obstacles and time limits, but overall experience is calm and low risk."

    • Value
      4

      "Low price and availability of trading cards make it a good value for short, casual play."

    • Violence
      -3

      "Minimal violence; some levels involve dropping bombs but gameplay is mostly non-violent and focused on navigation."

    • Survival
      1

      "Avoiding balloon popping and managing time limits adds light survival challenge."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026