Northwind
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About Northwind
Northwind is an indie strategy game mixing turn-based combat with deckbuilding and resource management. Developed by Barking Kitten Interactive, it launched on PC in September 2025. The game tasks you with hunting monsters using a tug-of-war style battle system where players and enemies take turns pulling a central marker. Inspired by Magic: The Gathering, it features a custom mana system and card crafting to build unique combos. The single-player focus leans into roguelite elements, meaning each run reshapes your deck and strategies. Best for fans of tactical planning and card games, Northwind blends simplicity with depth, offering a fresh take on strategy through its pull-based mechanics and crafting loops.
Gameplay
Combat in Northwind revolves around a tug-of-war mechanic. You and your opponent take turns playing cards to push a central marker toward their side, with each card affecting movement, mana, or future turns. Your deck starts small but grows through crafting, combining materials to create new effects. Managing mana is key; overextending can leave you stranded. A typical session involves balancing aggressive pushes with defensive plays, adjusting to new cards and enemy patterns. The single-player campaign tasks you with clearing monster dens, with each victory unlocking new crafting recipes. Controls are intuitive, but mastering timing and resource allocation takes practice. The game’s rhythm leans slow-burn, rewarding careful planning over quick reflexes.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate Northwind 6.7/10, with 67% positive and 33% mixed reviews. 72% of players finish the game, averaging 12.5 hours of playtime. Community moods are split: 45% curious, 30% excited, 15% confused, and 10% indifferent. Reviewers praise “addictive combat loops” but note a “steep learning curve.” 35 achievements exist, with 12% of players completing all. Price at $29.99, it sits in a competitive genre. Some criticize repetitive enemy patterns, while others highlight creative card combos. The game’s niche mechanics polarize players, those who grasp its systems enjoy strategic depth, while others find it too opaque.
PlayPile's Take
Northwind is a solid pick for strategy enthusiasts who enjoy deckbuilding and resource management. Its tug-of-war combat is novel but requires patience to master. The $30 price tag feels fair for the depth, though the 12-hour average playtime might not justify it for casual players. With 35 achievements and a 12% full-completion rate, it rewards persistence. Skip if you dislike slow-paced games or complex systems. For fans of tactical card games willing to invest time, it’s worth a try.
Game Modes
Single player
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