In the saturated market of extraction shooters, it's challenging to carve out a niche. However, Hunger, an upcoming first-person action-RPG developed by Good Fun Corporation, aims to do just that. I had the opportunity to meet with the team and experience an early build of this intriguing game powered by Unreal Engine 5. Although the developers are keeping the Early Access release date under wraps for now, what I've seen so far suggests Hunger is poised to redefine the genre.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea describes the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label given the blend of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set within grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 to date.
While I couldn't get hands-on experience yet, the game's mechanics promise a compelling mix of simplicity and complexity, drawing inspiration from ARC Raiders and Escape From Tarkov. Players begin in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau, free from violence, where they can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, shop with the quirky Piro, manage your stash with Louis, or join expeditions led by Reynauld, who bears the scars of past encounters with zombies.
The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each a square kilometer with an expansive dungeon beneath. These maps will offer six weather varieties, from clear noon to foggy sunset, with more dynamic elements planned post-release. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, where players choose from six professions: three gathering (Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking), with the ability to have two professions at once.
The narrative backdrop is a civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can uncover lore through Missives and Maps, categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary, which provide XP and contribute to the overarching story. The developers intend to weave narrative elements into every aspect of the game, from NPC interactions to environmental storytelling.
In Hunger, zombies, or the Hunger, have unique qualities. Melee combat allows for silent takedowns, while gunfire attracts more undead. Among them, the Bloater explodes into a poisonous gas cloud, and the Shambler inflicts bleed damage. With 33 weapons ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, players can also find exotic ammo to enhance their firepower. Dedicated PvP experiences are on offer, alongside a Mastery Tree with four branches (Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning) to ensure diverse progression paths.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION Wishlist
Solo and duo play are viable options, with Rea emphasizing that these modes are not only feasible but some of the quickest ways to progress. Progression cosmetics can be unlocked through leveling up and defeating bosses, adding to the game's depth. Hunger will not be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will include extra cosmetics and is priced above the standard edition's $30 target.
Expedition sessions are designed to last between 30-35 minutes, making Hunger an ideal game for quick, rewarding sessions with friends. Every session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no time feels wasted. Rea's goal is for players to feel they've made meaningful progress after each play session.
Though still in development, Hunger from the creators of Hell Let Loose promises a unique experience worth watching. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as the game progresses.
