In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out is no small feat. That's why I was thrilled to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to get a sneak peek at Hunger, their upcoming first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5. This game promises to break the mold with its unique zombie-themed extraction loop, and after seeing an early build, I'm convinced Hunger is poised to be a standout title in 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 described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description for a world that blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons amidst grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 is nothing short of breathtaking, with lush foliage, dynamic lighting, and intricate texture details that make Hunger one of the most visually impressive games I've seen.
While I couldn't get hands-on with the game yet, the developers shared their vision for Hunger's gameplay. They aim to strike a balance between the simplicity of ARC Raiders and the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau where violence is off-limits. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, interact with NPCs, and prepare for expeditions. You can shop with Piro, the quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask, or manage your stash with Louis, the Stashmaster who also offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, queues you up for raids, sporting missing fingers as a testament to his encounters with zombies.
The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer with a large dungeon beneath. Expect six weather varieties per map, from clear noon to foggy sunsets, with more dynamic elements planned post-release. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content, leading to the unlocking of the Cauldron, a new area where players can learn one of six professions—three gathering and three crafting. You can master two professions at a time, adding depth to your gameplay experience.
Hunger's narrative unfolds through civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can extract lore items like Missives and Maps, which offer XP and contribute to the game's overarching story. The developers plan to weave the narrative through NPC dialogue, ensuring every aspect of the game is rich with story.
Combat in Hunger is diverse, with 33 weapons ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns. Melee combat offers the advantage of silence, while shooting attracts more zombies. Different types of Hunger, like the explosive Bloater and the bleed-inducing Shambler, add strategic depth to encounters. Exotic ammo can enhance your weapons, and dedicated PvP experiences cater to competitive players. The Mastery Tree, with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—ensures multiple progression paths beyond PvP.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION Wishlist
Hunger supports solo and duo play, with Rea emphasizing that these modes are viable and rewarding. Progression cosmetics are unlocked through leveling up and defeating bosses, adding a personal touch to your character. Importantly, Hunger won't be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win pitfalls and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer extra cosmetics, priced above the $30 standard edition.
Expeditions in Hunger are designed to last around 30-35 minutes, making it easy to enjoy a session with friends without feeling tied to a live-service grind. Every action contributes to XP gains, ensuring no session feels wasted. "If they've played for an hour, we want them to feel like they've meaningfully moved the ball forward for their character," Rea emphasized.
Although Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the early build I saw suggests that Good Fun Corporation, the team behind Hell Let Loose, is crafting something truly unique. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.
