In the saturated world of extraction shooters, it takes a unique twist to capture attention. That's why I was excited to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation to get a sneak peek at Hunger, their upcoming first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5. The team is keen to distance themselves from the label of just another extraction shooter, and after seeing an impressive early build, it's clear that Hunger aims to be a standout experience in the genre.
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Two elements of Hunger immediately caught my eye: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description. The game blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons, set against the backdrop of filthy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 showcases breathtaking foliage, lighting, and texture detail, making Hunger one of the best-looking games I've seen utilizing this engine.
While I couldn't get hands-on with the game yet, the demo hinted at a robust gameplay experience. The developers 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 peaceful hub within the Chateau where they can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you can switch to third-person view, shop with the quirky Piro, manage your stash with Louis, or start an expedition with Reynauld, the Expedition Master.
The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each one square kilometer with a dungeon beneath. Players can expect six weather varieties per map, with more dynamic elements promised post-release. Rea mentioned aiming for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, where players can learn one of six professions—three gathering and three crafting. You can choose two professions at a time, adding depth to the gameplay.
The game's lore unfolds through civil conflict sparked by The End, the bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can extract lore items like Missives and Maps, which offer XP and contribute to the overarching story. NPC dialogue will also enrich the narrative, ensuring that every aspect of the game is infused with story elements.
Combat in Hunger involves different types of Hunger, each with unique qualities. Melee combat allows for silent approaches, while shooting attracts more Hunger. Enemies like the Bloater, which explodes into poisonous gas, and the Shambler, which causes bleed damage, add strategic depth to encounters. With 33 weapons ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, players can find exotic ammo to enhance their arsenal. The game also offers dedicated PvP experiences and a Mastery Tree with four progression paths: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning.
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Hunger supports both solo and duo play, and Rea emphasized that being a solo or duo player isn't a disadvantage but rather one of the quickest ways to progress. Players can unlock progression cosmetics for weapons and bags as they level up and defeat bosses. Importantly, Hunger won't be free-to-play, ensuring no pay-to-win elements or battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will include extra cosmetics, priced above the standard $30.
Sessions in Hunger are designed to last about 30-35 minutes, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying play session without feeling tied to a live-service game. Even if you die, your actions contribute to XP gains, ensuring every session feels meaningful. Rea emphasized that after an hour of play, players should feel they've made significant progress with their character.
While Hunger is still some time away, the team behind Hell Let Loose seems to be crafting something truly unique. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.