In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out requires innovation and flair. This is precisely why I was excited to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to explore "Hunger," their upcoming first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5. This game isn't just another entry in the extraction shooter genre; it's an ambitious blend of zombie-themed action and RPG elements, set within a unique extraction loop.
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Two aspects of "Hunger" immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and the stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea aptly described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," perfectly capturing the blend of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy towns and majestic castles. The visuals, enhanced by Unreal Engine 5, showcase breathtaking foliage, lighting, and texture detail, making "Hunger" a standout in terms of graphical fidelity.
While I couldn't get hands-on with the gameplay during my demo, the developers shared their vision for "Hunger." They aim to combine the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a safe social hub within the Chateau, where you can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you have the option to switch to third-person view, though combat will always be in first-person. You can engage with characters like Piro, the quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask, or Louis, the Stashmaster who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, initiates expeditions into the game's world.
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 underneath. Expect diverse weather conditions, from clear noon to foggy sunsets and sunrises, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea mentioned a goal of 50-60 hours of content, leading to the unlocking of the Cauldron, a new area where players learn their professions. There are six professions split between gathering and crafting, allowing players to choose two at a time.The game's narrative revolves around a civil conflict sparked by "The End," a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can uncover and extract lore in the form of Missives and Maps, which range from Common to Legendary. Extracting with a Missive grants XP and contributes to piecing together the game's full story, further enhanced by NPC dialogues.
The Hunger enemies come in various forms, each with unique qualities. Opting for melee combat allows for stealth, whereas firearms attract more enemies. For instance, the Bloater explodes into poisonous gas, while the Shambler causes bleed damage.With 33 weapons ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, players have diverse options. Exotic ammo can enhance bullet effects, and dedicated PvP experiences cater to those seeking competitive play. The Mastery Tree offers progression from levels 10 to 100, with four trees: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, ensuring varied progression paths beyond PvP.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION Wishlist"Hunger" supports solo and duo play, emphasizing that smaller teams can progress quickly. Cosmetics for weapons and bags are unlocked through leveling and boss encounters.
Priced at around $30 for the standard edition, "Hunger" won't be free-to-play, avoiding potential pay-to-win issues and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics.
AnswerSee ResultsExpedition durations are expected to be around 30-35 minutes, designed for quick, satisfying sessions with friends. All player actions contribute 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" is still some time away, the early impressions suggest that Good Fun Corporation, the team behind "Hell Let Loose," is crafting a distinctive experience. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as "Hunger" progresses through development.