In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out requires innovation and flair. That's why I was thrilled to sit down with the developers from Good Fun Corporation to explore their upcoming game, Hunger. This isn't just another extraction shooter; it's a zombie-infused, first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5 that promises to break the mold. The team at Good Fun Corporation is determined to offer a fresh experience, and their early build suggests Hunger will indeed be a standout in the Steam catalog.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects of Hunger caught my attention right away: its distinctive visual style and stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's aesthetic as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label given the mix of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The visuals, powered by Unreal Engine 5, are nothing short of breathtaking, with impressive foliage, lighting, and texture detail that showcase one of the best uses of the engine I've seen.
As for gameplay, my demo was a hands-off preview, so I can't yet comment on how it feels to play. However, the developers are aiming for a blend of the simplicity found in ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a peaceful, social hub within the Chateau where you can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective for a change of pace, though combat will always be in first-person. You can shop with Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask who sells items from a tray around his neck, reminiscent of a 1920s cigarette girl. Louis, the Stashmaster, helps you manage your inventory and occasionally offers quests, while Reynauld, the Expedition Master, initiates raids despite his missing fingers—a testament to his encounters with zombies.
The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm. Each map spans one square kilometer and includes a large dungeon beneath it. Expect six weather varieties per map, from clear noon to foggy noon, sunset, and sunrise, with more dynamic elements planned for post-release. Rea mentioned they're targeting 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where players learn their profession. There are six professions split between gathering and crafting, such as Scavenging for metals and materials, Conservator for mechanisms and trinkets, and Naturalist for herbs and spices, alongside crafting professions like Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking. Players can have two professions at a time.Hunger's narrative unfolds in a world torn by civil conflict after the outbreak of The End, the bacteria responsible for the Hunger. Players can discover lore through Missives and Maps, which come in Common, Rare, or Legendary forms. Extracting with a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau, earning XP and piecing together the game's story. NPC dialogue will also enrich the narrative, ensuring every part of the game is infused with story elements.
The Hunger themselves offer diverse challenges, with melee combat allowing for silent approaches, while shooting attracts more zombies. Different types of Hunger, like the explosive Bloater and the bleed-inducing Shambler, add variety to encounters. With 33 weapons available, including daggers, pistols, rifles, maces, and primitive machine guns, players can find exotic ammo that enhances bullet effects. Dedicated PvP experiences are also on offer, along with a Mastery Tree featuring four branches: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, ensuring multiple progression paths beyond PvP.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION WishlistSolo and duo play is supported, and Maximilian Rea emphasized that playing alone or in pairs isn't a disadvantage but can be one of the quickest ways to progress. Progression cosmetics are unlocked through leveling up and defeating bosses, with options for every weapon and bag.
Hunger will not be free-to-play, which should help maintain its design integrity without pay-to-win elements or battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition is planned, offering additional cosmetics for a price above the $30 standard edition.
Sessions in Hunger are designed to last between 30-35 minutes, making it an easy game to enjoy with friends before bed, without feeling like you're stuck on a live-service treadmill. Even if you die, your efforts contribute to XP gains, ensuring every session feels meaningful. As Maximilian Rea put it, "If they've played for an hour, we want them to feel like they've meaningfully moved the ball forward for their character."
Though Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the team behind Hell Let Loose is crafting something unique. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.
