In the saturated market of extraction shooters, it takes something special to stand out. That's why I was excited to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to get a sneak peek at their upcoming game, Hunger. This isn't just another extraction shooter; it's an action-packed, first-person RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5, wrapped in a thrilling zombie-themed narrative.
The team at Good Fun Corporation is clearly aiming to break the mold, and from the impressive early build I saw, Hunger is poised to do just that. While the Early Access launch date remains under wraps, the game's unique blend of elements promises a fresh take on the genre.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its striking visual aesthetic and its breathtaking graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's style as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label for the mix of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The game's use of Unreal Engine 5 is truly impressive, with stunning foliage, lighting, and texture detail that ranks among the best I've seen.
While I couldn't go hands-on during the demo, the game's structure hints at a robust experience. The team is blending the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau where violence is off-limits, and you can switch to third-person perspective. Here, you can interact with quirky characters like Piro, the masked shopkeeper who sells items from a tray around his neck, or Louis, the Stashmaster who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, with his missing fingers, queues you up for expeditions into the game's world.
The initial Early Access release will feature three expansive maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each one square kilometer with a large dungeon beneath. Expect six weather varieties per map, from clear noon to foggy sunset, with more dynamic elements to be added post-release. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where you'll learn one of six professions—three gathering and three crafting, with the ability to have two professions at once.
The narrative of Hunger unfolds amidst civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria causing the titular Hunger. Players will uncover lore through Missives and Maps, which can be extracted to gain XP and piece together the game's story. The developers plan to weave the narrative through NPC dialogue, ensuring every aspect of the game is rich with story.
Combat in Hunger offers strategic depth, with 33 weapons spanning melee and ranged options. Melee combat allows for stealth, while firearms attract more zombies. Different zombie types, like the explosive Bloater and the bleed-inducing Shambler, add variety to encounters. Exotic ammo can enhance gun effects, and dedicated PvP modes cater to competitive players. The Mastery Tree, with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offers multiple progression paths beyond PvP.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION Wishlist
Whether you prefer solo play or teaming up in duos, Hunger accommodates both styles. Maximilian Rea emphasized that solo and duo players can progress quickly, unlocking various cosmetics as they level up and defeat bosses. Importantly, Hunger won't be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win issues, and there will be no battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition with extra cosmetics is planned, priced above the $30 standard edition.
Sessions in Hunger are designed to be manageable, with expeditions lasting around 30-35 minutes, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling trapped in a live-service grind. Every play session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no time spent 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 stated.
Although Hunger is still a ways off, the game's unique approach and the team's track record with Hell Let Loose make it a title to watch. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates on Hunger as development progresses.
