Extraction shooters have become commonplace these days. To truly stand out in this saturated genre, developers need to offer something genuinely innovative. That's why I was excited to meet with Good Fun Corporation to preview Hunger – their upcoming Unreal Engine 5-powered first-person action-RPG that reimagines the extraction formula with a zombie-infested twist.
The developers deliberately avoid labeling Hunger as just another extraction shooter. Based on my hands-off preview of an impressive early build (with Early Access still too distant for a confirmed release date), Hunger appears poised to defy genre conventions.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects immediately stood out: the game's "Renaissance gothic" visual aesthetic and its breathtaking Unreal Engine 5 implementation. The environments blend early firearms with brutal melee combat in meticulously detailed, lived-in locations. From lush foliage to dynamic lighting, this showcases some of UE5's most impressive applications yet.
Although my preview didn't include hands-on gameplay, the design philosophy combines ARC Raiders' accessibility with Escape from Tarkov's depth. Players start in the Outer Ramparts – a social hub where third-person perspective is available. Key NPCs include Piro (a masked merchant) and Reynauld the Expedition Master (who coordinates raids).
Early Access will launch with three one-square-kilometer maps – Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm – each featuring underground dungeons and multiple weather conditions. Players can expect 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron and selecting from six professions (three gathering, three crafting).
The narrative unfolds through collectible missives, environmental storytelling, and NPC dialogue. "We try to infuse every aspect with story," explained game director Maximilian Rea.
Combat emphasizes meaningful choices – melee attacks maintain stealth, while gunfire risks attracting more zombies. The roster includes 33 weapons with exotic ammunition types, alongside specialized enemy variants like the toxic Bloater.
Progression features a Mastery Tree with four specializations (Physiology, Survival, Martial, Cunning) and rewards cosmetic unlocks. Notably, solo and duo players receive balanced progression opportunities – "Being a solo player isn't a death sentence," Rea emphasized.
Hunger adopts a premium pricing model ($30 standard edition) to avoid pay-to-win mechanics, though a "Support the Developers" edition may offer bonus cosmetics. Expeditions typically last 30-35 minutes, ensuring satisfying gameplay sessions without live-service pressures.
While still in development by the Hell Let Loose creators, Hunger shows immense promise as a fresh take on extraction mechanics. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as development progresses.
