With their multi-million dollar marketing budgets, it’s so often the case that AAA heavy-hitters are the titles vying for our attention, so it’s important that we all make an effort to champion the titles that perhaps face more of an uphill battle when it comes to making an impact on the world’s stage. A supersized budget doesn’t automatically equate to quality. In fact, a successful game is hardly ever successful because of how much money has been spent upon it.
A standout game is one that holds a unique vision, a premise that captures our imagination unlike anything that’s come before it. At this year’s Gamescom, I sampled a game that I think may just have what it takes. Imagine this, a gameplay loop inspired by Vampire Survivors but set in a world that, visually and thematically, has far more in common with The Witcher 3. The end result is Hordes of Hunger.
Developed by Hyperstrange, Hordes of Hunger is an upcoming survivorslike - an emerging genre that blends Vampire Survivor’s style gameplay with additional roguelike elements. Hordes of Hunger isn’t simply a carbon copy though. As incredible as Vampire Survivors is, so too can it feel a little overwhelming. It perhaps doesn’t have the most inviting of visuals for those who aren’t well-versed in the genre. Hordes of Hunger, by comparison, is far more accessible.
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Take a look at Hordes of Hunger in action below.
Hordes of Hunger will see you take on the role of Mirah, a fierce warrior who must defend her homeland from The Beast and the ravenous hordes of creatures it’s sprung forth. You’ll enter a series of arena-style battles that’ll see you utilise an array of weapons and special attacks to fend off your enemies, all whilst completing additional quests. You might need to slice your way through the horde to save a trapped comrade, for example.
What most stood out to me about Hordes of Hunger is that aforementioned accessibility. This is undoubtedly going to be a stellar gateway to the roguelike genre. Aesthetically, its polished medieval fantasy setting is going to appeal to fans of franchises like The Witcher and Elden Ring, even if the gameplay itself is a very different kettle of fish.
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That combat has also been made with ease in mind, but that’s not me saying the combat is easy. What I mean is that it’s not too much too soon. Vampire Survivors will quickly task you with fending off monsters for 30 minutes. That’s not entirely beginner friendly. In Hordes of Hunger though, the hordes will steadily increase in size with the level of challenge rising in congruence with your skill level.
Upon leaving the arena, you’ll enter a hub area where you can use your XP to level up your abilities - and it’s important that I point out that Hordes of Hunger can be adjusted to suit your playstyle. If you prefer a fluid and more agile playstyle, you can focus on the skill’s surrounding your sword. If enacting less but more powerful blows is more your kind of thing, then focus on the heavy options like the hammer. On top of that, you’ll be able to equip and unlock various elemental attacks, from a ‘holy light’ to force pulling your enemies into a heap, ready for you to land a finishing strike.
Having only spent around 15-minutes with the game, there’s plenty more I’d like to see from Hordes of Hunger including how its story factors into its arena-style gameplay. That being said, I came away from my preview feeling both optimistic and impressed. Hordes of Hunger wonderfully utilises the tentpole features of the survivorslike genre but it does so in a way that is enormously appealing and welcoming to those less well-versed in the format, increasing its difficulty as the player increases in confidence. For that reason, it’s safely secured my interest.
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Hordes of Hunger remains without a release date but will launch on PC via Steam.