The game, The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty, from the imaginative minds at Zerocreation Games and 2P Games, is a compelling visual novel rooted in the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese artistry, yet brought to life with sleek, modern animation techniques. In my review, I unfold the story cloaked in darkness and intrigue that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Let’s take a deeper look at this captivating narrative and the era it portrays.
Set against the backdrop of Chongzhen’s Reign during the late Ming Dynasty, the game’s plot evolves in an era marked by significant upheavals. Land annexations were rampant, the nation was grappling with internal chaos, foreign incursions, and the debilitating effects of the Little Ice Age. The oppressive policies of the Ming court precipitated extreme famine, resulting in widespread rebellions. This tumultuous setting serves as the canvas for the story.
You step into the shoes of a bandit named Liang, accompanied by his trusty sidekick, Tongue. They are hired by a rather sketchy merchant for a seemingly straightforward task: safeguarding four young girls on a journey to Luoyang, where they are promised to a wealthy lord. Their path winds through Huazhou, Wenxiang, and Shanzhou, creating a scenic yet haunting journey. However, as the narrative unfolds, the stunning hand-drawn artwork begins to hint at darker undertones.
The real twist arrives when one of the girls, Sui, spills the sinister secret. She reveals that the seemingly benevolent lord they are headed to is, in fact, the notorious Swine Demon. This creature has been feasting on young women annually for over a millennium, using his birthday as an excuse for this macabre ritual. Sui’s revelation is deeply personal – her sister was among the demon’s past victims. The narrative pivots on a moral quandary: will Liang and his companion fulfill their contract, or act on compassion and spare the girls?
Visual novels like this one offer an immersive experience akin to reading a compelling book but with added visual and auditory elements. The Hungry Lamb is an exemplar of darker storytelling in the genre, offering choices that steer the narrative. Players have the pleasure of listening to fully voiced dialogues available in both Chinese and Japanese, adding layers of authenticity to the experience. Don’t fret if you’re not fluent in these languages; the story is rich in text, which necessitates engagement and reading.
Navigating through the game on the Nintendo Switch is straightforward, utilizing Joy-Con controls or the touchscreen when playing in Portable or Tabletop Mode. You advance the story with simple button presses and can access a variety of functions through intuitive menus. This includes playing dialogues, saving progress, and revisiting earlier moments.
For those keen on exploring every narrative thread, the game includes a Flow Chart feature. This tool is essential for identifying and pursuing alternate story paths you might otherwise overlook. Additionally, the Extra section provides a delightful repository of the game’s music and the beautiful artwork you’ve unlocked.
On the whole, The Hungry Lamb is a gripping visual novel with a complex narrative that will especially appeal to fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist. Priced reasonably at $11.99 on the Nintendo Switch, it presents a unique experience steeped in cultural references and artistic flair.
Special thanks to 2P Games for providing a review copy of The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty for the Nintendo Switch, allowing for an authentic playthrough and comprehensive review.
