Trek across ancient China in a dark, boundary-pushing visual novel inspired by traditional Chinese art with modern animation. Escort four girls to the prosperous city of Luoyang in a branching narrative with themes of revenge, cannibalism, involuntary servitude, and more on a redemptive journey.
RPG Gamers summaryThe late Ming Dynasty setting of The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is marked by dire circumstances. In-game characters grapple with a formidable beast, social unrest, natural disasters, and their own personal tribulations. Developed by Zerocreation Games, the visual novel combines a meticulously crafted tale, unique traditional Chinese art and animation style, a full cast of professional voice-over artists, and a complex blend of truth and deception into a compelling game universe.
The narrative unfolds in Chongzhen’s reign (A.D. 1628-1644) – a period marked by scaled land annexation, domestic problems, and foreign invasions, coupled with the devastating Little Ice Age. The Ming court’s relentless harsh policies resulted in widespread starvation, igniting multiple rebellions.
Our protagonist, Liang, starts off as a bandit-turned-escort for four young girls whose destiny he knows little about. As Liang, players must navigate through challenging terrain and mysteries to complete the mission, all while uncovering a sinister plot involving a swine demon who reportedly consumes young girls.
A rich cast of characters, including Liang’s cunning partner Tongue, the secretive nine-year-old Sui, two sisters sold by their parents, and an aristocratic girl add depth and diversity to the game’s narrative. Uncovering the truth behind each character as Liang forms the basis of players’ decisions throughout the game.
In addition to the captivating narrative, The Hungry Lamb offers immersive graphics settings, designed with a sharp focus on impasto painting techniques and mimicking the aesthetic realities of the late Ming Dynasty. The game’s sound design enhances the overall atmosphere and authenticity, with music and sound effects by Lin Fangzhou and a team of talented voice artists such as Hanser and Hua Ling.
The game boasts 260,000 words of non-repetitive text and nine different endings, giving players a high level of decision-making freedom. However, as it often happens in times of unrest, good deeds might not find their just rewards. Liang may have to pay the price for his actions and suffer the corresponding consequences.
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty promises to be a rich visual novel, providing a unique blend of historical context, a gripping narrative, and stunning visuals. With a touch of mystery and horror weaved within its social themes, it offers a promising exploration of Chinese culture during a turbulent time.
