Hordes of Hunger Early Access Impressions – Can You Survive One More Wave?

Exploring Hordes of Hunger: A Promising Action Survivorlike

During my visit to Gamescom last year, I was intrigued by Hordes of Hunger, a game that masterfully combines elements from popular titles like Vampire Survivors, Hades, and traditional hack-and-slash genres. My brief hands-on session revealed an engaging gameplay experience complemented by substantial character-building opportunities. While the game lacked some polish compared to its competitors, its straightforward, arcade-like formula made it highly accessible and fun right from the start.

Early Access Launch and Impressions

Hordes of Hunger has now transitioned to Early Access on Steam following a successful demo release, which garnered positive feedback from players. After dedicating several hours to the initial public launch, I am pleased to report that the game has largely lived up to my initial expectations from last year, showcasing its potential in the burgeoning genre.

An Immersive World Awaits

Developed by Hyperstrange, this “3D action survivorlike”game throws players directly into the fray. Players control Mirah, who awakens in the Sanctum—humanity’s only bastion after merciless waves of beasts have devastated the land. The narrative expands as players complete quests across varied locales and rescue key characters, each offering different services to assist in combating tougher foes.

The services available include acquiring permanent perks from the enigmatic Father, enhancing meals from the nurturing Mother, or crafting weapons at the Workshop, all of which are user-friendly and easy to navigate. This simplicity is one of the game’s strengths, encouraging players to engage frequently with the hordes of the Beast, whose difficulty scales with exploration and quest completions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Progression

The main hub area, the Main Square, serves as the starting point, featuring easier enemies that help newcomers acclimate to the game mechanics. Subsequent areas like the Watermill and Forest introduce more challenging enemies from the get-go. Players quickly discover the importance of mastering various weapon types—from versatile swords to powerful hammers and agile spears—while engaging in combat that utilizes heavy attacks, special moves, and the skills Mirah acquires as she levels up.

The current Early Access version boasts an impressive array of skills, ranging from straightforward stat enhancements to unique abilities like elemental damage auras and additional phantom weapon attacks. As players progress, Mirah quickly becomes a formidable warrior, capable of unleashing numerous special effects simultaneously. However, this can lead to confusion amidst the chaos of battle, a primary concern given the lack of polish in the game menus, particularly for controller users navigating the crafting interface.

Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

With a wealth of combat options, diverse quests—from enemy extermination to escort missions—and promises of future content, Hordes of Hunger is a worthy acquisition for gamers seeking an addictive and exhilarating experience without the need for extensive prior investment. Although gameplay may exhibit some repetitive elements after prolonged sessions, its solid foundation and direction are commendable. I eagerly await updates from the developer, Hyperstrange, as they continue to refine this title ahead of its anticipated full release.

Note: Early Access code was provided by the publisher.

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