The Fear & Hunger games offer a unique blend of elements from various genres such as JRPG, survival horror, and adventure games. The result is a pitch-black horror RPG experience that is quite unlike anything else currently available in the gaming world. Despite its dark and nihilistic themes, there is evident love for the craft that shines through in every aspect of the games.
Before diving into the Fear & Hunger games, players are greeted with a content warning listing “extreme violence, gore, sexual violence, and drug usage”. It is a warning that should be taken seriously, especially considering the tasteless depiction of sexual violence in the first game. This blemish detracts from an otherwise incredibly evocative and creative series, but there is a mod available for those who wish to censor the more egregious content. However, censoring the game means missing out on some of the most shocking and critical moments, such as critically severing an ogre’s massive schlong.
An Experience for Fans of Dark and Gory Media
If you are a fan of dark and gory media like Berserk, Robert Chambers’ The King In Yellow, Silent Hill, Dark Souls, Hellraiser, or games that involve choosing your own path and facing the consequences, then the Fear & Hunger games are right up your alley. The series has a distinct vibe that is reminiscent of tabletop game Kingdom Death: Monster, where death is not always the end but rather a gruesome obstacle that you must navigate.
The genesis of the first Fear & Hunger game stemmed from impromptu storytelling sessions that creator Miro Haverinen used to engage in with his university classmates. These sessions involved posing horrific moral choices in a dungeon setting, which eventually evolved into the trap-and-trauma-laden environments of the game. In Fear & Hunger, players must keep their party of characters well fed and sane as they navigate through the nightmarish landscapes.
Fear & Hunger is not a game for the faint of heart or those seeking a casual gaming experience. Players will fail repeatedly, losing run after run until they start to acclimate themselves to the obscure terrors that lurk within the game. It is a test of endurance and perseverance, as players slowly unravel the sadistic grammar of the series and learn new strategies to inch closer to progress. Despite the challenges, the experience of exploration in Fear & Hunger is undeniably compelling, as players form mental maps of the game’s inscrutable locations, uncovering hidden secrets along the way.
For those seeking a similar but less intense alternative to Fear & Hunger, Felvidek is recommended. This indie RPG offers a stark and unique gaming experience that is equally immersive but without the overwhelming brutality found in Fear & Hunger. Players can explore the world of Felvidek without feeling the need for a mental cleanse afterward, making it a more accessible option for those looking to dip their toes into the realm of dark RPGs.
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