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Hordes of Hunger, created by Hyperstrange and published by Kwalee, is a rewarding survival hack & slash experience. However, it can be tedious in execution. Is this game worthy of your time? Let’s find out.
In this game, you play the role of Mirah, a warrior sent by her father to fight demonic creatures, as he resurrects her each time the endless horde of demons defeats her. As the game progresses, you can find Non-Playing Characters that assist you in your adventures.
You possess multiple skills that develop over time by defeating demons and collecting power-ups, which enable you to choose the skills you wish to enhance. These skills transform you into a formidable killing machine, exemplified by Fire Wave, which leaves a trail of fire when you dash using one of your special moves.
During your run in the game arena, you will find health and other items that can help you survive the horde. However, you have limited space in your inventory for these food items and power-ups. After completing a few quests, you can return to your sanctuary to rest, purchase new permanent skills, and talk with NPCs. Remember that when you return to the Arena, whether from resting or being resurrected, you will restart the quests you have completed.
With that, the main problem I have with this game lies in the fact that you are punished for returning to your camp to rest. This also means that the power-ups you level in the arena are reset. Consequently, you will have to defeat more monsters to level the skills that are awarded through a random selection.
Yes, you do have permanent skills to upgrade, and you can find and enhance weapons; however, there still doesn’t seem to be a specific skill build available. For example, I enjoy building my character around fire or burning damage. When I have the option to upgrade a skill, I am offered three random skills, and often, I don’t receive the option I want to use.
That said, you still have the choice, or rather, the option to select the best skills that can work together to be a badass demon killer. I do wish you could build the character the way you want.
You can upgrade or change your weapons through the workshop menu at your camp. You need to find materials or items inside chests located in the arena levels. These materials or items may vary from common to rare. Of course, you must find the keys to unlock the chests; if you die in battle while holding keys, you will lose all the keys you have acquired.
In terms of combat, you can utilize your skills to fight the horde, and you have various actions at your disposal. You can jump (A button) and dash (B button). You also have parry/side step (left bumper), light attack (right bumper), heavy attack (right trigger), and a special attack (left trigger). I found that combat is enjoyable and one of the best aspects of the game.
This game offers excellent graphics and wonderful character designs. Mirah’s design is effective and creates a powerful impression, especially when she walks around camp with her sword over her shoulder. It’s a small detail that contributes to her character. The arena areas are well-designed, showcasing a town decayed by evil in great detail. The visuals are a highlight of the game.
The music is also great; often creepy and filled with action, it effectively sets the game’s horror tone.
If you’re into combat-heavy hack-and-slash games, you will find a lot to enjoy in this game. The combat is excellent, and the music and graphics create a fantastic atmosphere. The only downside is the feeling of repetitiveness that can make the game somewhat tedious. The absence of a proper character build system forces you to juggle with random skill and power-up options, relying more on luck than strategy.
Still, it has its fun moments if you can overlook its few downsides. I’d say give it a try. You might find a lot to like since the good seems to outweigh the bad.
