Intriguing and artistic, “The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty” from Zerocreation Games and 2P Games, pulls on the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese art blended with modern animation. As a unique visual novel, it takes you on a journey into a tumultuous time in China’s history, wrapped in a story that isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Set in the era of Chongzhen’s reign (1628-1644), this narrative unfolds against a backdrop of great turmoil. Land seizures have spiraled out of control, the after-effects of the Little Ice Age are wreaking havoc, and the nation is swamped with internal and external strife. The Ming Dynasty’s oppressive policies have pushed the population to the brink, leading to widespread hunger and numerous uprisings.
Enter Liang, a bandit, and his sidekick, Tongue. They’re hired by a shady merchant for a seemingly benign escort mission—accompanying four young girls safely to Luoyang to present them to a wealthy lord. The path seems straightforward: traverse through Huazhou, Wenxiang, and Shanzhou, and reach their destination. However, as you plunge into this visually stunning storyline, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.
The plot thickens when Sui, one of the girls, reveals the gruesome truth to Liang. The lord they are meant to deliver the girls to is, in fact, the Swine Demon. A creature with a thousand-year history of consuming young women, celebrating its own horrifying birthday tradition. Armed with this knowledge, Liang is faced with a moral dilemma. Will he complete his task for the reward promised, or will he find compassion for the girls and foil the Swine Demon’s plans?
“The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty” fits comfortably within the visual novel genre, which immerses you in story-rich adventures. This particular tale leans towards the darker side, distinct from light-hearted or romantic stories common in other visual novels. Expect extensive reading unless you’re fluent in Chinese or Japanese, as those are the languages of the full voice acting provided.
For those playing on the Nintendo Switch, you have the choice between using the Joy-Con or the touchscreen interface, particularly convenient in Portable or Tabletop modes or for Switch Lite users. You can navigate through the dialogue by pressing the X button, and various screen icons let you manage the gameplay—save your progress, replay scenes, or jump back to missed dialogue.
If you’re the completionist type, keeping an eye on the Flow Chart is essential. It maps out your journey through the narrative, indicating which paths offer additional choices and alternate storylines, making sure you leave no stone unturned. Plus, the Extra section offers a peek into the soundtrack and CG artwork you’ve unlocked along the way.
Zerocreation Games and 2P Games present a visually and narratively rich experience with “The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty,” though it’s crucial to note this game might not appeal to everyone due to its darker themes. With voice acting that supports both Chinese and Japanese, you can delve deeper into this compelling adventure on the Nintendo Switch for $11.99.
As with all our reviews, this one is courtesy of a Nintendo Switch copy provided by 2P Games. Dive in and see how you find this mix of history and fiction!
