The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty, developed by Zerocreation Games and 2P Games, is a visual novel that intertwines traditional Chinese art with modern animation, delivering a unique storytelling experience. This tale, set against the backdrop of the Late Ming Dynasty, is both enchanting and ominous, a combination that might not appeal to everyone. The story unfolds during the reign of Chongzhen, a time plagued by severe land annexation, internal strife, foreign invasions, and the harsh realities of the Little Ice Age. Amidst these tumultuous events, there were frequent disasters and oppressive policies that led to widespread starvation and eventual rebellions.
Our story follows a bandit named Liang and his companion, Tongue, who have been tasked with a seemingly straightforward job by a mysterious merchant. Their mission? To escort four young girls and ensure their safe arrival in Luoyang, where they are to be presented to a wealthy lord. The journey, which takes them through Huazhou, Wenxiang, and Shanzhou, seems simple enough at first glance. However, as you immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-drawn art of this visual novel, it’s clear that this is no ordinary escort mission.
Liang soon discovers a chilling secret. One of the girls, Sui, reveals that their destination holds something more sinister than anticipated. The lord awaiting them is, in fact, the dreaded Swine Demon, a creature infamous for devouring young women for over a millennia as part of its birthday celebrations. Sui’s personal tragedy, losing her sister to the Swine Demon, adds weight to her revelation. Faced with this unsettling truth, Liang must decide whether to complete their mission or to find a way to free the girls from their grim fate.
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty weaves a dark, intricate narrative within the framework of a visual novel. These types of games are known for transforming novel-length stories into engaging visual narratives. While some favor lighthearted plots, others, like this one, delve into deeper, darker themes. Voice acting enriches the experience, available in both Chinese and Japanese, though non-speakers will need to prepare for a substantial amount of reading.
Playing on the Nintendo Switch, you have the flexibility of using the Joy-Con controllers or the console’s touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop Mode. Progress through the dialogue by pressing the X button. The interface is user-friendly, featuring icons to navigate options like auto-play, viewing previous dialogues, saving or loading your game, skipping text you’ve read before, or adjusting settings.
For those intent on fully exploring the game, the Flow Chart comes in handy. It provides insight into the overall progression and highlights chapters with branching paths leading to alternative storylines. Additionally, an Extra section allows you to review all the music and CG artwork you’ve unlocked throughout your journey.
To sum up, The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty, with its captivating blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, offers a thought-provoking adventure. As Liang and Tongue set out to Luoyang, guided by your choices, you will uncover the true nature of their mission. With voice acting options and an enticing $11.99 price tag, this game is now available on Nintendo Switch, awaiting those brave enough to unravel its mysteries.
Disclaimer: This review of The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by 2P Games.
