[Nintendo Switch] The Hungry Lamb: A Journey Through the Late Ming Dynasty – Review

"The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty," developed by Zerocreation Games and 2P Games, blends the captivating allure of traditional Chinese art with modern animation in a visual novel format. In this review, we’ll dive deeper into what makes this game an intriguing, yet potentially polarizing, exploration set against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period.

Set during the reign of Emperor Chongzhen, from 1628 to 1644, the game takes place in an era marked by land annexation, domestic turmoil, and foreign invasions—all amidst the chilling conditions of the Little Ice Age. Faced with enduring natural calamities and oppressive governmental policies, the populace turns to rebellion, fueling a narrative steeped in conflict and survival.

The story follows a bandit named Liang and his partner, Tongue, who are hired by a shady merchant for an ostensibly straightforward mission: escorting four young women safely to a wealthy lord in Luoyang. The path is laid out through Huazhou, Wenxiang, and Shanzhou. The task seems easy on the surface, but as you immerse yourself in the stunning hand-drawn visuals, it becomes evident that there’s more beneath the surface.

Things take a dark turn when Sui, one of the women being escorted, reveals the chilling truth to Liang: the lord they’re delivering the girls to is, in fact, the Swine Demon. This malevolent being has been feasting on young women for over a millennium, indulging his gruesome tradition on his birthday each year. This horrifying revelation presents Liang with a moral quandary—continue the mission or defy the odds to set the girls free?

Visual novels are known for their rich, narrative-driven experiences and "The Hungry Lamb" doesn’t shy away from complexity. The game’s narrative leans towards the darker spectrum, enriched with voice acting in both Chinese and Japanese. Not fluent in these languages? Don’t worry; the game will keep you engaged with plenty of reading.

On the Nintendo Switch, you can navigate this engrossing story using the Joy-Con controllers, or you can opt for the touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop Mode, making it versatile for different play settings. Controls are intuitive: press X to advance dialogue, or use the A button in conjunction with the left stick or D-Pad to access features like auto-play, save/load functions, and settings.

To fully appreciate the game’s narrative intricacies and explore every possible story path, the Flow Chart becomes your best companion. This feature updates your progress, indicating which chapters contain additional choices and alternative story arcs. Beyond the main story, the Extra section allows you to savor the game’s unlockable music and CG art.

"The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty" offers a unique narrative informed by historical events, all while presenting a moral dilemma that challenges players’ choices. Available now on the Nintendo Switch for $11.99, it’s a haunting journey into the past wrapped in the captivating aesthetic of traditional Chinese art—a tale not easily forgotten.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by 2P Games.