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

Zerocreation Games and 2P Games have crafted a unique visual novel with “The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty,” blending traditional Chinese art with modern animation for an intriguing, albeit dark narrative. As we dive deeper into this captivating adventure, it’s important to note that the game’s setting plays a significant role in shaping its story.

Set amidst the turbulent reign of Emperor Chongzhen (1628-1644), the narrative unfolds during a period marked by intense societal upheaval. Land grabs had spiraled out of control, and the nation found itself grappling with internal strife and external threats—all exacerbated by the bleak Little Ice Age. Desperation was rife as catastrophic events and harsh governmental policies culminated in widespread starvation, sparking numerous uprisings against the ruling Ming court.

In the thick of this chaos, we follow Liang, a bandit, and his companion Tongue, as they take on a seemingly simple task. They’ve been hired by a dubious merchant to escort four young girls safely to the city of Luoyang, where they are to be presented to a wealthy lord. The journey seems straightforward—traverse through regions like Huazhou, Wenxiang, and Shanzhou—but as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.

As the narrative progresses, Liang is enlightened by Sui, one of the girls in their care. The real intent of their mission is sinister—the lord they are delivering the girls to is, in fact, a Swine Demon. This devilish entity, infamous for its habit of feasting on young women, has been perpetuating his gruesome tradition for over a millennium. Sui’s revelation is deeply personal; her own sister fell victim to the demon’s ravenous appetite. Faced with this grim truth, Liang and Tongue are confronted with a moral dilemma: to complete the job as instructed or defy their orders and spare the girls from a ghastly fate.

Visual novels are an engaging way to experience layered storytelling, and “The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty” is no exception. Unlike its comedic or romantic counterparts, this title plunges into the depths of a haunting narrative. The game also features voice acting, giving players the option to immerse themselves with either Chinese or Japanese audio. For non-speakers, though, this will mean a fair bit of reading.

Players can navigate this tale on the Nintendo Switch using Joy-Con controllers, or alternatively, make use of the console’s touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop mode. Advancing through dialogues is just a button press away, and a variety of intuitive controls allow you to explore the game’s features like auto-play, revisiting previous dialogues, and managing your saves.

For completionists interested in uncovering the full breadth of the storyline, the Flow Chart serves as a guide, illustrating narrative paths and potential divergences where choices can lead players to alternate story arcs. An Extra section also allows access to unlocked music and CG scenes, enriching the overall experience.

“The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty” is a visual treat, marrying historical intrigue with aesthetic beauty. It challenges players with tough decisions, all while providing a rich auditory and visual experience. Available on the Nintendo Switch for $11.99, it’s a venture into a world that is as visually stunning as it is morally challenging.

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