Info about The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty:

Official game description:
During Chongzhen’s Reign (A.D. 1628-1644), land annexation reached unmitigated extremes, the country faced domestic issues and foreign invasions, coinciding with the catastrophic Little Ice Age. After many years of horrid disasters in succession one after another, the Ming court continued to impose inhumane policies resulting in widespread starvation and leading to the rise of multiple rebellions against the court.
Liang the bandit, and his companion are commissioned for a job from an unsavory merchant and must escort four girls to a wealthy lord in the city of Luoyang. They must pass through Huazhou, Wenxiang, Shanzhou, and finally reach their destination of Luoyang.
Liang initially believes that the girls he is escorting will be sold to the wealthy lord as adopted daughters to begin a new life. However, one of the four girls named “Sui” reveals the hidden secret of their journey to Luoyang.
The lord is a swine demon who has practiced devouring young ladies for over a thousand years. Every year on his birthday, he dispatches human traffickers to abduct girls from Shan in celebration of his special day. Sui’s sister was among the many who have fallen victim to the demon’s appetite.
Sui is hopeful that Liang will end the escort and join her in assassinating the swine demon to avenge her sister, and those who have perished in recent years. Although Liang wants to believe Sui, there are too many inconsistencies in her story. Throughout the journey, Liang will gather information, unravel the truth, and make his decisions accordingly.
Play as Liang, the main character and protagonist. His family has run a successful business for years, but Liang never saw himself as his father’s successor. Instead, he would rather travel the world as a hero and visit as many new locations as possible. The day of the Great Tianqi Explosion in 1626, was the day Liang lost everything. After becoming a refugee with nothing left to his name, he turned to a life of crime. Liang became a bandit and makes a living by killing others for loot.
Sui, a nine-year-old mute born in Luoyang. Her sister was killed by the swine demon that also dwells in Luoyang. To avenge her sister’s death, she intentionally let her self-become abducted to get close to the demon and assassinate him. Some, or all of the above statement is false, part of Sui’s untrustworthy nature.
Liang’s partner Tongue, the silver-tongued devil who is motivated by greed. When they work jobs together, Liang executes their target's lives while Tongue works on securing loot.
A girl from an authoritative family that was abducted by human traffickers. It is said to be a distant relative of governor general Yuan.
One of the two sisters from Northern Shannxi who was sold by her parents in a year of turmoil. She is full of vigor and an honest person, who cares deeply about her sister.
One of the two sisters from Northern Shannxi, also sold by her parents. She is charming, pure of heart, and is also very dependent on her older sister.
An old friend of Liang, who owns an inn outside of Haizhou city.
In the fifth year of Chongzhen (1633), a rebel leader came to Jin from Shan and called himself the "Dashing King".
The swine demon disguised as a wealthy lord that devours young girls on his birthday for thousands of years, according to Sui. He is also the one who has commissioned Liang to escort the four girls to the city of Luoyang.
There are a variety of different endings and branch options, but good deeds cannot be rewarded during times of war. Pay for the crimes Liang has committed and suffer the consequences.
In addition to a rich storyline, our goal is to achieve the highest level of quality in a Chinese visual novel. Implementing a unique combination of traditional Chinese art and animation style, focusing on impasto painting technique. We rigorously follow the clothing, architecture, environment and other elements of the late Ming Dynasty, to bring both the historical atmosphere and visually appealing aesthetic to our audience.
We also strive to achieve the highest level of authenticity in terms of sound quality. Music and sound effects will be composed by Lin Fangzhou, alongside our producer who will also provide direction and creative input. Leng Quan Ye Yue will lead as the voice recording director, working alongside talents like Hanser, Hua Ling (Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail), and others.
Key Features
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*   A mystery horror story around dark themes.
*   features 260,000 words of non-repetitive text and nine different endings, providing players with a high degree of decision making
*   Full voice-over lines with a professional cast.
*   Experience the Chinese culture by immersing yourself in the history, the art, the music & the amazing voice-over acting.
Production Team: Zerocreation Games
Producer/Script/Performance: Zero(嵇零)
Character Design (For main and supporting Character): Hutao-o-Jiazi(胡桃-o-夹子), Haishen(海神)
Scene Design: fronzenX
CG Director: Pazidinglu(帕兹定律)、Hutao-o-Jiazi(胡桃-o-夹子), Huoji(火吉)
Character Design (For NPC): Ziyinyin(梓茵茵)
Diagram Design: Chazi(叉子)
Programming: Yaoshu(遥溯)
Script/Performance Assistant: ice935, Jiuyue(九月)
Art Assistant: Huoji(火吉)、Xiaogutou(小骨头)
Interface Design/Art Promotion: Xiazhongmao(匣中猫)
Sound Design: Lin Fangzhou(林方舟)
Chinese Voice Recording Director: Lengquan Yeyue(冷泉夜月)
Chinese Voice Cast: hanser, Lengquan Yeyue(冷泉夜月), Hualing(花玲), Shi Yan(石琰), Liu Yilei(刘一蕾), Cheng Zhichao(程智超), Wang Xigua(王西瓜), Yu Shan(余珊), etc.

Release date: 22 Apr, 2024

Categories: Visual Novel, Interactive Fiction, Choice-based Narrative, Multiple Endings, Single-player Story, Environmental Storytelling


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Compelling narrative, deep characters (weight 0.95): The game features a captivating narrative with well-developed characters and impactful emotional moments. Reviewers highlighted the engaging plot, the depth of the characters' backgrounds and relationships, and the emotional resonance of the story's themes, particularly the multiple endings that leave a lasting impression.
- Immersive historical setting and storytelling (weight 0.9): The game excels in its immersive portrayal of the late Ming Dynasty, combining historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. Reviewers praised the detailed depiction of famine, social unrest, and the psychological impact on characters, creating a vivid and thought-provoking experience. The game's ability to evoke a strong sense of time and place is a major strength.
- Excellent art, music, voice acting (weight 0.79): The game's high-quality art style, music, and voice acting significantly enhance the overall experience. The visuals are praised for their aesthetic appeal and historical accuracy, while the music and voice acting effectively create atmosphere and bring the characters to life. Both Chinese and Japanese voice acting options are well-received.
- Well-structured, logical plot (weight 0.67): The game features a well-structured and logical plot with a satisfying narrative flow. Reviewers appreciated the clear explanations, interconnected events, and the absence of major plot holes. The game's concise length and engaging story make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players.
- Explores morality, survival, humanity (weight 0.19): The game explores profound themes related to morality, survival, and human nature in the face of adversity. Reviewers noted the game's ability to prompt reflection on difficult choices, the impact of famine and social unrest, and the complexities of good and evil in a chaotic world. The game's exploration of these themes adds depth and meaning to the overall experience.
- Harrowing depiction of famine (weight 0.06): The game effectively portrays the horrors of famine, particularly through the experiences of the female lead. Reviewers highlighted the graphic descriptions of starvation, cannibalism, and the breakdown of society, creating a visceral and emotionally impactful experience. The game's unflinching depiction of these themes adds to its overall power.
- Meaningful multiple endings (weight 0.06): The game's multiple endings offer diverse resolutions and emotional impacts, with some considered more realistic or romantic than others. Reviewers expressed preferences for specific endings based on their emotional resonance and thematic consistency. The variety of endings enhances replayability and allows players to experience different facets of the story.
- Excellent text-based adventure (weight 0.04): Reviewers praised the game as a standout text-based adventure, highlighting its engaging writing, immersive storytelling, and ability to evoke strong emotions. The game's success in the text-based format is a testament to its quality and impact. The game is a great entry point to story-driven games.
- Praised Hanser's voice acting (weight 0.04): Hanser's voice acting performance, particularly as Mansui, is a significant draw for many players. While some reviewers had initial reservations, most found her performance to be well-suited to the character and emotionally compelling. Her voice acting is a key element of the game's overall appeal.
- Appealing character art (weight 0.03): The female lead's character design and artwork are visually appealing and a draw for many players. The character's appearance and the overall art style contribute to the game's aesthetic appeal and initial interest. The character is cute and likeable.
- Worth the price (weight 0.03): Reviewers expressed strong satisfaction with their purchase, indicating that the game is worth the price and provides a rewarding experience. Some reviewers even purchased the game after initially playing a pirated version, demonstrating their appreciation and support for the developers. The game is worth the investment.

Common complaints:
- Inconsistent, illogical story/endings (weight 0.58): Many reviewers found the story and endings unsatisfying due to plot holes, forced or rushed character development, and logical inconsistencies. Some endings feel unearned or out of character, while others are too abrupt or anticlimactic.  The true ending, in particular, is criticized for feeling forced and illogical.
- Short length, limited content (weight 0.36): The game's short length and limited content are recurring issues. Reviewers felt the story was rushed and lacked depth, leaving them wanting more. The game also reuses assets, which contributes to the feeling of being unfinished.
- Disturbing, heavy themes (weight 0.3): The game's dark themes, including famine, cannibalism, and violence, are emotionally distressing for many players. Some reviewers found the content disturbing and difficult to handle, leading to feelings of sadness, unease, and even insomnia.  The game's realism amplifies the emotional impact.
- Suggestive content with minors (weight 0.22): Several reviewers express concern about the game's suggestive content involving minors, including scenes of spanking and bathing.  Some feel the game flirts with pedophilic themes, raising ethical concerns and potentially impacting Steam's review process.  These elements are seen as unnecessary and inappropriate.
- Inconsistent protagonist character (weight 0.21): The protagonist's character development is inconsistent and unconvincing.  His motivations are often unclear, and his actions can feel contradictory.  His sudden shifts in morality and behavior are not well-explained, making it difficult to empathize with him.
- Strong, lasting emotional impact (weight 0.21): The game has a strong emotional after-effect, with some reviewers reporting prolonged distress, sleeplessness, and a lingering sense of unease. The game's impact can be so intense that it requires taking breaks or hesitating to replay it.
- Translation errors, inconsistencies (weight 0.19): The game suffers from translation errors, typos, and inconsistencies, particularly in the Japanese translation. This detracts from the overall experience and makes immersion difficult.
- Inconsistent female lead character (weight 0.11): The female lead's character is inconsistent and underdeveloped. Her intelligence fluctuates wildly, and her age feels artificially emphasized. Her motivations and actions are sometimes implausible, making it difficult to connect with her.
- Regrettable Mansui ending (weight 0.01): The ending for Mansui is regrettable, and her constant dishonesty is a negative aspect. The reviewer felt a sense of emptiness after the Fulu banquet in the 'Symbiosis' ending, as they waited for Mansui but she didn't appear.

Gameplay feedback:
- Branching narrative, multiple endings (weight 0.11): The game features a branching narrative with multiple endings, determined by player choices. These choices often present moral dilemmas and impact character relationships, requiring multiple playthroughs to see all outcomes. A flowchart helps players navigate the branching paths.
- Dual narrative perspectives (weight 0.04): The game employs a dual narrative structure, often alternating between the perspectives of the main characters, Liang and Mansui. This approach enriches the character development and reveals hidden truths about the story and their motivations.
- Text-based visual novel (weight 0.02): The game is primarily a text-based adventure or visual novel, focusing on story and character development over action.  Gameplay involves reading text, viewing images, and making choices that influence the narrative.
- Protagonist's moral transformation (weight 0.02): The protagonist, Liang, undergoes a transformation throughout the story, grappling with his identity as a 'wolf' or a person with a conscience. This internal conflict drives his actions and shapes the narrative's outcome.
- Escort mission with hidden truths (weight 0.01): The main plot involves escorting four girls to Luoyang, but the true nature of this mission is gradually revealed. This central quest intertwines with themes of revenge, corruption, and moral choices.
- Mansui's revenge motivation (weight 0.01): Mansui's initial motivation is revenge, driven by the corrupt political environment. Her thoughts and purpose are often hidden, adding a layer of mystery to the story.
- Convenient visual novel features (weight 0.01): The game includes standard visual novel features like text skipping and adjustable reading speed. These features enhance the player experience and reduce the burden of replayability.
- Ending contrasts prosperity and famine (weight 0): The ending contrasts the prosperity of Luoyang with the famine in Shaanxi. The characters' final choices reflect personal destiny and the question of whether human nature can transcend survival instincts in desperation.
- Undesirable choices for completion (weight 0): Some choices that are obviously undesirable must be selected to achieve full completion, which is unpleasant.

Performance notes:
- Good performance, broad compatibility (weight 0.02): The game exhibits good performance and broad compatibility, running smoothly on various systems, including low-spec machines and Steam Deck. It also supports high resolutions like 8K. However, some visual elements may appear low-budget, and performance issues can arise with specific hardware configurations like trackpads and integrated graphics.
- Mixed soundtrack quality (weight 0.01): The game's soundtrack receives mixed feedback. While the pure music and theme song are enjoyable, some background music suffers from noticeable looping issues and unrefined quality, with abrupt transitions.
- Helpful UI customization options (weight 0): The game offers adjustable text speed, text display speed, the ability to return to previous choices, and a fast skip option. These features enhance user experience by providing customization and convenience.
- Occasional programming errors (weight 0): The game has occasional programming errors. This point is of low importance because it is vague and lacks specific examples.
- Average Steam Deck experience (weight 0): The gaming experience on the Steam Deck is average. This point is vague and doesn't provide specific details about what makes the experience only average.

Recommendations:
- Anticipation for sequel/DLC content (weight 0.16): Many reviewers express strong anticipation for a sequel or DLC that continues the story and further develops the characters, particularly Liang and Mansui. They hope for a continuation with a happy ending and improved production values.
- Concerns about plot and translation (weight 0.04): Some reviewers express concerns about the plot's quality, translation errors, and pacing issues, while others praise the script and voice acting. Some suggest the game tries to do too much and doesn't fully succeed as either a game or a novel.
- Varied preferences for game endings (weight 0.03): Reviewers have varied preferences for the game's multiple endings, with some favoring the tragic 'co-death' ending for its heroic resolution, while others prefer the 'living together' ending for its sense of hope. Some found the imperfect endings more impactful and realistic.
- Support for domestic game (weight 0.02): Some reviewers express a willingness to be more tolerant towards the game due to it being a domestic (Chinese) production, hoping for continued improvement in domestic game development. This point is included, but the importance is reduced due to the potential for biased reviews.
- Resonates with themes of hope (weight 0.02): The game is praised for its thematic depth, exploring class conflict, redemption, and the importance of hope in the face of despair. Reviewers note its ability to resonate with players facing difficult times and offer inspiration.
- More content for Mansui desired (weight 0.02): Some reviewers express a particular appreciation for the character Mansui and suggest that the game would benefit from more content focused on her perspective. They also suggest playing through her story in one sitting for emotional continuity.
- Overall positive/average experience (weight 0.02): Some reviewers provide overall scores and ratings, with most indicating a positive or average experience. These reviews offer a general sense of the game's quality but lack specific details.
- More character development needed (weight 0.01): Some reviewers suggest that the game could be improved by further developing the other characters and expanding on the protagonist's psychological changes. They feel the short length and lack of depth in character development are shortcomings.
- Accessible text-based adventure (weight 0.01): The game is praised for its accessibility and appeal to a broad audience, particularly for those who enjoy text-based adventure games. The reviewer appreciates the developer's focus on creating a 'true domestic text adventure'.
- Personal hopes for characters (weight 0.01): Some reviewers express personal hopes and wishes related to the game's themes and characters, such as a desire for a happy ending and a belief in the importance of human connection. These points are more emotional and less focused on specific gameplay elements.

Other player notes:
- Character appreciation and analysis (weight 0.02): Reviewers expressed fondness for specific characters, such as Yuan and Mansui, and their symbolic names. Some reviewers commented on voice acting choices and plot inconsistencies related to these characters. These points highlight the emotional connection players form with the game's cast.
- Promotes gratitude, reflection on society (weight 0.02): The game prompts reflection on the importance of food security and gratitude for living in a society where hunger is not a major concern. It emphasizes the need to care for the people and draws parallels with contemporary issues. Some reviewers expressed a desire for a film or animation adaptation.
- Gained attention through memes (weight 0.01): The game gained attention through internet memes and jokes, referencing historical figures. It provides insight into a specific historical period and has led to increased tourism to the game's setting. The game achieved strong initial sales and positive ratings.
- Realistic background, historical detail (weight 0.01): The game features realistic background content and attention to historical detail, adding an authentic touch. While it touches on heavy themes, it is not overly graphic. Some reviewers found the CGs visually appealing.
- Emotional and subjective review (weight 0.01): The reviewer enjoyed looking through the credits and finding the development team's usernames. This point shows signs of review bombing due to lack of specific details.
- Reviewer's first GL game (weight 0): The reviewer is a high school student and this is their first time playing this type of game. This point shows signs of review bombing due to lack of specific details.
- Story is full of despair (weight 0): The story evoked a sense of emptiness and sorrow, prompting reflection. This point shows signs of review bombing due to lack of specific details.
- Fan translation in progress (weight 0): A fan translation is in progress at Naver Cafe 'Soyogaekjan'. This point shows signs of review bombing due to lack of specific details.

Emotions:
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