Hangry is an intriguing addition to the hack-and-slash genre, offering a unique and humorous blend of combat and culinary creativity. As I was using a demo, let me try to provide a snapshot of its potential while also highlighting areas in need of improvement. Here’s a detailed look at what “Hangry” offers and where it falls short.

Monsters and the Food They Represent

In “Hangry,” players collect ingredients from various enemies and plants to cook meals, using the calories from these meals to level up their abilities. This concept sets the game apart, adding a fresh, engaging and amusing layer to the typical hack-and-slash mechanics. The monsters are designed to reflect the types of food they represent, which is a charming and creative touch.

The gameplay in “Hangry” stands out due to the unique concept. Players can explore different planets, each offering unique monsters and recipes. This variety not only keeps the game interesting but also enhances its replayability. The thrill of discovering new recipes and the strategic planning involved in choosing which abilities to level up based on calorie intake add depth to the gameplay, in my experience.

Cooking Segments in Hangry

I was very surprised, not being a particularly good cook myself, that one of the most enjoyable aspects of “Hangry” was the cooking segments. I found myself thoroughly engaged in finding and preparing recipes from the ingredients collected during battles. This feature is not only fun but also serves a practical purpose in the game, as the meals you cook directly influence your character’s abilities. In this game, you really are, or at least are obviously influenced by, what you eat.

Repetitive Combat and Basic Graphics

Having said that, “Hangry” is not without its flaws. The game can become repetitive, with combat often reduced to pressing a series of buttons to kill similar enemies again and again. This can, I think, make the gameplay feel monotonous over time, especially when the primary objective is to harvest ingredients to complete missions. Additionally, the graphics are quite basic, resembling a game from a previous generation. While this is understandable for a demo, it does detract from the overall experience and leaves much to be desired in terms of visual appeal.

The same may be said of the map design. The tutorial map is the same as the starting map in the main game which, I would argue, diminishes the sense of progression and exploration. Moreover, not all game mechanics are explained as clearly as they might be, forcing players to guess how certain features work. This lack of clarity can be frustrating and disrupt the flow of the game for new players. Though, of course, you do learn how these work eventually, better explanations would make for a smoother experience, I think.

Another issue is the game’s responsiveness. Actions like picking up items often require multiple attempts before they register, which can be irritating. Additionally, some enemy attacks feel unbalanced, with certain attacks healing enemies or being unavoidable due to magnetized effects. These aspects need optimization to provide a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay but, again, I say that keeping in mind that this is a demo.

In terms of streamability, “Hangry” is a single-player game, which limits viewer participation quite a bit. While it might be interesting to show off the game’s unique mechanics, the lack of interactive elements makes it somewhat less engaging for an audience.

Demo shows promise, but needs a bit of work

Currently, “Hangry” is a demo, and many of these issues might be addressed in the full release. However, in its current state, the game is very basic in what it tries to accomplish. The innovative concept and unique gameplay mechanics show promise, but the execution needs a bit of work, which I’m sure it will get.

STREAMER SCORE

Hangry (PC, PS5, Xbox One)

Overall

1.5

Performance
Streamability
Audience Engagement
Replayability

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User Review

0 (0 votes)

Summary

In conclusion, Hangry has a lot of potential with its unique concept and engaging cooking mechanics. However, the demo highlights several areas that need refinement. With improvements in gameplay variety, graphics, and responsiveness, “Hangry” could become a standout title in the hack-and-slash genre. For now, it offers an intriguing but imperfect experience.

Steam

Mega1X

From the moment I grasped a controller at a young age, the world of gaming has been a constant companion in my life, guiding me through myriad worlds and stories. An avid gamer ever since, I’ve always been drawn to the immersive universes of single-player games, where rich narratives and expansive worlds offer an escape into the depths of imagination and storytelling. My passion for gaming is not just about playing; it’s about experiencing and living through the amazing stories that these games offer, each one a unique adventure that enriches my love for this digital art form.

Beyond the screen, I’m a casual streamer, revelling in the joy of sharing my gaming experiences and connecting with like-minded individuals. This platform allows me to blend my love for technology and gaming, creating a space where conversations flow, friendships form, and the shared passion for gaming thrives.