Hungry Horrors [Developer Showcase]

Face legendary creatures from British and Irish folklore in Hungry Horrors, a captivating roguelike deck-builder where the art of cooking is your only defence.

In this enchanting indie adventure, you’ll take on the role of a determined princess, challenged with saving her kingdom from a host of mythical monsters by satisfying their monstrous appetites. Master your culinary skills, prepare traditional dishes, and appease your foes – or risk facing their wrath.

Set against the backdrop of the mystical British & Irish Isles, Hungry Horrors weaves an atmospheric tale filled with magic, folklore, and cooking. As the kingdom’s last hope, you must traverse environments inspired by the lush countryside of the British & Irish Isles, from dense forests and misty moors to ancient castles and haunted bogs. Along the way, you’ll encounter creatures straight out of Celtic, English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh mythology, each drawn from age-old legends. However, unlike most adventures, this is not a story of combat, but one of culinary conquest.

Each legendary monster has a craving for a specific dish, and it’s up to you to decipher their tastes and whip up the perfect meal. With a wide array of traditional recipes from the British & Irish Isles, such as Champ, Stargazy Pie, and Cranachan, you must adapt your cooking style to please each monster’s unique palate. Fail to match their tastes, and you’ll be forced to deal with their fury. The game combines elements of strategy, exploration, and puzzle-solving as you gather ingredients, unlock new recipes, and experiment with different combinations to keep the monsters at bay.

Hungry Horrors is more than just a simple cooking game – it’s a dynamic experience where each playthrough offers something new. The procedural generation of biomes ensures that every run will present fresh and unpredictable encounters with new folklore monsters, dishes to prepare, and secrets to uncover. As you venture deeper into the game, you’ll come face to face with some of the most iconic creatures of myth and legend, from the fearsome Barghest and the mischievous Púca to the menacing Banshee and the mighty dragon that awaits at the final chapter.

As you travel through the game’s pixelated landscapes, you’ll meet an array of mythical characters who may assist you in your quest. Figures like Herne the Hunter might offer additional side quests, revealing hidden secrets, granting you special rewards, or unlocking legendary artefacts that will aid you in your journey. Along the way, you can rescue familiars – small, magical creatures who will accompany you on your adventure and offer valuable perks, from improving your cooking efficiency to gathering rare ingredients. Every door introduces a unique set of monsters and dishes, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging, with plenty of surprises waiting around every corner.

At the heart of Hungry Horrors is Clumsy Bear Studio, a small but passionate independent game development team founded by real-life couple Scott Fitzsimmons and Jerzy Pilch. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds – Scott’s expertise in software development and pixel art, and Jerzy’s experience in game design, lore creation, marketing, and community engagement – they’ve crafted a game that reflects their shared passion for storytelling and gaming. Prior to creating Hungry Horrors, the duo ran Oniric Labs, an augmented reality company that produced immersive experiences for some of the world’s leading brands, including Meta, League of Legends, and LVMH. Now, they’re turning their full attention to their indie game development studio, hoping to share their love of folklore, narrative-driven design, and pixel art with the world.

Hungry Horrors offers more than just a unique gameplay experience – it’s a celebration of British and Irish folklore, infused with a deep love for the region’s culture and history. Scott’s pixel art beautifully captures the charm and mystery of the mythical British Isles, while Jerzy’s detailed lore and engaging narrative draw players into a world brimming with magic and wonder. Every detail, from the mythical monsters to the recipes you cook, is thoughtfully crafted to immerse players in the enchanting atmosphere of this folkloric adventure.

Adding to the experience is an evocative and atmospheric soundtrack, currently being composed by Henry Taylor. His music adds depth and emotion to the game, enhancing the tension of encounters and the serene moments of exploration. Whether you’re cooking under the pressure of a hungry monster or peacefully wandering through a quiet meadow, the soundtrack sets the perfect mood for your journey.

With its unique blend of strategic cooking, pixel art, and folklore-driven narrative, Hungry Horrors offers a fresh and enchanting take on the roguelite genre. Will you be able to cook your way through a world of myth and legend, satisfying the monstrous appetites that threaten your kingdom? Only the most skilled chefs will be able to conquer the Hungry Horrors and restore peace to the realm.

Features

Culinary Combat: Swap traditional battles for cooking as you feed legendary creatures from British and Irish folklore. Use your culinary skills to pacify monsters, each with unique appetites and cravings.
Folklore-Filled World: Encounter iconic creatures from Celtic, English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh mythology, including the Barghest, Púca, Banshee, and many more, all beautifully brought to life in a pixel art style.
Strategic Recipe Crafting: Master traditional dishes from the British & Irish Isles, like Champ, Stargazy Pie, and Cranachan. Adapt your cooking to satisfy each monster’s specific palate, and experiment with different recipes to avoid their wrath.
Dynamic Roguelite Gameplay: The randomized assignment of food preferences for monsters ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, while your journey through the game is shaped by the choices you make after every encounter. Each door you pick leads to a different experience, whether it’s a room filled with terrifying monsters, a treasure trove of loot, a helpful shop, or a mysterious quest giver, making every run unique and full of surprises.
Exploration and Secrets: Traverse diverse environments inspired by the British Isles, from haunted bogs and ancient forests to serene meadows and old castles. Uncover hidden secrets, legendary artefacts, and side quests given by mythical characters like Herne the Hunter.
Familiars and Side Quests: Along your journey, meet and rescue magical familiars who offer unique perks, such as improved cooking or ingredient gathering. Embark on side quests for rewards and uncover additional lore.
Mythical Pixel Art: Enjoy stunning pixel art that captures the enchanting beauty of the mythical British Isles, from its mysterious landscapes to its beautifully designed monsters and characters.
Engaging Narrative: Immerse yourself in a folklore-rich story crafted by Clumsy Bear Studio. The narrative draws heavily from British and Irish myth, weaving magic and history into a captivating tale of culinary conquest.
Evocative Soundtrack: Experience an atmospheric soundtrack by Henry Taylor, enhancing the game’s enchanting environments and adding emotional depth to both intense encounters and moments of peaceful exploration.