Hunger uses PIG’s GenreDiversion I (GDI) system. Since this is an add-on to be used with any of the other GDI games, I will just give a quick over view of the rules. GDI is a 2d6 roll under system where you add your ability and the skill rating. If you roll under your skill rating you succeed. This applies to combat as well as skills. GDI is a good, simple system that is flexible enough for most any application.
Character generation is pretty simple, you basically choose your gender, age, and randomly determine fitness rating. All zombies begin with brawling, composure, and stealth skills. Then you get 15 points to spend on other skills, but you can only use these if you have an epiphany (see below). Then you pick your gimmicks (all zombies start with life sense, lurch, and vibe), up to three more in addition to the ones you start with. Then you roll for glut, which is partially related to your fitness rating.
The gimmick really add flavor to the game and range from gross to funny. Some of the ones I like the most were: Explosive Regurgitation, Jelly Bones, and Putrid Belch.
How does a zombie do what it does? In Hunger one of the most important new mechanics is the “glut”. You can use glut to activate special effects from your zombie’s gimmicks and activate an Epiphany. An Epiphany is when a character experiences, witnesses, or remembers something from their life. During play you can spend glut to remember something from your life, such as if you were a cop, you could possibly remember how to use a gun. They can also be used for more simple things like how to turn the lights on and such. The trick is you have add narration showing why you might remember. I think that the above mechanics are great and really give the game the intended feel.
Now to the heart of the game, eating humans! Since glut is what powers so much of your zombie’s best stuff, you will want to keep full-up on it. The best way to do that is to brains, organs, and other parts. Generally it involves the zombie making a successful grab attack followed with a bite attack next round. Since a single bite doesn’t take down those wiggly humans, any good zombie will have buddies around to help drag them down. The GM is responsible for the extra zombies who help the PC zombies swarm humans.
Content/layout
Since this is meant as an add-on for other GDI games it gives you all the additional rules and mechanics that are needed to play zombies. In addition to the required rules it also gives advice about how to run the game and good example of play. Another nice feature is the story seed section that gives several short a description of places and or groups of humans to get the game going with. Hunger also includes a nice scenario “class of 2005” that takes place on a college campus.
The layout is great. The fonts, graphics, and writing all enhance the theme of the game. I feel like a broken record sometimes but this level of quality, normally seen only from larger publishers, has become what I expect to see from PIG.
Conclusion:
If you want to have some fun, from a zombie’s point of view, Hunger is a game you should definitely check out. Great quality and concept backed with zombies make this a game that any zombie fan should add to his collection.
http://www.pigames.net/