Fear and Hunger - A Guide to Hope in the Heart of Darkness

Welcome back everyone,
Made it in just in time before the end of the year.
This time with a review of Fear and Hunger. The first F&H that is, I may do Fear and Hunger: Termina at some point but for the next I want to not have to deal with manually covering up balls and readjusting for where a game doesn't support 16:9.
Seriously no more 3:4 games for a while.
Either way, Merry Christmas for those that celebrate!
I did have a quite a lot of fun making this one over the four months it took. And actually put my hand to some manual 2D animation, not just paper-puppet picture in picture. But full drawing 70 frames for a 2 second clip kind of animation. Boy is it time consuming, but I'm very happy with how it turned out and I think it really added to something to it.
If you've taken the time to read this far please go buy the game!
It's on itch or steam and is £5.79 that like slightly more than lunch, you can afford it.
Thank you again to Arazmis for the Valk encounter art and Voicing the God of Funger herself.
Her links are here:
Twitter: / _arazmis
KZbin: / @arazmis6305
The Map of the Dungeon can be found here:
drive.google.com/file/d/1zlPG...
The Lucky Coin 3D model:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:638...
If you do print your own, do let me know!
You can find me at the following:
Twitter: / devalk_
Or join the Discord: / discord
00:00 Prologue
00:36 Intro
03:33 Gameplay basics
08:29 Combat
11:13 Light Spoilers - (Characters and Gods)
20:12 Medium Spoilers - (Early Game)
26:38 Heavy Spoilers - (Late Game and Endings)
53:19 Spoilers are over - Conclusion

[@oranger2136]

Sorry I'm not a complete masochist, I'll just play Pokémon to cope and pretend that I'm good at JRPGs.

[@devalk_]

Honestly entirely fair. It's not a game for everyone, I'd say it's not even a game for *most* people

[@lazykoyote7128]

Same, love hearing about the game and watching videos but I just know that I wouldn't enjoy playing it at all

[@Hammers_Peace]

Treat it like resident evil, use your saves as experimental timelines

[@AzureRadio]

Pokémon is my favorite IP and I ate up Funger and it's lore lol. Haven't had a game make me as excited since Undertale

[@DevilsAdvocate669]

JRPG fans usually run away whenever a game has actually good story.

[@goodthingshee]

“drastic non-consensual weight loss” is a great way to describe dismemberment

[@ajflink]

I don't want to say it is correct; however, I cannot say its wrong either.

[@TenebraeXVII]

Defeating the Skin Granny at the Tower of the Endless grants you an infinite use safe bed to save in but you can gain the ability to make ANY bed in the game safe to sleep in, removing the coin flip, by killing every enemy in the same zone who can reach that bed.

[@IdOnThAvEaUsE69]

I just used an online RPG maker save file modifier, to give myself 999 books of enlightenment, and 999 empty scrolls. And I could explore the dungeons in peace without getting jumpscared by a random attack I don't want to have xD. That and watching countless Fear and Hunger lore vids certainly did make this game memorable in my brain.

[@lordheadassjr7274]

3 months late, but you don't even have to kill skin Granny. Just sleep in the bed in the present instead of the past and you can save freely.

[@tiagomarx5072]

I need the Guide to Termina. Tomorrow. Hurry up KZbin boy

[@devalk_]

😭

[@wdbisl]

​@@devalk_You can do it! I look forward to that video in the future.

[@coopernut]

Dude... the logo of the God of Fear and Hunger turning into the 'A' on the title... makes a man go bonkers with how awesome that is

[@devalk_]

Thank you, I stole the idea from the "M" in Termina. And it was actually one of the easier bits to animate, at least compared to her transformation animations.

[@ludwigjosh9619]

​@@devalk_ what music you used?

[@Dx20xygen7]

​@@devalk_ Oh wait you animated that yourself? That's crazyy! So much effort put into this excellent video, I'm still in awe from the map you drew

[@zephshoir]

The sheer dedication here is so impressive! The editing, animation, props and even the homemade map at 20:58 are astonishingly high quality! I really wasn't expecting this to be so high quality, you deserve to be a lot bigger!

[@devalk_]

I'm glad you liked it! I'm at about 130% of the subs I was before this video so I already feel a lot bigger...

[@KingsYellowSign]

I became obsessed with this game. I practiced the play of The King In Yellow, from the city of Yhtill. When I heard "This is what you are" I broke into tears. I love this game; for me it reflects how life is of suffering so you can get rewarded, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But it is a way of showing ourselves what we can achieve. Love your video. "Fear motivated people while hunger kept them moving forward. People cherished hardship and drew inspiration from it. They learned from it."

[@devalk_]

"this is what you are" is such a wonderful track, I'd been waiting for a video to use it in. Glad you enjoyed the video, There is definately something very relatable in the suffering the game depicts.

[@Debland1989]

I had a few moments that nearly brought me to tears in this game. One was the girls transformation, another was seeing the youngest golem in the past become a broken, insane being in the present

[@Pudding404]

I have to say, you have a gift with words when introducing the old gods and the Girl ascending as the god of fear and hunger for the A ending. Won't ever get tired of deep-dives into this game.

[@devalk_]

Glad you enjoyed it! The Gods and Funger herself were really fun sections to do, Even if they did take ages...

[@SirLagsalot123]

I have no idea who you are or why you were randomly recommended to me but this was incredibly well done and for the sheer effort and quality of this single video alone I hope you succeed in future content creation my friend.

[@devalk_]

Thank you! I'm just some harpy, This video has been doing remarkably well compared to usual, I think Fear and Hunger content is just quite popular in the algorithm at the moment.

[@onionsieglinde8718]

​@@devalk_That's honestly even more impressive, that you made the video using harpy talons instead of human hands. You got a subscriber!

[@97Multiphantom]

The Black Knight segment was genius. I especially love the use of Pulse and Anxiety to imply that he’s somehow a huge threat.

[@snowhaired4757]

I must admit the God of Fear and Hunger ending and the way you've put it, with the voice acting and music, has made me cry a good few times. I've been going through stuff lately and that speech just hits hard.

[@MrBadAtThisYT]

Holy shit you're covering this! Amazing work as always, I always love analyses of this game, and this video is so fucking amazing! And a full HOUR?! This is a dream come true! Edit: The black knight bit was beautiful

[@Cheezitnator]

I saw a playthrough where insulting Francois would prevent him from attacking. It was pretty funny how insecure he is.

[@devalk_]

Yes you can fully trivialize his boss-fight by doing it. It works on both phases two and gives 2 turns where he skips all actions.

[@Parzivle]

Listen explaining fear and hunger combat with the black knight is one of the most apt comparisons I’ve ever seen

[@lorenzogaspero9758]

Just One thing about Cahara: he goes in the dungeon for Le'garde. His "gig" that he mention Is the Mission to save him and it s settled in this dungeon that he Heard Is full of treasure

[@ZnowWizard]

I know I said this a year ago during your Incription review, but I think my statement still stands. Your reviews have been getting better with every new review. And with all the new added touches you did with this review, you are easily one of my all time favorite reviewers these days. I cannot imagine how much more time it added doing all those hand drawn bits. Like the hand drawn map with all the bits and bobs sprinkled in the details, I think I would slam my head against my desk over and over again if I wanted to do something like that myself haha. So thank you very much, and this was a great review.

[@devalk_]

Thank you! I'm super happy with how it came out myself, I think all the extras lent it something special In terms of time I don't keep an exact track, but I spend about 1-4 hours per day on a work night, and 2-14 on non work day, working on the video. I finished scripting early September, and I don't work on it every day. But you can probably get an estimate from that

[@VolkorelArgili]

Just found your channel upon binge watching any and every Fear & Hunger related video and honestly surprised at the fact that you do not have tens of thousands of subscribers! This is a great video by all means and I am definitely sticking around for more.

[@devalk_]

Thank you! Also for some reason YT decided to hold your commend for manual review. Genuinely no idea why...

[@VolkorelArgili]

Since my comment I actually had to take a couple of peeks onto your channel and holy hell, almost every game I'm a fan of is covered by you. This is like a hidden gem bwahah. KZbin fears the dungeon dweller @@devalk_

[@volpe2077]

It's always a good time when someone drops an hour-long analysis on F&H! Love the editing, great work!

[@thearizonaranger2725]

What a great video! I absolutely love your editing and how nicely you were able to explain the many endings and backstories! This is my first video but definitely not the last.

[@devalk_]

Glad to have you on board!

[@MrVohaul]

The combat explained through King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail has gone and earned you a subscription, sonny Jim! Genius!

[@beedawgg7304]

this is def one of the best games i’ve played. for a whopping $8 too?! sheesh what an experience. i’m not in the current headspace to hop into Termina which i hear is so much better and refined. i put close to 50 hours into F&H 1

[@IdOnThAvEaUsE69]

When you do get into Termina, I suggest you to follow a steam guide to get ending A, if you want to save everyone (well most people anyway). And watching a few lore vids especially Worm Girl's vids will let you know what truly happened.

[@Ash_The_Crow2112]

This is the best early Christmas gift i could get. Mery Christmas evrybody

[@devalk_]

Glad you liked it, Merry Christmas!

[@sukumuieywang8058]

I’ve never known so much about a game while not having put a single minute into it. I want to eventually, but I have to mentally prepare myself to suffer for a while

[@williamshakemilk2192]

I wouldnt say its worth it. Everything about the game is exceptional but the actual gameplay itself. Its completely unintuitive.

[@sukumuieywang8058]

@@williamshakemilk2192 Yeah I know it’s not intuitive, but I honestly think that’s part of the point. I think it’s intentional that nothing is explained because if you’re entering a dilapidated and corrupted dungeon, it’s natural that youd be confused and have to experiment and try to understand your surroundings.

[@goobermagoob9160]

@@sukumuieywang8058 I would summarize it like this: it doesn’t have skill checks or reflex checks. Even DPS checks are rare on normal difficulty. It has knowledge checks that can only be obtained by dying and experimenting with things.

[@alterionnarvien5933]

Im sorry, but your content is amazing! Please dont stop covering games! ~~Also you have a really nice voice!~~

[@devalk_]

Thank you! I've certainly no plans on stopping, if I dissappear for a while it's more likely I've let scope creep get the better of me...

[@sev9597]

You should hear him say “Vrelnir”

[@angelnyberg2304]

Such a well edited video, you put a lot work to this, the fear and hunger community thanks you :)

[@madkatdude7135]

That part with king Arthur and the black knight was genius, well done!

[@BBoy4040]

I'm a simple man. I see an hour long Fear and Hunger video essay, I click.

[@ilMioMondoSulTuoTubo]

I am so mad that I just found this banger of a youtube channel, and it does not have at least 100k subs, honestly. Your reviews are insane, I'm going to binge watch all of them

[@devalk_]

Very glad you enjoyed it! Hitting just 1000 sub was more than I expected, so I'm always grateful to hear people like it.

[@adrianrui]

Cahara getting the A ending is heartbreaking honestly, what with him having those unique interactions likely being because he's a father to be and because he's the most selfless one who has the most to lose

[@pablosoria4071]

I fell asleep watching another video and this popped up, and I definitely wasn't expecting this quality in both script and editing. Glad to have stumbled on this.

[@devalk_]

Glad you found me!

[@jessejames8547]

Much props to you for the quality of this video, I recently really got into the lore of F&H, so well done

[@eatmynutsarchmage4883]

okay the monty python bit was really clever, you earned a subscriber!

[@ceinwenchandler4716]

"Much like in real life, the best way to restore your sanity is binge-drinking." HAHAHAHA

[@huldanoren951]

Man I love how much you roast Enki, and he's my favorite character!

[@devalk_]

He's mine as well, the goofy little misanthrope

[@Laucron]

This was some fantastic work, props! Was going to use it on the background but I'll have to rewatch later, lot's of nice gags

[@thegamer101n]

Amazing editing and work on the vid. Was kept on my seat the whole way but that last part for Ending A was just heartbreakingly beautiful

[@devalk_]

So glad to hear it. The A ending is probably my favourite thing I've made on here

[@JuneSzalkowska]

Great halloween special

[@devalk_]

Dammit June...

[@JuneSzalkowska]

@@devalk_ im still salty over when u made me play it and i screamed because of the dogs

[@devalk_]

@@JuneSzalkowska They are indeed quite loud, though why would you be so scared of your kin?

[@ms.blackfire2927]

great video I have seen already some stuff about fear and hunger it's definitely not a game for me but I really like the art style the griddiness and darkness to it that is very appealing and also great review of the game thank you for another video,, nice Christmas gift

[@Rymc2]

ive seen a playthrough and choosing the right chat options with Frascois stun locks him. great work

[@devalk_]

Yes you need to tell him he's a puppet and it will stop him from attacking from two turns Can be quite useful if your run isn't going too well.

[@Chaoslordx13]

The way you did the girl turning into the godbof fear and hunger... absolutely beautiful.. brought tears to my eyes.. amazing job!

[@onionsieglinde8718]

The work and editing on this is incredible!!!!

[@wildpikachu9999]

With that ending joke I now really want to see you talk about any of the Postal games. Good to see more from you, as enjoyable as ever.

[@devalk_]

Postal 2 is definitely a personal favourite, There's really nothing like it, except maybe postal 4...

[@kats1203]

This is a lovely video !! I enjoyed the editing a lot. The bits of IRL, the bits of animation. The fact you physically jotted down a map of the game. Goddamn. Great video !! I wish you luck with your future projects. As for why I dated Pocketcat in the Dungeon Nights, I love him. I love him a lot. :)

[@M12Z0]

I havve watched a lot of analysis, but your video, is the greatest! Cosplay of the channel character, ritual circle, animations, memes, complete history and spoiler warnings?? My guy, you deserve an Oscar

[@JakeSafetyMan]

Great video, the amount of effort you put into this video speaks for itself!

[@ghhn4505]

Holy cow, this is so well done. The production values are wild, I'm stunned you don't have more subs. Gonna help with that and subscribe.

[@devalk_]

Thank you! I'm glad so many people are enjoying it, I have fun making them the best I can as a hobby, it's been wild to see how many people have flocked to it.

[@wafran3396]

I just discovered your channel, I love your style and humour! I'm definitely subscribing.

[@lavery87]

Seriously so impressed with the quality of this video really surprised there aren’t as many comments talking about it, see this channel blowing up soon for sure!

[@matthewclaridge8063]

I think Pocketcat is based on the work of an artist named Louis Wain (1860-1939). Although Louis Wain was relatively well known for his early works featuring anthropomorphic cats published in scores of magazines and childrens books. He ultimately become famous for his decent into madness. Which gave his later works (again featuring anthropomorphic cats) unsettling and psychotic quality's. Plus when you look at Miro Haverinen (the Fear and Hunger dev...) horrifically twisted characters designs it's pretty obvious that his artistic style is based on a dark and macabre type of abstract surrealism. Another hint backing up this idea can be found when you talk to Pocketcat in the Museum (Fear and Hunger 2 Termina) as I don't believe it's a mistake that yourself and Pocketcat have your conversation while standing in font of a massive copy of "Guernica". One of Pablo Picasso's most famous and disturbing paintings, Guernica was inspired by the 1937 Spanish civil and is known because of its powerful abstract portrayal of universal suffering, especially that of innocent victims..

[@IreSketch]

love how the sergal spear got added in reference of "Neko the sergal", a youtuber who played F&H at its beginning, cool video too

[@anitaremenarova6662]

I'm extremely surprised how few subs you have given the video quality, incredible stuff!

[@Luke-nt1eq]

This is my first video I’ve seen of You and you are bloody hilarious can’t wait to watch the rest of your videos.

[@devalk_]

Thank you!

[@ryanthomas5874]

Discovered you through your Degrees of Lewdity video and every video of yours that I’ve watched have been bangers, keep up the good work, can’t wait for the next video

[@devalk_]

Glad you're enjoying them Next video is well into editing atm, My aim is end of the month, but it will depend on how much scope creep I get with the editing

[@ryanthomas5874]

Looking forward to it!

[@Edhead.]

These videos are fantastic keep going and you’ll do amazingly

[@ohyeahbobboganbrother2549]

Randomly finding the best video for Fear and Hunger with a criminal number of views.

[@devalk_]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's actually my best performing video now

[@wildfire9280]

29:33 Fork-shaped gods should take notes on this.

[@J_Pawsadas-PTSDEnjoyer]

murderous sergussy got me acting unwise but actually i just found your channel searching for stuff about need for madness, thought that video was pretty good but lacked some polish (made up for with getter reference). this is much, much better and shows your improvement over the years. loved it. keep up the good work.

[@devalk_]

After all these years someone finally gets that it was referencing Getter. I can die happy now! Glad you're enjoying the videos

[@mategido]

10/10 editing skills, amazing video!

[@jorgedeanoperez2997]

Holy moly, the production value on this one! You've earned yourself a sub, Harpy

[@devalk_]

Much appreciated!

[@jorgedeanoperez2997]

@@devalk_ also stumbled upon your Insta and cosplay. Great stuff!

[@briancordry8165]

the editing, script writing, and delivery on this video are absolutely outstanding.

[@briancordry8165]

actually, upon finishing this, i'd say that this is the definitive video on fear & hunger. fantastic work

[@devalk_]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@zwe_246]

I found your channel from " Degree of lewdity " video and woah that animation was so good. The transition from The god of fear and hunger symbol to A was smooth. This was such a high quality video. I can't never get tired of fear and hunger documentary type video.

[@bluebow5014]

Yo I’m not even a minute in and I adore this editing and framing Apologies for coming here late but I felt the need to praise where praise is due

[@devalk_]

Don't worry, I'm always happy to have more people! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@viktorhhh1]

dang bro. First video of yours i have watched, and one thing i gotta say is you should have wayyyy more subscribers. The homemade map was awesome, and also the extra animations you did with that girl around 45min mark stand out to me. Keep going bro!

[@devalk_]

Thank you! I plan to.

[@hibikikuze1876]

A high quality video, props mate. Your humor and editing make for a very funny time unlike actually delving into the dungeon. That is unless your knowledge is vast enough to bend the game's mechanics to your whims. Looking forward to a video on Termina.

[@devalk_]

Ah Empty Scrolls my beloved

[@chadcuzbad7009]

24:30 LMAO love how this is just glossed over

[@thecore8605]

Playing this game made me realize about something daunting. Every SINGLE ONE of the depictions humanity has on the old gods, it's just what some mortals could see of their traces, they are gone almost since the dawn of humanity. And these are the traces we find in the dungeons, Gro'goroth makes this clear

[@TheNeuromancer_]

Finally KZbin recommended me another small but entertaining KZbinr, it's a great vid chief 😎.

[@devalk_]

Thank you homie!

[@leonhart829]

One of the best Funger vids on the platform dude. Great humor, descriptions on point, good video editing... Yeah, I think I'll throw a sub there if your other vids are anything like this!

[@devalk_]

Glad you enjoyed it. I do have other videos they juet get progressively worse audio the further back you get.

[@_Diabolictrash]

I think its one of the best if not the best video on Fear & Hunger I've seen, I really hope you will cover Termina in a future (take your time tho)!

[@devalk_]

I do plan to cover Termina, But I'm probably going to hold out until the next update is out at least, it's looking like a big one. Big features like possible S endings and Fishing could change things drastically. Glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@hi_tech_reptiles]

I havent even played these games but the lore and everything is so compelling i watch tons of videos and know more about it at this point than many games ive 100%ed lol

[@devalk_]

It's less than £6 so worth picking up to support the dev if nothing else.

[@dirtybean2746]

Your DOL was really good will be watching you from now on

[@figgy4776]

amazing job on this video, the quality is exceptional

[@devalk_]

Thank you! I'm glad people are enjoying it.

[@7thmizukage]

A Termina video would be awesome 😭 this was my first video of yours and wow what a banger

[@devalk_]

Glad you enjoyed it, A Termina video is certainly on the cards

[@bruhmoment1067]

that black knight bit was so well edited 🙏🙏

[@mariogariazzo2024]

Oh my god you made an animation! This is so cool! :D

[@justsam4546]

THIS VIDEO ESSAY WAS SOOOO DAMN GOOD I LOVE IT

[@justsam4546]

watched the whole 1 hour without even realizing it was 1 h

[@devalk_]

Time flies when you're having fun* *Fun optional

[@chimchimchococones]

i thank the algorithm gods for bringing you into my feed. i am manifesting more growth and success for your channel!! you deserve it 💙

[@devalk_]

Thank you! The video did seem to have hit the algorithm, Although it tapering off now

[@mojokawayo5619]

I love Funger. Such a great series so far. Love to see more people getting into it. Not expecting to see a clip of Legend of Krystal in the year of our lord 2024

[@devalk_]

I've been surprised by how many people have recognised it. Although given my channel I probably shouldn't be... Glad the effort to track it down and get it running again was worth it.

[@WinterVII]

really enjoyed this. a follow-up for the sequel would be awesome

[@OwnyOne]

Is it normal that I like unfair games? Maybe I have a problem

[@csabawars]

MGQ music= instant sub! To be serious great vid!

[@NaturesFlame]

Not where I expected you to go next, but you keep weirdly aligning with my interests so that's not a complaint. Love your content, keep up the great work! (sorry for the trite response, mostly throwing up a comment for The Algorithm™)

[@devalk_]

No problem, It is most appreciated!

[@TapestriMusic]

Hey! The word weird comes from the old word wyrd, meaning fate and / or destiny. So perhaps you're right l ey?

[@degenerate1363]

Love the Postal Dude at the end

[@lildannyboi13]

the music IS definitely memorable 😌

[@Nochances000]

This Is Great can’t wait for the Second game review 😈👍

[@ecos889]

Did not expect the monty Python reference but whoa it's perfect as an analogy and hilarious how a comedy like MP be applicable to fear and hunger gameplay haha XD

[@tunasandwich395]

Your editing skills are tremendous

[@BlizzardWizzard]

I don't know what's worse, watching a video essay on a video game I've played to exhaustion while under the effect of hallucinogens, or the feeling of the harpies eating g my skin, I'm guessing it's the harpies but I'm scared to anger them at this point.

[@devalk_]

You doing okay there homie?

[@BlizzardWizzard]

no, but the video was great. @@devalk_

[@flux1940]

1:40....my dear brother in christ i remember this game very well

[@devalk_]

I figured someone would, Congratulations for being the first

[@flux1940]

amazing video ! Made me lose my sleep schedule again. good shit

[@Vondora]

Now I need a video from you on Termina.

[@anonymoususer9197]

You couldnt come up with an alliteration when ghoul gang is right there. Im disappointed. Joking aside awesome video probably my favorite on fear and hunger. Youre really underrated

[@allot5530]

you need more views and Subs

[@devalk_]

Thank you, Here's hoping, tell your friends!

[@kellytamia9152]

Btw its actually meant to be spelt ragnavaldr but limited due to the amount of words you can type in. Love this video and definitely subbing! You got such a nice voice!

[@nifftbatuff676]

A game where the coin plays in your stead.

[@nikitstierd5416]

Yess more fear and hunger content to consume

[@devalk_]

The unnatural hunger dives us

[@nikitstierd5416]

@@devalk_ so real

[@unknownentityenthusiast6765]

Why is your editing so good? Why is your character so cute?? Questions I shall not get answered

[@devalk_]

So happy to hear people like Valk! The Harpy brainrot must spread.

[@studyaccountforschoo2793]

Bro the legend of krystal mention has me dead 💀 subscribed

[@devalk_]

I'm starting to think I might have to give it its own video... People like the blue fox

[@ThomasSpettel]

Using the monty python black knight encounter to explain the combat mechanics is both genius and funny

[@Superstorm22]

How/why do you only have 5k subs. This is amazing.

[@devalk_]

I'm not quite to 5K yet, But hopefully soon! Glad you like my stuff

[@StreyoneX]

The Monster Girl Quest music was a great little Easter Egg