Humble Monthly Bundle - May 2019 - Review and Discussion Thread . Full Unlock 5/3/19

It's that time again, the next Humble Monthly Bundle is about to arrive! For those unaware of Humble Monthly Bundles, please see my more in-depth introduction here during my first thread from April 2017 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humble-monthly-april-review-and-discussion-thread.1929347 - I'll just get right into it again!

For those interested, here are all my back Humble Monthly overviews..

May - https://hardforum.com/threads/humble-monthly-bundle-may-review-and-discussion-thread.1931795/
June - (Missed writing one)
July - https://hardforum.com/threads/humble-monthly-bundle-july-2017-review-and-discussion-thread.1939318/
August - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...st-2017-review-and-discussion-thread.1941294/
September - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...er-2017-review-and-discussion-thread.1943055/
October - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...er-2017-review-and-discussion-thread.1945470/
November - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...er-2017-review-and-discussion-thread.1947730/
December - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...er-2017-review-and-discussion-thread.1949477/
Jan2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...ry-2018-review-and-discussion-thread.1951895/
Feb2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...ry-2018-review-and-discussion-thread.1953943/
March 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humble-monthly-bundle-march-2018-review-and-discussion-thread.1956171/
April 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...-release-date-4-6-18.1957941/#post-1043572129
May 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...iscussion-thread-release-date-5-4-18.1959906/
June 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...iscussion-thread-release-date-6-1-18.1961480/
July 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...iscussion-thread-release-date-7-6-18.1963715/
August 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...iscussion-thread-release-date-8-3-18.1965425/
September 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...iscussion-thread-release-date-9-7-18.1966820/
October 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...scussion-thread-release-date-10-5-18.1969171/
November 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...scussion-thread-full-unlock-11-02-18.1970520/
December 2018 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...iscussion-thread-full-unlock-12-6-18.1974264/
January 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...scussion-thread-full-unlock-01-04-19.1975165/
February 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...d-full-unlock-2-1-19.1976661/#post-1044065542
March 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...-discussion-thread-full-unlock-3-1-19.1977810
April 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-4-5-19.1979767/

May Early Unlocks

Assassin's Creed: Origins ($60, Windows, UPlay key) - May starts off with a trip through alternate history in Assassin's Creed: Origins! One of the most recent titles in the long running Assassin's Creed series, AC:Origins released to near universal acclaim for some of the changes made in this new chapter. All Assassin's Creed titles are third-person adventures with a parallel story structure. On one hand you have the "real world" in the AC universe, a present day equivalent setting wherein you're introduced to varying factions, stakeholders, and a continuity of events are unveiled from game to game. While this narrative frames the gameplay, it is not where the majority of the game takes place. Each title typically has a "present day " character connected to an "animus" machine that allows them to play or otherwise inhabit the body of a historical figure. Each title has a richly researched and built historical setting and period specific characters, playable and otherwise, who's actions typically impact the continuity of events overall. In AC: Origins, it focuses on the story of Bayek, a Medjay (something akin to a nationwide special police force and royal guards) in Egypt during the Ptolemaic era. As Bayek and his family get swept up in covert goings on of secret societies and hidden secrets, causing him to go on a crusade seeking not only to avenge wrongdoings but understanding of the forces moving the world behind the scenes. Among many other stories to be told along the way and beyond, true to its name it shows the formal Origins of the group that would be known as the Assassins, adding new lore and pieces of the picture within the game series. It should be mentioned however that though long time Assassin's Creed fans will get the most out of each little reference, AC Origins is designed to be narrative accessible to newcomers so those with no or limited series experience have nothing to fear.

AC Origins also marks a clear change in the mechanics of the series, starting a new paradigm. While all Assassin's Creed titles have allowed for the upgrading of character abilities, Origins takes things a step further by adding more "RPG-ish" features such as character levels - player and enemy alike. Skill trees are present allowing various additional abilities and upgrades to be unlocked and gathered materials can be used to craft upgrades to armor and equipment. For the first time in the series however, weapons are not simply purchased or unlocked upgrades, but instead there are multiple categories of each type of weapon ( The combat itself is a major change from previous Assassin's Creed titles where combat was more cinematic and reliant on parrying, dodging, and as a less-desirable alternative to taking enemies out with stealth. Origins implements something of a "Dark souls" style of combat with split second dodges, parrying, shields, attacks, with damage done or taken influenced in part by stats of your gear, your level, and the enemy's; many seem to find this combat style much more engaging. There are still plenty of opportunities to play your way, as you can approach many a problem with stealth or open hostility (with the latter obviously calling more attention to oneself ). The game splits the difference with earlier AC titles in that it offers a wide, open world map with tons of "?" locations to discover, revealing countless events, rewards and other content. Thankfully, discovering new areas and revealing new locations off the fog of war so to speak mean adding to a large assortment of fast-travel points. While there are always a handful of "main quests", there are many side quests, expeditions, and special areas/events all worth discovering to grant both the most comprehensive lore/experience and the best gear/upgrades. Many AC titles have a lovingly crafted open world, but Origins seems to take it a step further with how the various zones differ in aesthetics and feel, from desolate sand dunes in the desert, to lush Roman dominated provinces in what is modern day Syria, to the city of Alexandria at its prime to the temples and tombs based on real-world layouts/data (including the entire Giza complex!) - its really a treat for exploration.

Its worth mentioning that like many Ubisoft titles these days, the key for AC Origins activates directly on UPlay, not through Steam. Given that even titles that activate on Steam launch the UPlay client, friends list etc... it is likely not a huge deal, but just something of which to be aware - I personally would prefer had it been on Steam, but I consider UPlay the least offensive of the major 1st party clients, when it comes to Ubi titles Its worth noting that the UPlay client has a section for each Ubi title whereas you can unlock in-game content for free, using UPlay points you collect simply by playing their games - a worthwhile feature for collectors. When it comes to DLC, AC:Origins has a significant amount of content. The "Deluxe Pack" for $10 includes a special sea/ship combat mission, a gear pack (outfit, mount skin, legendary weapons and shield), and 3 extra skill points - a nice bonus if you can find it on sale. The rest of the main DLC is all included in the "Season Pass" and I HIGHLY suggest those who enjoy the game buy it that way, rather than a la carte. This includes the "Horus Pack" ($7) and "Roman Centurion Pack" ($7) each with weapons, outfits, mount skins (Horus pack has a camel!) and more. The big items however are the two expansions, which are definitely worthwhile for any fans of AC: Origins; in addition, buying the expansions allows you to unlock additional levels beyond the standard cap, so it is a wise decision. "The Hidden Ones" ( $10) opens up the Sinai peninsula and opens a new chapter of the game story, taking place right after the main campaign's end and adding much to the experience. "Curse of the Pharaohs" ($20) on the other hand takes place in Thebes, and delves heavily into the Egyptian mythology, adding some amazing, trippy locations to visit and some of the most difficult combat in the game! The "Season Pass" gives all of the above as well as a few bonuses and is regularly priced at $40, but these days it is often on sale for 50% or less so definitely worth picking it up! I should also mention there is an in game store where "Helix Credits", purchased for real money, can be used to buy outfits, mount skins, legendary weapons, and other content. All of these items can be acquired in game from a special NPC that has a daily quest of sorts, but I suggest anyone with the Season Pass be sure to use their Helix Credits (I think you get around 500 - 150 for first login of the game, 350 for Season Pass) to buy the "map markers" for certain content - they reveal certain locales (ie Tomb tablets, and Ancient Mechanisms) which are important - its the best use of your included Helix for many.

Assassin's Creed titles tend to be grouped thematically and in terms of mechanics changes, with Assasin's Creed Origins being the starting point for the current "set" in terms of story, and prototyping game systems that will be further developed in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the latest entry of the series. No matter if you've been following the series since its inception , have perhaps only played Odyssey, AC Origins marks an evolution of the formula and a new story in the long running franchise. Definitely a high profile inclusion this month!



Wandersong ($20, Win/Mac ) - Pairing with the well known AC: Origins is melodic indie puzzle adventure Wandersong! Players take on the role of The Bard, a silly musically talented fellow robed in traditional adventure gear down to his bycocket (aka "robin hood style' hat). His lighthearted garb and affect reflect the bright and colorful game world. This near-papercraft style world and all its denizens are threatened by an incoming meteor and so the Bard sets out on a quest for the fabled Earthsong capable of adverting the catastrophe. Along the way there is a large cast of characters to meet, learn about , and assist with problems on a more personal scale than than end of the universe!

Music is a core thematic and mechanic focus to Wandersong, with the Bard capable of belting out a virtuoso performance whenever necessary - there's even a dedicated "dance button" that the game's tongue-in-cheek feature list notes! Unlike many musically focused titles it is not a "rhythm" game, so those who never feel they can keep up / enjoy the likes of DDR, Beatmania, Guitar Hero, or OSU! type titles have nothing to fear. When the Bard sings he emits a circular UI nearby with colors associated with each note, so even those playing silently (or in one case discussed on the Steam page, even the deaf and color-blind players ) can still progress. Most puzzles or actions the player encounters can be solved using this song system, unlocking the right notes and choosing them in the right time/sequence in order ; successful performance will do anything from help a NPC or change the weather! There are secrets to be found and special events to be unlocked too! These whimsical encounters can increase in complexity and add dimensions, but are overall a really good example of a game that invests heavily in a core mechanic and polishes it to a shine, rather than a wider, more mediocre assortment.

Wandersong is currently available on PC and came to Mac in the past few months. Linux support is potentially available and there is a considerable thread in the forums requesting its porting. There is no in-game DLC to speak of at the moment, which is not necessarily a negative at this point given the solid amount of content for the price and overall experience. For those seeking a lighthearted musical adventure with silly characters and puzzles along the way, adjust the feather in your cap and get going with Wandersong!

The remainder of the bundle unlocks May 3rd, 2019!

So be sure to lock in your purchase to get all of the Early Unlocks immediately and the remainder on that date!

May Humble Monthly Titles

Finding Paradise ($10, Win/Mac/Linux) - Adding to this month's bundle is a contemplative, soulful narrative in Finding Paradise. Indie developer Freebird Games is noteworthy for building their games around the idea of introspection, happiness, loss, and how we experience life. "To The Moon", the first title in the series, released a few years ago to extensive praise and shaped some of the underlying themes. While fans of the "To The Moon" will certainly want to play, Finding Paradise is a standalone title in its own right and does not require playing the prequel.

Thematically the game is a story of an operation performed by a pair of physicians on a patient who is near death. Taking place in their mind, the process allows the patient to dive through their memories and relive their life, with the goal of granting a wish. In this virtual-linked environment the doctors examine the life the patient has lived and can intercede gently in the hopes of guiding them to their desired wish. The developers choose to render this in high quality yet simple pixel graphics, accompanied by a soulful soundtrack. Some classic adventure/RPG mechanics are present along with some light puzzling, but there is no combat to distract from the narrative focus. To their credit, the developers again offer Mac and Linux support which is appreciated.

It is an ambitious choice to combine such themes, narrative-focused gameplay mechanics, and the pixel aesthetic as trying to maintain the gravitas and depth requires great confidence in both the material itself and its execution. As "To The Moon" and Finding Paradise both maintain Overwhelmingly Positive reviews, the devs seem to have been successful! If you're feeling open to a poignant gaming experience, definitely give Finding Paradise a try!



Monster Prom ($12, Win/Mac/Linux) - Dating sims aren't normally a competitive endeavor, but this month we see a attempt to make raunchy multiplayer fun of it! Monster Prom is one of the growing number of "dating sims" that break out of the typical mold both in terms of the setting/narrative and mechanics. As its name implies, Monster Prom takes place at something of a high school attended by various stylized monsters, all vying for the attention and interest to secure a coveted prom date / relationship. The aesthetic borrows from many sources ranging from anime, to Western adult-focused animation, to various Internet subcultures heavily into art/character creation. Mechanically, the game has its share of visual novel style expository dialog, but there is also a map system which defines where given characters are at given times, an item shop, RPG-like stats that can be raised and lowered, many conversation choices, and even quizzes / mini-games of sorts. Time is a factor in both the macro and micro sense, from the varying days, class periods and whatnot right down to the haste to grab a table next to the person you wish to chat up - or block a competitor from doing so!

One particularly noteworthy feature is the inclusion of multiplayer, both local and online, for up to 4 players. The game can vary from cooperative to competitive depending on choices made, such as if more than one wants to court the same character, but no matter how each game turns out it can be quite a fun ride. I should mention that despite the cartoonish graphics the developers at Beautiful Glitch warn players that the raunchy humor and bawdiness add up to mature themes meant for adult players; it is not the kind of visual novel that has a primarily pornographic focus, either.

At launch, game advertises thousands of situations, hundreds of events, and 20+ endings (not sure if this counts the secret ones or not), so there is ample opportunity for replay with new content to discover and unlock. The devs have also supported the title well, launching on Mac and Linux. Since launch, content patches have added new events, endings, artwork and more, bolstering the already significant assortment. There is only a single DLC available at time of writing, the $6 "Monster Prom: Second Term", which acts as an expansion bringing new characters, events, endings, and more. Its certainly possible that future expansions will be added in this fashion as the devs continue to add to their game. Monster Prom offers a unique, humorous take on a dating sim, so even those not interested in more classical offerings from the genre could find something to enjoy.



The Journey Down: Chapter Three ($20, Win/Mac/Linux) - Developer SkyGoblin brings new cultural inspirations to point-and-click adventure in The Journey Down series. The Journey Down utilizes an Afro-Caribbean motif as the dominant inspiration in character and setting alike, but also adds retro art-deco and dystopian-futuristic elements to its graphical design. Hand-painted environments form the backdrop for the adventure, as an unlikely hero and his friends journey to find the hidden truth of the world. This is handled in the kind of humor-tinged point-and-click adventuring that players remember fondly from the LucasArts/SCUMMVM and Sierra adventure titles ; puzzles need to be solved, items need to be acquired, combined and set in their proper place etc... although its obvious the devs have tried to make "just try every interaction with every item" obtuse situations minimal. The Journey Down is fully voiced which adds to the experience, as does its "jazzy reggae" sound track which fits the mood and setting.

Some will notice I've been more vague than usual in my description and this is because Chapter Three is the finale to The Journey Down series. Thus, I've tried to avoid spoiling it for those who may wish to start at the beginning and in fact this what I suggest for whom the title piques their interest. While there is no DLC to speak of, the previous entries The Journey Down: Chapter One ($9) and Chapter Two ($20), I would highly suggest playing first. Both titles have been available for a number of years now so it is likely to find Chapter One and Chapter Two at deep discount during sales and on other sites. I should mention the entire game saga offers support for Mac and Linux, which is no small feat especially considering Chapter One released in 2013!. Though I would have felt better had they included the entire trilogy, The Journey Down: Chapter Three represents the finale to the saga; just pick up the other two chapters first, if you've not played them.



Do Not Feed The Monkeys ($12, Win/Mac/Linux) - Welcome to the Primate Observation Club! In Do Not Feed the Monkeys, your humdrum apartment life will be impacted by a call to join the Primate Observation Club, a secret organization with a voyeuristic purpose The player is set up with an in-game PC connection to Club assets, including access to a plethora of security cameras allowing many subjects ready to be monitored. These "primates" , otherwise known as the people and creatures that inhabit the world, can be observed and studied, allowing users to piece together their motivations, find out their secrets, and watch their lives unfold. One supposed rule of the Club is not to "feed the monkeys", meaning any sort of interaction with observed subjects... but it seems that other Club members and possibly the player themselves won't hold quite as fast to that restriction. Information gathered by observation can be used for one's own benefit, and there are certain Club assets, such as a special marketplace , where items can be purchased and sent to the monkeys if desired. Depending on your choices all matter of things may be visible as you peer into their world...and what effects it may have on yours! Juggling the various cameras will add gameplay mechanics and replay value, as as hard as you try you can't be quite everywhere at once

Fans of the "Papers,Please", "Beholder" series and "Orwell" series will find much to enjoy here and common themes. Players will have to decide to what extent they follow the rules and in what circumstances will they break them . Exploit others for personal benefit? Will they slip laxitives into someone's delivery pizza just for a laugh? Deliver a huge box of drugs to a recovering addict? Warn someone when they're about to come to harm? Depending on player choices storylines, events, and endings can all be revealed. Like the above-mentioned titles, Do Not Feed The Monkeys provokes thought and discussion about ethics, especially focusing on privacy. Doing all this through a humorous, 2D-ish experience can add levity and make it easier for many to consider versus other media, without taking away the thought provoking elements at the periphery. The developers offer Mac and Linux support thankfully and though there is no DLC at current the game still offers quite a lot to see, literally and figuratively. Don't Feed The Monkeys offers a tongue-in-cheek take on big issues, so get your viewing equipment ready!



I am Not A Monster ($13, Windows) - From browser games, to Facebook, to a wide variety of stand-alone titles have taken the "Mafia/werewolf" style party game in new directions. I Am Not A Monster (despite the promotional art showing the contraction I'm, the game's is listed with I Am. Searching under the contraction on Steam will show nothing; I am thinking this is a case of developers with English as a second language but is not a major issue) takes this dynamic and adds its own XCOM-style tactical twist. Games in this genre, often referenced as " Werewolf/Mafia-style" after one of the early browser/chat based variations, involved players being randomly separated into two or more teams with opposing interests and a central conceit is deception. Typically, the majority of players are "Good guys" who must discover who amongst them are in fact the "Bad guys" and stop them. "Bad guys" need to blend in while they work their nefarious deeds and dispel suspicion any way they can, often while either killing or converting "good guys" to their side. Many variations include specified player classes/roles that can be used to help their team, evade capture, attack/counter attack, convert and whatnot. On Steam, titles such as "Town of Salem" , "Throne of Lies", and "Mindnight" offer this similar dynamic.

Where I am Not a Monster differs however is in placing those features in a unique setting and adding tactical RPG combat. Set in a retro-futuristic world seemingly ripped from 1950s Sci-Fi pulp film, players are all onboard a traveling spaceship that is under attack by monsters! Each match has up to 6 players and up to two of them are randomly selected to be monsters. Of course, the monsters disguise themselves to look like civilians!

Each player (including monsters in human form) appears as one of the space tourists onboard and the differing roles/classes (such as Space Captain, Khan General, Security Chief, Retired Agent, Staff Nurse and many others) offer different starting equip and abilities. It should be noted that continued play will unlock differing skins for cosmetic change, as a nice feature. Monsters in their natural form appear the sort of "lizardman suit" trope that fits perfectly with this setting. Player controlled Civilians (ie Heroes) must try to discern the Monsters and eliminate them, while saving NPCs and escaping. Monsters must kill or infect all the other players ; infection on NPCs allows the monster to respawn if killed, while infecting a player means they have 5 turns in order to either find a xenophage item in order to heal, kill themselves, or be transformed into a monster! The tactical combat takes place in the standard XCOM style grid, but with a timing where all players schedule their actions during a planning phase, and then all action are instituted according to various statistic (ie the speed/cost of an action) during the execution phase. This differs significantly from if the game was simply one player moving and then another and can make for surprises indeed, encouraging players to predict the moves of their questionable allies. Acquiring new weapons and equipment from armory storage boxes around the ship can be helpful and unlock new features. Monsters have to split their time and plan to only act in a hostile way or reveal their true form without giving away their disguised persona. Successful game completion will allow in-game currency to be gained allowing cosmetic unlocks as aforementioned, which is a nice feature.

The title is at the moment only available on Windows, but they may make changes in the future. The developers have already announced one change that the game will soon not only offer its multiplayer mode, but will announce the details of single player ones to come. If this will simply be a replication of the multiplayer game mode with all bots save for the single player, or if it will be something more comprehensive like a campaign, is yet to be seen. In either case this continued update is a benefit, breathing new life into multiplayer exclusive titles. I'm Not A Monster provides a new take on tactical combat mixed with "deception game" mechanics and wrap it in a commitment its artistic style. Grab your ray gun and always look behind you!



Once Upon a Crime in the West ($??, Windows, Humble Original) - This month's original is a low poly murder mystery in the Old West. Days after a local Sheriff was killed, an assortment of characters find themselves snowed in a cabin upon a high pass and came to a bitter end. As the player arrives, they have to sleuth out the chain of events that led so many to their death and the motivations that provoked said conflict. Equipped with and old-tyme camera, ( that spits out near Polaroids for the sake of the mechanic) its up to you to discover the various corpses , take pictures of clues, and figure out how they connect together. Indie dev "National Insecurities" is known for making inventive games that take place in some relation to famous movies, with previous titles such as "Disorient on the Murder Express" and "2001 : A Space Felony" and this month is no exception - fans of the Quentin Tarantino film "The Hateful Eight" will find this game clearly inspired by the film. A curious Original indeed.



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So that's it!

Don't forget that aside from each month's games, you also are granted a global 10% discount (that even stacks with other discounts!) in the Humble Store , access to the Humble Trove of downloadable titles , and extras like discount coupon If you enjoyed any of this and wish to subscribe , feel free to use my Recruit-A-Friend link and discount/credit-sharing code to lock in the savings - https://www.humblebundle.com/monthly?refc=02L8o8 . There is also another coupon that can be used for 10% off everything on Humble Store for a month, but unlike the RAF it can only be used once per month - PM if you're interested in that (note: I do not think it stacks with Humble Monthly Discounts; its a new program version after all) Don't forget you can always "pause" your subscription for a month too before the unlock day, if you don't think you'll want what's upcoming. Enjoy!

I signed up this month for that AC Origins deal and got the DLC from Fanatical for cheap as well - was definitely worth the price alone, but I hope the rest of this bundle is good!

I was going to give my Assassin's Creed Origin code away...but it makes you link Uplay. :/ So, it looks like it's just going to stay unused. Still, I got Wandersong.

twonunpackmule said:

I was going to give my Assassin's Creed Origin code away...but it makes you link Uplay. :/ So, it looks like it's just going to stay unused. Still, I got Wandersong.

Click to expand...

I haven't redeemed my key, but to my understanding there are two buttons - one to redeem it yourself (which redeems onto UPlay, after a single-sign-on style Uplay login), and a "gift" option which sends it to another. Most Humble items have this option and from what I can see so does Origins. Or is there some other issue you're discussing?

Just bumping this back up - the overview for the rest of the month's titles is finished, so check em out!

Just letting everyone know that Humble Store, Steam and elsewhere are offering big sales, including for DLC related to this month's titles! For instance, you can pick up the Assassin's Creed Origins Season Pass or the Monster Prom expansion for cheap!

Any other discussion is welcome or if anyone has questions just let me know!