Humble Monthly Bundle - November 2017 - Review and Discussion Thread

RanceJustice

Supreme [H]ardness
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It's that time again, the next Humble Monthly Bundle has arrived! 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 reviews

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 Humble Monthly Titles

Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition ($30, Windows) - Though an older entry in the venerable Resident Evil / Biohazard survival horror action franchise, it is remembered as being solid. I personally enjoyed much of it, though I didn't like the way they went towards the end with one of the series' main villains; it worked from a gameplay perspective in order to drive the last few boss fights, but story-wise I felt they underpowered (both mentally and physically) someone at the last minute. Different players will have different interpretations on how RE 4, 5, and 6 (Now, all available on PC) stack up to each other, but we'lre here to discuss RE5! RE5 is played nearly the entire way through as a co-op game, with longtime central character Chris as the primary focus, along with his new partner Sheva added in this iteration. When played solo, the computer takes control of whomever you're not using but the game gets way, way more fun when played with a human partner, locally or remotely. The gameplay is an evolution of the RE4- style "action" combat which is more fluid and veterans of the series will get used to crafting herbs, watching their ammo, sharing weapons and health kits, while shooting and slashing plenty of zombies and more durable horrors, including some incredible boss fights. The Gold edition also includes 2 expansions, one of which is set prior to the RE5 main events and another which is parallel - this content was not available on PC initially so its nice it was finally ported as it adds to both story and gameplay. There is also an enhanced "Mercenaries" mode, separate from the campaign, where players can unlock various characters from the series to fight arena style against each other and or a horde of enemies to bolster the score. Especially if youv'e not played it and ever enjoyed Resident Evil, RE5 Gold is worth your time - doubly so if you have a friend to play it through together!

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun ($40, Win/Mac/Linux) - One of the highlights this month, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun describes itself as a "hardcore tactical stealth game". Set in Edo period Japan, this single player title allows the player to take on the role of various infiltrators, from a ninja and samurai to a geisha, trap specialist, and a chemist/marksman, where their skill alone must keep them safe on clandestine missions from theft to sabotage to assassination. Each of the characters has their own skillset as well as personality and storyline revealed as you play and using them together to solve the challenge of the situation you're in is the key. Rendered in an isometric overhead perspective, it could likely interest not just fans of stealth/ninja titles like Mark of the Ninja, Tenchu, or Aragami, but also those of tactical titles like the Commandos series or XCOM. The game advertised 25+ hours of content, not counting completionists who try to win every badge on every level which necessitates replay, as many are mutually exclusive (ie never be seen or kill anyone vs kill every enemy silently with no witnesses etc). Extremely well regarded by reviewers and players alike (even Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam), this is certainly a bright spot for the month. Oh, and it includes both English and Japanese voiceovers (as well as text in a ton of languages).

The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited ($20+, Windows ) - A MMORPG set in the popular Elder Scrolls universe, ESO has matured and gone though many iterations since its launch a few years back. Now in a "Buy to Play" setup, you need only to purchase the "base game" , but there are other options for content and expansions. Each content pack you can either buy as a one-off - or purchase at a discount in the $60-ish Gold Edition,- but if you Subscribe to the game paying monthly or in blocks of time, you get access to all of them so long as you continue to subscribe, not to mention some other ancillary benefits. Personally, I think this is the way to go for the sake of simplicity, if you enjoy the title. However, full "Expansions" like the recent Morrowind for instance still require extra purchase to unlock them, a staple of the genre. There is also an "Item Mall" where pets, cosmetics, boosters, and other assets are sold for "Crowns", along with the content packs and whatnot. The Humble Monthly package grants you access to the game itself, the Bristlegut Pig pet, 750 Crowns, and 15 days of ESO Plus (subscription), to get you started. I cannot go into the game itself more deeply without playing it as my last experience was pretty close to its launch, so my impressions and experience are probably a far cry from the current state. If you are interested in the Elder Scrolls, enjoyed Morrowind/Skyrim, and are open to MMORPGs, give it a shot!

Quake Champions (F2P , Win/Mac) - Currently in Early Access, Quake Champions is iD's attempt to bring back Quake 3 Arena play with a few modern twists. The frenetic Arena style combat is there as you remember along with many classic Quake weapons and power ups, but they also have added customizable characters with different abilities, as well as various skins and equipment too. The Game is ostensibly free to play, but only with a special invite or through packages like Humble can you get in that way. With the key from Humble, you get access to the game and the "Ranger" and "BJ" Champions unlocked, along with 50 Shards, 100 Platinum, and 2000 Favor - all types of in game currency. If you want to unlock every current and future Champion, instead of just playing those on rotation, you can buy a $30 pack which doesn't sound like a bad deal during early access. This kind of game will either be something you love or you pass by, but if you have fond memories of Quake/Unreal style shooters with a faster pace etc... give it a look!

Elder Scrolls: Legends (F2P, Windows) Clearly inspired by Blizzard's "Hearthstone" card game, Legends is Bethesda's attempt to do the same with their Elder Scrolls property. Like Hearthstone, Legends offers both solo/PVE and PVP content, ladders, matches and special arenas. Sometimes new card packs can be won by playing, but of course there is always the encouragement to buy them or craft/win special unlocks along the way. I've not spent time with it to know enough about what sets it apart from other virtual collectible card games and how it stacks up on content/monetization; usually I avoid CCGs with Hearthstone being my sole one that I "sort of " follow anymore. This particular Humble Monthly package grants you an Event Ticket, 2 Heroes of Skyrim card packs, 100 gold and 100 Soul Gems to get you started with a bit of premium content.

Dead Rising 2 ($20, Windows) - Capcom's other zombie killing franchise, Dead Rising doesn't take itself as seriously as Resident Evil. Dead Rising 2 is a significant upgrade to the original, yet stars an alternate protagonist than the fan favorite Frank West - Chuck Greene. Chuck is dropped into Fortune City (not unlike a Las Vegas Freemont Street experience) during an outbreak of a zombie plague. The Dead Rising playstyle is 3rd person frenetic action, noteworthy for using anything and everything to cleave through hordes of zombies in your way, from chainsaws and swords to umbrellas, leaf blowers, wheelchairs and more. Combination of items through special patterns found or unlocked grant the most durable and powerful "named" weapons such as boxing gloves with knives embedded, or "Freedom Bear" - what happens when you cross a giant robotic stuffed bear with a couple of AR15s! There's a bit of RPG style XP and stat upgrading for the character, as well as a ton of equally weird costumes; some of which grant special abilities if all pieces are worn. Its notable you can play the main campaign with local or online co-op, which is very helpful. Said campaign showcases the story of the outbreak in various chapters, which are timed day by day. There are a multitude of side quests that only show up at a certain time or go away at another time, so keep an eye out - you won't be able to do everything at first, but as you continue to play you can save your character with its higher stats, patterns etc... and finally be able t o unlock the "good ending" and see things you'd nerver see before; replay value is possible here. For DLC, there are a couple of special outfits you can unlock for about $2 each - pick upon sale; I suggest the Ninja pack if nothing else. Its notable that much like RE5, this is an older title. If you enjoy Dead Rising 2, look into "Dead Rising 2: Off The Record" which is something of an expansion pack, but its own stand alone game with a different version of the story and a new protagonist. Likewise, "Dead Rising 3: Apocalypse Edition" is a significantly expanded sequel. I wonder why Humble didn't choose to include one or more of these? Overall, Dead Rising 2 can be an enjoyable romp through undead hordes, wearing nothing but a "Kiss the cook" apron and high heels if you want, wielding a kayak paddle with chainsaws duct-taped to either end.

Silence ($30, Win/Mac/Linux) - From the creators of "The Whispered World: Special Edition", the fanciful puzzler comes another fairy tail adventure. When a young brother and sister hide from the ravages of war, they find themselves in the world of Silence and thrust into the power struggle taking place between an evil queen and a motly cohort of rebels. I've not yet played either title, but I've heard great things about them, relating their storytelling to everything from older titles like "The Longest Journey/ Dreamfall" or "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons" to the cinematic adaptations of Neil Gaiman's "Stardust" and "Mirrormask", or or perhaps something like "The Neverending Story" . If you're in the mood for fantasy, colored by the perceptions and visions of children trying to make sense of war and seek safety, Silence is lauded for its emotional journey.

Emily is Away Too ($5, Win/Mac/Linux)
- "Emily is Away" is a free text adventure released a couples years ago that was built with nostalgia in mind, with the visuals reminiscent of early 2000s Internet with WindowsXP visuals and the story told primarily through text messages on "EOL" Instant Messenger. A sleeper hit, it generated tons of buzz and prompted this sequel, the expanded "Emily is Away Too". It contains all of what made the first game so memorable, but goes even further with references to memes and culture of the time, the advent of Facebook and Youtube etc. The gameplay still takes place in IM windows with many branching paths based on what choices you make, causign the story to unfold toward several potential endings. I'm just a bit too old to consider the game's setting my teenage years, but elements of the visual style and other aspects still ring true with remembrance. If you ever excitedly watched that AIM window and waited to hear the "bloop" of your best friend or significant other sending a message - in garish text of course - during the heady days of youth, Emily is Away Too may pull at your heartstrings for the sake of nostalgia.

World To The West ($20, Win/Mac/Linux ) From the developers of "Teslagrad", the 2D platformer-puzzler that told a silent story of technology and the whims of power comes "World to the West" - the spiritual successor set in the same universe. Unlike the previous entry, this one is in full 3D , using charming top-down "Zelda-ish" perspective w/ graphics reminiscent of European adventure comics and cartoons. The player controls one of 4 potential party members at a time, each with their own backstory, abilities, and designs that become important as as the story progresses. You have the choice to engage in combat, diplomacy, avoid enemies entirely etc.. as you wish, and the page suggests there are many secrets based on your ability to explore and be resourceful. For fans of Zelda, HyperLightDrifter, Anodyne, the Evoland series, and Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas , World to the West seems like a great entry this month!

Wilmot's Warehouse ($?? - Humble Original, Win/Mac ) - This month's Humble Original is a quirky minimalist puzzle game set in a British warehouse in the 1980s. The player is Wilmot, a worker tasked by his (sometimes overbearing ) employers to properly organize the warehouse. You can organize it however you wish, but your boss will request things of you so be sure you know where everything is! The blurb literally says "this is a game for people who like organizing things" so, if you are satisfied by a properly orderly place with everything in its place, then check it out!

December Early Access Titles

H1Z1 ($20, Windows) - From Daybreak (formerly SOE) comes one of the famous "Battleground" titles spawned by the ARMA mod-turned-failing-game "DayZ. H1Z1 seems to be surviving however. For those unaware, H1Z1 drops players "Hunger Games Style" into a large, diverse arena without the bare minimum of gear. They have to procure everything on site, while contending against enemies and soon-to-be-enemies in a free-for-all encounter of up to 150 players. See that really neat vehicle, pack of food/supplies, or rifle scope glinting in the sun? Do you rush for it, on the chance that there is a sniper poised with his crosshairs on anyone ready to take that pack as easy pickings? For those who enjoy the genre, H1Z1 is seemingly at least in the solid center, and while still in Early Access, is expanding rulesets too for those who don't want Free For All play which is nice. DLC wise, there seem to be $5 cosmetic jackets available via Steam allowing someone to show off their country of origin or preference, but little else. Given that Daybreak sometimes pushes a lot of monetization and this genre does as well, I am curious if that's all that is for sale and there isn't anything else (appearance skins etc) for real money in the game itself or Daybreak store, but if there isn't I have to give them kudos. With a Mixed/Mixed review on Steam, I don't know how H1Z1 truly stacks up to the darlings of the genre which seem to be "Playerunknown's Battlegrounds" and "Fortnite" 's Battle Royale mode (the latter not even on Steam as of yet) but if you subscribe for the December Humble Monthly, you'll get it to try out immediately!


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 coupons! If you enjoyed any of this and wish to subscribe, feel free to use my referral link https://www.humblebundle.com/monthly?refc=02L8o8 ! Enjoy!

P.S. - IF anyone wants to get the discounted yearly subscription to Humble Monthly and does so before 11/12/17 at 17:00, you'll get $20 worth of Humble Store credit added in addition! A good bonus for those who enjoy Humble Monthly with some consistency; I may do so my self!
 
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