RanceJustice
Supreme [H]ardness
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2003
- Messages
- 6,623
Sorry guys, a bit late this time I was experimenting with posting to multiple locations at once and the script failed! Still wanted to provide an overview!
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 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-5-3-19.1980924/
June 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-6-7-19.1982600/
July 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-7-5-19.1983786/
August 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-8-2-19.1984757/
September 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-9-6-19.1986632/
October Early Unlocks
Battletech ($40, Win/Mac/Linux) + Flashpoint DLC ($20) and Shadow Hawk Pack ($4) - One of the leading titles this month comes from the venerable Battletech franchise. In the earliest days of this mecha combat series, it was focused upon tabletop gaming, rendering hulking walking tanks as immaculately painted miniatures on a grid of hexes. Much like its tabletop contemporaries in the Warhammer universe, Battletech also transitioned to electronic / PC gaming in myriad forms over the years. This most recent incarnation shies away from the simulated piloting experience and returns to its tactical gaming roots. Set in a future full of strife, the game focuses on a managing a mercenary company against the backdrop of an interstellar civil war.
Much like the famed XCOM series, the game requires players handle both management and tactical combat in order to progress. There are multiple game modes including a core story campaign as well as online multiplayer and offline skirmish modes. Players select both the Mechs themselves - walking battle tanks in the Western style , as well as the MechWarriors that pilot them, which all have their own stats and skills. Mechs can be customized significantly, from core components and weaponry to aesthetic paintjobs and emblems, as feature giving a nod to the tabletop games and storied, feudal-esc lore that the franchise has developed over the years. In the campaign, you'll start off with little more than a base in shambles, but restoring it will enable better developments in the tech sector as well as training for your mercs, as each department has its own properties.. Taking contracts with various Clans will set you up for battles and provide much needed income. Sometimes you'll need to handle disputes between your mercs and decide where to go, what contracts to take, who to support and more - all of which provide branching paths in your adventure. Travel takes time and resources, so smart planning wins the day not just in your loadout, but in a more strategic sense as well. When it is time for battle, players select a squad (or Lance) of Mechs, ideally with complimentary characteristics (ie varied weight classes, weapons and the like meant to work together) and deploy planetside for the encounter. Battles play out in the turn based tactical schema genre veterans will recognize with ease; Developer Harebrained Schemes has great experience in this style of title having crafted some of the more recent "Shadowrun" titles. Planning in your movement and attacks, managing heat (generated by using weapons and some other demanding systems), and deciding how to approach your enemy are all part of the encounter. Battle is rendered with great energy blasts, missile salvos, a hail of bullets, or perhaps even a metal-crunching melee attack , with damage and stress to a given Mech available in granular detail. This tabletop legacy feature means Mechs can lose the use of certain weapons, or even entire limbs due to attackers' damage, overheating, and other dangers A well executed battle feels great, with the spoil of victory to come.
Credit must be given to developers Harebrained Schemes and publisher Paradox for offering MacOSX and especially Linux support - a much appreciated element. There is a modest amount of DLC for Battletech, some of which comes with this month's bundle. The "Shadow Hawk Pack" ($4) offers a legacy skin , changing the appearance of that particular Mech. However, "Flashpoint" ($20) is the game's first expansion and adds over 30 hours of new content, including biomes, mechs, mission types, and all new game systems. While the aforementioned are included this Humble Monthly, there are other major expansions, such as the currently available "Urban Warfare" ($20) and the upcoming "Heavy Metal" ($20) scheduled for November release, both heavy with new mechanics, content, campaigns and more. There is also a Season Pass ($50) that grants access to all 3 major expansions, but given Humble Monthly players already own one, it will probably not be worthwhile without a discount. Thankfully, it seems there are significant discounts available so picking the rest of the season up on the cheap is an alluring prospect. Battletech's universe of conflict has a long history on both tabletop and electronic gaming, with this most recent entry a solid offering for fans of tactical management titles!
Sonic Mania ($20, Windows) - Those who grew up with the Sega Genesis likely remember Sonic the Hedgehog, the most famous and perhaps best example of the oh-so-90's trope of "animals with attitude" starring in platform games. Positioned as a mascot for Sega and a foil to Mario, Sonic's claim to fame was rushing around at breakneck speed, giving gamers a sense of velocity rarely seen at the time (coined "Blast Processing", as a way to compete against Nintendo's SNES pseudo-3D "Mode7" rendering effect eye candy). Over the years Sonic has branched out into its own universe with varying games across more than a few genres, but Sonic Mania brings it back from the more recent 3D excursions to its (primarily) 2D platforming roots.
Sonic Mania takes the aesthetics and platforming form of the classic Sonic titles in a loving homage, but allows modern technology to push the envelope even farther. Rendered in crisp, nostalgic pixel art, Sonic again takes to high velocity platforming, collecting the many rings, blasting through loops and bouncing off springs, before going up against nemesis Dr. Eggman's massive boss machines. Even the fondly remembered bonus stages have been returned and revamped. Players can choose between three characters from the series' heyday, Sonic himself , his sidekick Tails (a twin-tailed fox who can use them to fly) , and anti-hero Knuckles (who can scale surfaces with his knuckle spikes) ; each character plays slightly differently thanks to these mechanics. Local co-op play is supported as it was in the old days, with both characters navigating through each level as partners. There are many secrets to unlock as players progress and conditions are met, including special abilities from older Sonic titles, special levels, and even the opportunity to play as Sonic's bright yellow Super Sonic form.
The main game has a good bit of content, especially if you like exploring levels to find all their secrets, but there has also been a single DLC released thus far. "Encore DLC" ($5) grants new levels and variants in "Encore Mode", two new playable characters - Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel - each with their own special mechanics, and expands the competitive party-game Competition Mode to support up to 4 players! A nice bit of new content for an affordable price. Fans of Sonic from the early days or just those looking for a retro platformer that keeps the classic soul with just enough newness to keep things fresh will both find enjoyment in Sonic Mania! Sonic Boom!
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 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-5-3-19.1980924/
June 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-6-7-19.1982600/
July 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-7-5-19.1983786/
August 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-8-2-19.1984757/
September 2019 - https://hardforum.com/threads/humbl...discussion-thread-full-unlock-9-6-19.1986632/
October Early Unlocks
Battletech ($40, Win/Mac/Linux) + Flashpoint DLC ($20) and Shadow Hawk Pack ($4) - One of the leading titles this month comes from the venerable Battletech franchise. In the earliest days of this mecha combat series, it was focused upon tabletop gaming, rendering hulking walking tanks as immaculately painted miniatures on a grid of hexes. Much like its tabletop contemporaries in the Warhammer universe, Battletech also transitioned to electronic / PC gaming in myriad forms over the years. This most recent incarnation shies away from the simulated piloting experience and returns to its tactical gaming roots. Set in a future full of strife, the game focuses on a managing a mercenary company against the backdrop of an interstellar civil war.
Much like the famed XCOM series, the game requires players handle both management and tactical combat in order to progress. There are multiple game modes including a core story campaign as well as online multiplayer and offline skirmish modes. Players select both the Mechs themselves - walking battle tanks in the Western style , as well as the MechWarriors that pilot them, which all have their own stats and skills. Mechs can be customized significantly, from core components and weaponry to aesthetic paintjobs and emblems, as feature giving a nod to the tabletop games and storied, feudal-esc lore that the franchise has developed over the years. In the campaign, you'll start off with little more than a base in shambles, but restoring it will enable better developments in the tech sector as well as training for your mercs, as each department has its own properties.. Taking contracts with various Clans will set you up for battles and provide much needed income. Sometimes you'll need to handle disputes between your mercs and decide where to go, what contracts to take, who to support and more - all of which provide branching paths in your adventure. Travel takes time and resources, so smart planning wins the day not just in your loadout, but in a more strategic sense as well. When it is time for battle, players select a squad (or Lance) of Mechs, ideally with complimentary characteristics (ie varied weight classes, weapons and the like meant to work together) and deploy planetside for the encounter. Battles play out in the turn based tactical schema genre veterans will recognize with ease; Developer Harebrained Schemes has great experience in this style of title having crafted some of the more recent "Shadowrun" titles. Planning in your movement and attacks, managing heat (generated by using weapons and some other demanding systems), and deciding how to approach your enemy are all part of the encounter. Battle is rendered with great energy blasts, missile salvos, a hail of bullets, or perhaps even a metal-crunching melee attack , with damage and stress to a given Mech available in granular detail. This tabletop legacy feature means Mechs can lose the use of certain weapons, or even entire limbs due to attackers' damage, overheating, and other dangers A well executed battle feels great, with the spoil of victory to come.
Credit must be given to developers Harebrained Schemes and publisher Paradox for offering MacOSX and especially Linux support - a much appreciated element. There is a modest amount of DLC for Battletech, some of which comes with this month's bundle. The "Shadow Hawk Pack" ($4) offers a legacy skin , changing the appearance of that particular Mech. However, "Flashpoint" ($20) is the game's first expansion and adds over 30 hours of new content, including biomes, mechs, mission types, and all new game systems. While the aforementioned are included this Humble Monthly, there are other major expansions, such as the currently available "Urban Warfare" ($20) and the upcoming "Heavy Metal" ($20) scheduled for November release, both heavy with new mechanics, content, campaigns and more. There is also a Season Pass ($50) that grants access to all 3 major expansions, but given Humble Monthly players already own one, it will probably not be worthwhile without a discount. Thankfully, it seems there are significant discounts available so picking the rest of the season up on the cheap is an alluring prospect. Battletech's universe of conflict has a long history on both tabletop and electronic gaming, with this most recent entry a solid offering for fans of tactical management titles!
Sonic Mania ($20, Windows) - Those who grew up with the Sega Genesis likely remember Sonic the Hedgehog, the most famous and perhaps best example of the oh-so-90's trope of "animals with attitude" starring in platform games. Positioned as a mascot for Sega and a foil to Mario, Sonic's claim to fame was rushing around at breakneck speed, giving gamers a sense of velocity rarely seen at the time (coined "Blast Processing", as a way to compete against Nintendo's SNES pseudo-3D "Mode7" rendering effect eye candy). Over the years Sonic has branched out into its own universe with varying games across more than a few genres, but Sonic Mania brings it back from the more recent 3D excursions to its (primarily) 2D platforming roots.
Sonic Mania takes the aesthetics and platforming form of the classic Sonic titles in a loving homage, but allows modern technology to push the envelope even farther. Rendered in crisp, nostalgic pixel art, Sonic again takes to high velocity platforming, collecting the many rings, blasting through loops and bouncing off springs, before going up against nemesis Dr. Eggman's massive boss machines. Even the fondly remembered bonus stages have been returned and revamped. Players can choose between three characters from the series' heyday, Sonic himself , his sidekick Tails (a twin-tailed fox who can use them to fly) , and anti-hero Knuckles (who can scale surfaces with his knuckle spikes) ; each character plays slightly differently thanks to these mechanics. Local co-op play is supported as it was in the old days, with both characters navigating through each level as partners. There are many secrets to unlock as players progress and conditions are met, including special abilities from older Sonic titles, special levels, and even the opportunity to play as Sonic's bright yellow Super Sonic form.
The main game has a good bit of content, especially if you like exploring levels to find all their secrets, but there has also been a single DLC released thus far. "Encore DLC" ($5) grants new levels and variants in "Encore Mode", two new playable characters - Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel - each with their own special mechanics, and expands the competitive party-game Competition Mode to support up to 4 players! A nice bit of new content for an affordable price. Fans of Sonic from the early days or just those looking for a retro platformer that keeps the classic soul with just enough newness to keep things fresh will both find enjoyment in Sonic Mania! Sonic Boom!