Humble Monthly Bundle - September 2019 - Review and Discussion Thread . Full Unlock 9/6/19

[RanceJustice]

Sorry guys, things are a little late this month!

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 Early Unlocks

Slay the Spire ($25, Win/Mac/Linux) - Starting off September with a hallmark title is indie card-adventure Slay the Spire! After a long, careful period on Steam Early Access Slay the Spire came onto the scene to near universal acclaim for its deep yet accessible gameplay. The central conceit is the effective melding of roguelike and card/deckbuilding elements, which both serve to give tremendous replay value and variation. Players can choose from 3 (to start) character types with their own parameters and begin their journey up the eponymous Spire, the ever-shifting tower that reshuffles as you attempt to climb in roguelike form. Combat plays out in turn-based style and it is here where the card/deck elements are most prevalent. Using abilities to attack, defend, or otherwise puzzle out each combat encounter all depends on the cards in your hand and larger, in your deck. Winning often means unlocking a new path or acquiring some new card, while losing can (depending on circumstances) end your run and send you back for another trip. Your deck is the persistent element, or shall I say the elements you've discovered - from more conventional cards all the way up to rare and powerful Relics - become available for inclusion in building your deck for later attempts up the Spire. The Spire itself has more than just standard combat encounters, also possibly populated with items to collect, merchants to visit, mysterious choose-your-own-adventure style story encounters that can help or hinder you, an assortment of powerful bosses, and secrets to unlock!

Developers Mega Crit Games are to be commended for their support of MacOSX and especially Linux, in addition to Windows; something always welcome to see. Slay the Spire's interesting but not particularly taxing graphical style lends it well to play on many a type of device and the devs have made it accessible including via Steam's Remote Play features. There is no currently available DLC but that doesn't mean the title isn't well supported, with content patches tweaking and adding new elements. A currently available beta branch has even added the 4th playable character along with all its specific cards; surely in time it will come to the live version of the game. There are also special weekly events and comparative events where users can challenge themselves up a static version of the Spire to see how far their deck shall take them up the leaderboard! The devs should also be credited by the decision to keep the game a single-player experience, focusing on making it the best it can be rather than shoehorning in multiplayer and the monetization that often goes with it in the deckbuilder genre. Slay the Spire adeptly weaves together deckbuilding and roguelikes into an engrossing adventure!



Squad ($40, Windows) - Deploy for combined-arms modern warfare this month! Fans of more realistic shooters such as "Insurgency" and "Arma3" will be in good company with Squad, a multiplayer-focused FPS which aims to merge realism and accessibility. Play is focused around large 40 vs 40 matches and as the name suggests communication and organization is at the core of play. Players are arranged into 9-man squads and can take on certain limited roles within them with an eye towards teamwork - automatic rifleman, designated marksman, medic, and others, some more restricted than others are all present. Squad leaders and the overall Commander for each side are also designated. A built-in VoIP system allows soldiers to talk to each other locally, within squads, between different squad leaders, or to/from the overall Commander. Play is focused around combined arms warfare, with vehicles from light trucks all the way up to tanks present in addition to infantry combat. Players are able to create various forms of fortifications from sandbags and trenches right up to gun-emplacements, squad-specific respawns and larger bases/outposts. There are multiple game modes which basically define how victory will be accomplished, from a more traditional ticketing-system to the recently introduced hex-based territory control system and beyond. There are multiple maps set in different areas around the world, all with a sense of scale as well as different terrain and structure. Each side in a given conflict takes on the role of a certain real-world military force, from the US Army, Russian Ground Forces, British Army, to Irregular Militia and Insurgents, with each faction using appropriate avatars, weapons, vehicles, and more. Working together is (nearly literally) the name of the game and players who do so will be much more successful than those who try to lone-wolf it.

It is important to note that Squad is currently in Early Access and is developing nicely. Frequent patches add new features (such as the relatively recent territory control system game mode and mini-tutorials for different setups) and there are major projected updates such as Alpha 15's infantry tutorial mode, Alpha 16's addition of helicopters + a new map, Beta 1's major improvements to Commander features, and new factions to come by release. There are also a wealth of smaller updates and features added along the way. The community involvement seems to be significant and the single free DLC "Canadian Armed Forces" , offering an entirely new faction as well as 2 new maps , was the result of a partnership between the devs and modders - nice to see. SteamWorkshop support seems to be thriving as well and, much like ARMA3, there are all kinds of unique mods including total conversions such as "Squadkart" racers and a Star Wars CloneWars mod. I can hope that OSX and especially Linux support will come in the future, but time will tell. Squad provides a middle ground between the arcade shooter and the hardcore, inaccessible milsim, which seems to give it a promising future. Give it a try and keep your head down, soldier!

 

[RanceJustice]

September Humble Monthly

Distance ($25, Win/Mac/Linux) - Race fans will enjoy the velocity of this title! Distance offers a retro-futuristic racing title where players hurtle at breaknecks speeds through an atmospheric city. Besides typical racing elements, Distance also uses a certain degree of platforming elements too, with players able to drive on vertical surfaces, upside down, and jump to find secret areas and shortcuts to help them survive the courses and their dangerous obstacles. There is nearly a "parkour" element as you launch yourself across the neon-filled environment in a variety of ways as the beat-heavy techno soundtrack accompanies your journey. Multiple game modes are available including the campaign mode Adventure, Arcade mode, the random-modifier applyin Trackmogrify, and both local and online Multiplayer which can handle up to 12 players in various modes.

MacOSX and Linux support is present which is a pleasing addition to the game, as is support for VR using popular hardware. There is no DLC to speak of, yet updates offer both polish and new content which is nice to see. Distance includes a comprehensive level editor that has given rise to over 2500 of them shared thus far on the Steam Workshop, with some creators partnering with the devs to participate in what is added to content patches. Those seeking a high velocity good time will find Distance an accessible, dynamic, and fun racer!



Guacamelee 2 ( $20, Windows ) - Return to the Mexiverse! Definitely a high point this month, Guacamelee 2 is the sequel to one of the most inventive and well regarded "Metroidvania / exploratory platformers" around. Those who haven't played "Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition" (note: do NOT get the Gold edition - it is actually older and has less content) should likely do so first in order to get the most out of the game, but even those who jump right in will find a lot to enjoy. The Guacamelee series is steeped in Mexican culture, especially lore/myth related to the Day of the Dead celebration suggesting a parallel world where the remembered dead live almost as if they were alive (though usually represented as skeletal avatars in media). Many other cultural elements, from lucha libre (ie Mexican wresting, often masked) to Aztec-inspired architecture or regalia, to impact both the game setting and major mechanics.

Players take on the role of Juan, the heroic luchador who saved the Mexiverse once before and is called upon to face the new threat. As with many Metroidvanias, players must traverse varied locations, taking care of side quests and intermediary objectives, fighting bosses, and ultimately unlocking upgrades to their powers and abilities that permit them to reach areas and defeat enemies previously off limits. Guacamelee series is known for its unique and in-depth combat system inspired by wrestling, where players will have to use the various unlocked attacks in order to combo and keep the myriad enemies from overwhelming them. There are even times when enemies will have a "colored barrier" that can only be broken with the related attack, encouraging even more technical play to break the barrier and defeat the enemy before it can regenerate. The chaotic, high flying action really makes the combat lively and different from many other titles of its type. Guacamelee 2 and its prequel are also highly dedicated to the platforming elements of the genre, with complex jumping puzzles, the necessity to switch between the world of the living and the world of the dead, and other mechanics necessary to conquer these platforming puzzles ; some of them, especially in "secret areas" are of the kind of difficulty one would expect of a "Super Meat Boy" style grueling platformer! There's certainly much to do on your quest including many side challenges, mini-games, and other optional tasks - though some of them may be required to unlock the best ending!

Though the original Guacamelee was available for MacOSX/Linux, sadly the definitive "Super Turbo Championship Edition" was not and so it goes with Guacamelee 2 as well being Windows only. Though there has been interest in making a formal port, at least it should be noted that both Guacamelee STCE and Guacamelee 2 are "verified" Steam Play (aka Proton) titles that work on Linux using Valve's excellent technology package. Once place its predecessor really stood out from other games in the genre was the inclusion of multiplayer - 2 players could play through STCE cooperatively in its entirety! Guac 2 takes this another step this time supporting up to 4 players in local co-op, each with their own unique characters. Game difficulty is pegged to how many you have playing with you so you'll never have to worry about not enough monsters to bash. While this is local co-op only, I would suggest checking out Parsec and other technologies to make it playable if your partners are typically online. While the game has been updated and polished with content patches, there are a pair of DLC packs : "The Three Enemigos Character Pack" ($3) grants you three new playable characters each with their own special moves, costumes and more, adding to your avatar choices. "The Proving Grounds" ($4) grants access to a new dungeon with over 15 levels of new challenges. Complete them to unlock 6+ playable characters, special costumes, and perhaps some big secrets too if you can discover them! Guacamelee 2 is a faithful follow up to the tongue-in-cheek journey through the Mexiverse and is definitely worth a play for fans of the genre!



Mothergunship ($25, Windows) - The machines are invading! Mothergunship is combination of FPS and bullet-hell title where invading mechanical enemies seek to overwhelm the earth! It is up to the player to battle back against this hectic assault by avoiding the hail of projectiles and turning them all to scrap metal! One central mechanic is that players can literally craft their own gun out of resources and dropped pieces of the enemy. Not unlike construction titles such as "Space Engineers", players have complete control over how they wish to design their weapon, so if you want to create a 15 barrel rocket launcher with side mounted lightning shotguns (plus a fishtank or bobble head atop it) go for it! Designs on offensive, defensive, technical and other modules can be placed together as you like within the rules of the game, so its possible by the end you'll have created some monstrosity that occludes your vision yet provides indomitable firepower! Each level is filled to the brim with varying enemies, traps , events, and bosses so its up to your particular preference and playstyle how you wish to construct your guns to handle them!

Online co-op is present, a nice feature especially alongside the "quake-speed" movement and hectic combat central to the title. There is no DLC at current, but the developers have issued several content patches adding new modes, gun parts, enemies, bosses, challenges and the like to keep the game fresh. Between the gun construction and the high octane bullet hell shooting, there's a lot to enjoy here if you're in the mood for destruction. Lock and load!



State of Mind ($30, Win/Mac/Linux) - This one's a thinker! German dev and publishing house Daedalic Entertainment has crafted a timely, thoughtful adventure around some of the most important questions of our age. Income inequality, the digital divide, environmental damage, privacy vs pervasive surveillance, and other elements all inspire State of Mind. Set in Berlin of 2048, the world is at a perilous, chaotic place where the issues that plague us today have only gotten worse. Players follow journalist Richard Nolan, asking the tough questions about the state of the world and plans for the future, only to find his wife and child missing when he awakes after an accident. Realizing he's in the thick of a worldwide conspiracy, players help Richard on his adventure to discover his past and unveil the true stakeholders and plans in motion.

The sci-fi thriller plays out as a single player, story focused adventure saga. Besides Richard, players will occasionally take on the roles of several other playable characters when necessary to see different sides of the story. This is not solely a "walking simulator", as there are times when dexterity, stealth, "mini-games" (such as piloting a drone) or using a robotic avatar for combat are present. Ideas of transhumanism, digitalism, the difference between the possibility of utopia compared against dystopia (or one for the few and another for the many) are all central themes. Fans of titles with similar cyberpunk and technological ethos focus such as the "Deus Ex" series, "Observer", "Beholder" and others will find lots to think upon. Substance and style joined, State of Mind questions the paths we'll tread and the decisions that could lead us there.



God's Trigger ($15, Windows) - Heaven or Hell, FIGHT! In God's Trigger, the apocalypse is about to take place and the Four Horsemen are ready to ride, but this doesn't sit well with an angel named Harry and a demon named Judy. These unlikely allies set off to push the snooze button on the end of existence through massive violence, ultimately taking down the various creatures in the service of the Four Horsemen. This plays out as a top-down kinetic shooter in the vein of "Hotline Miami" or simlar counterparts. A large assortment of weapons both melee and ranged are available, as well as character-specific abilities that can be unlocked as you progressed on something of a talent-tree. These can range from invisibility or slow motion, to a wall of fire that transforms any bullet you shoot through it into an explosive rocket, and beyond! Be it in campaign, arcade, or one of the other modes players will careen through locales taking out various mooks and henchmen , some more dangerous than others, before eventually coming up against mini-bosses and bosses that play out more like bullet-hell encounters and thus require even more tactical play. As you progress in the campaign the story unfolds and players get to see more about what has brought things to the current state of affairs, but for those primarily interested in cleaving enemies in two, you won't be held back by long exposition or anything.

When playing solo players can swap between each of the two protagonists at will, the other computer controlled. However, local co-op is an option and fantastic one, but I have to give the developers additional credit for adding online co-op post launch. This, and other post-launch updates since the game's debut this Spring show attention to detail and solid support for the game. At the moment, the online co-op is part of an open beta (to which you can opt in via Steam) so if it is glitchy, know they're still working upon it and cut them a break. With an AI partner or especially another player (locally or online) the game really shines as there are multipliers and bonuses for sync kills and other partner-centric elements, rewarding both a ballet of violence and additional currencies/weapons/unlocks to be upgraded. Slashing and shooting make for a good time in God's Trigger - WE"RE CANCELING THE APOCALYPSE! (I know, 2 references in one review., but I couldn't resist).



Shady Knight ($??, Windows, Humble Original) - This month's Humble Original is "First person slasher" Shady Knight. Rendered in a minimalistic, low poly 3D world, players are set as the titular Knight who must climb the tower making up each of the 9 levels, dealing with adversaries along the way. Combat against humanoid (other knights) and non-humanoid (spiders etc) enemies are dealt with fast paced, physics-focused combat. Slashing, kicking, drawing your bow, throwing objects, or even using your blade or arrow to drop a heavy object can all be part of the combat here. There is also an element of platforming as the player must climb and parkour their way up the tower, across precarious ledges and to the next arena. Bosses await a mid and endpoints requiring even more in depth combat challenges.

The fundamental gameplay is fun and focuses on doing a few things well. I wonder if, like many other recent Humble Originals, Shady Knight will be updated and eventually released on Steam as an enhanced title (often, with keys available to Humble Monthly subscribers issued) . For those looking for a small slice of pure medieval combat, check out Shady Knight!




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Don't forget that aside from each month's games, you also are granted a global 20% 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!