Another month, another chance to grab eight more games on the cheap.
But are they games worth adding to the library, or just filler to make
The Number go up? Let's find out.

* Victoria 3
https://store.steampowered.com/app/529340/Victoria_3/
You rarely can go wrong with a Paradox Interactive
strategy game... assuming you like their style of
game, of course. I'm somewhat on the fence about
their games. However, V3 is a bit of a departure
from the earlier games in the franchise, as the
developers simplified a number of mechanics (most
notably combat), and fans of the older games aren't
happy. But if you've never played any of the
"Victoria" games before, you might enjoy this
one more because these changes make it easier for
newbies to get a handle on things. My biggest
complaint is that - like so many Paradox
Interactive games - there is a lot of content
locked behind paid DLC.

* Callisto Protocol, The
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1544020/The_Callisto_Protocol/
<grumble> I wish this game had been added to
HumbleChoice two months ago, before I bought it
on Steam. Oh well, I'm sure I'll find some use
for this second copy. "Callisto" is basically
a "Dead Space" clone, and a pretty good one too.
Not as good as the game its emulating, but
still pretty good. Definitely worth a play if
you like this style of game.

* Humankind (Definitive Edition)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124300/HUMANKIND/
A classic 4X strategy game in the style of
"Civilization". Oh, you can tell how much this
game wants to be the next "Civilization". But it's
not. Sure, it emulates those games, and fans of
the genre can get some enjoyment out of it because
of that, but it lacks the polish and balancing
that made the Microprose (and later Firaxis)
games so compelling. It's an above-average 4X,
but it lacks the spark and genius that make
the "Civilization" games so riveting.

* Fashion Police Squad
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1319460/Fashion_Police_Squad/
At first glance, you might assume this tongue-in-
cheek game is a 'boomer shooter', but I'm not sure
that really fits. Yes, it's an FPS with retro
graphics, but it lacks the intensity of a true
boomshoot. It's just a mediocre FPS with old-school
graphics and try-hard humor that's hoping its
visual style will mask its deficiencies.

* Terraformers
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1244800/Terraformers/
The game describes itself as a "A turn-based
colony builder", which pretty much tells you all
you need to know about it. Well, mostly; that
description implies a certain sandbox elements,
whereas this game is almost board-game like, with
random events and powers (sadly, using a deck-
building motif) adding pressure to the gameplay.
The actual colony building aspect is actually
fairly simplistic; its more about scrambling for
resources than construction. In some respects, it
feels a bit like a mobile game; something you
play in short bursts rather than long sessions
where you watch your creation grow.
Conceptually, it looks interesting but I'm not
sure it's the sort of game I would enjoy.

* Excavation of Hob's Barrow, The
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1182310/The_Excavation_of_Hobs_Barrow/
Golly! A traditional, side-view retro-graphic'd
adventure game in the style of the old Sierra
classics. Not, perhaps, the most challenging
game but it plays fairly true to those oldies,
and has strong story and interesting characters.
A definite throwback to the old times, which is
great if you like that style (I certainly do)
but more modern gamers might find it a bit slow.

* Coromon
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1218210/Coromon/
"Palworld" might have gotten a lot of flak for
being a Pokemon clone, but "Coromon" is a lot
closer to the original Gameboy classics. Heck,
its motto is "Capture monsters, train, farm!"
and if that's not enough, one look at its
screenshots will immediately tell you what
this game is aping. If you love Pokemon but
for some reason don't want to PLAY Pokemon, I
guess this game is for you. Myself, I never got
into the Pokeman craze so I'm not at all
excited about this clone.

* Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1488200/Symphony_of_War_The_Nephilim_Saga/
An old-school JRPG in the style of those old
SNES classics. Again, this is a game whose
appeal depends heavily on your fondness of a
certain genre of old-timey games. If you weren't
a huge fan of the classic "Zeldas" and "Final
Fantasy" and "DragonQuest" games, then I doubt
this one will convince you otherwise. But it's
a solidly made game (although its close emulation
of the old-time style can sometimes make the
game feel... well, old!) and old-school JRPG
fans will probably love this one.

So... it looks like the theme of this month's selection is "games that
remind you of other, better games", e.g., "Callisto Protocol->Dead
Space", "Humankind->Civilization", ""Symphony of War->Final Fantasy",
"Coromon->Pokemon". That doesn't mean all of the clones are bad games,
but - as they're aping the classics - they lake the novelty and charm
of the originals.

Still, there are a number of games on the list that appeal to me, and
- if I didn't own it already - "Callisto Protocol" alone would have
made this month's Choice worth it. Well, I'll just have to make do
with "Victoria 3" and "Hobs Barrow". It's not a great month of games,
but not a bad one either; HumbleChoice is holding steady.

On Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:35:36 -0400, Spalls Hurgenson
<spallshurgenson@gmail.com> wrote:

>Still, there are a number of games on the list that appeal to me, and
>- if I didn't own it already - "Callisto Protocol" alone would have
>made this month's Choice worth it. Well, I'll just have to make do
>with "Victoria 3" and "Hobs Barrow". It's not a great month of games,
>but not a bad one either; HumbleChoice is holding steady.

This Bundle has several games on the list that interest me which has
not been true for awhile now. Thank you for the summary.

As usual 2-3 games on the list are worth my time.

That is basically the general scheme every month.
So yes it is worth the price!

Werner

Am 03.04.24 um 02:35 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:
>
> Another month, another chance to grab eight more games on the cheap.
> But are they games worth adding to the library, or just filler to make
> The Number go up? Let's find out.
>
>
> * Victoria 3
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/529340/Victoria_3/
> You rarely can go wrong with a Paradox Interactive
> strategy game... assuming you like their style of
> game, of course. I'm somewhat on the fence about
> their games. However, V3 is a bit of a departure
> from the earlier games in the franchise, as the
> developers simplified a number of mechanics (most
> notably combat), and fans of the older games aren't
> happy. But if you've never played any of the
> "Victoria" games before, you might enjoy this
> one more because these changes make it easier for
> newbies to get a handle on things. My biggest
> complaint is that - like so many Paradox
> Interactive games - there is a lot of content
> locked behind paid DLC.
>
>
> * Callisto Protocol, The
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1544020/The_Callisto_Protocol/
> <grumble> I wish this game had been added to
> HumbleChoice two months ago, before I bought it
> on Steam. Oh well, I'm sure I'll find some use
> for this second copy. "Callisto" is basically
> a "Dead Space" clone, and a pretty good one too.
> Not as good as the game its emulating, but
> still pretty good. Definitely worth a play if
> you like this style of game.
>
>
> * Humankind (Definitive Edition)
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124300/HUMANKIND/
> A classic 4X strategy game in the style of
> "Civilization". Oh, you can tell how much this
> game wants to be the next "Civilization". But it's
> not. Sure, it emulates those games, and fans of
> the genre can get some enjoyment out of it because
> of that, but it lacks the polish and balancing
> that made the Microprose (and later Firaxis)
> games so compelling. It's an above-average 4X,
> but it lacks the spark and genius that make
> the "Civilization" games so riveting.
>
>
> * Fashion Police Squad
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1319460/Fashion_Police_Squad/
> At first glance, you might assume this tongue-in-
> cheek game is a 'boomer shooter', but I'm not sure
> that really fits. Yes, it's an FPS with retro
> graphics, but it lacks the intensity of a true
> boomshoot. It's just a mediocre FPS with old-school
> graphics and try-hard humor that's hoping its
> visual style will mask its deficiencies.
>
>
> * Terraformers
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1244800/Terraformers/
> The game describes itself as a "A turn-based
> colony builder", which pretty much tells you all
> you need to know about it. Well, mostly; that
> description implies a certain sandbox elements,
> whereas this game is almost board-game like, with
> random events and powers (sadly, using a deck-
> building motif) adding pressure to the gameplay.
> The actual colony building aspect is actually
> fairly simplistic; its more about scrambling for
> resources than construction. In some respects, it
> feels a bit like a mobile game; something you
> play in short bursts rather than long sessions
> where you watch your creation grow.
> Conceptually, it looks interesting but I'm not
> sure it's the sort of game I would enjoy.
>
>
> * Excavation of Hob's Barrow, The
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1182310/The_Excavation_of_Hobs_Barrow/
> Golly! A traditional, side-view retro-graphic'd
> adventure game in the style of the old Sierra
> classics. Not, perhaps, the most challenging
> game but it plays fairly true to those oldies,
> and has strong story and interesting characters.
> A definite throwback to the old times, which is
> great if you like that style (I certainly do)
> but more modern gamers might find it a bit slow.
>
> * Coromon
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1218210/Coromon/
> "Palworld" might have gotten a lot of flak for
> being a Pokemon clone, but "Coromon" is a lot
> closer to the original Gameboy classics. Heck,
> its motto is "Capture monsters, train, farm!"
> and if that's not enough, one look at its
> screenshots will immediately tell you what
> this game is aping. If you love Pokemon but
> for some reason don't want to PLAY Pokemon, I
> guess this game is for you. Myself, I never got
> into the Pokeman craze so I'm not at all
> excited about this clone.
>
>
> * Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga
> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1488200/Symphony_of_War_The_Nephilim_Saga/
> An old-school JRPG in the style of those old
> SNES classics. Again, this is a game whose
> appeal depends heavily on your fondness of a
> certain genre of old-timey games. If you weren't
> a huge fan of the classic "Zeldas" and "Final
> Fantasy" and "DragonQuest" games, then I doubt
> this one will convince you otherwise. But it's
> a solidly made game (although its close emulation
> of the old-time style can sometimes make the
> game feel... well, old!) and old-school JRPG
> fans will probably love this one.
>
>
>
> So... it looks like the theme of this month's selection is "games that
> remind you of other, better games", e.g., "Callisto Protocol->Dead
> Space", "Humankind->Civilization", ""Symphony of War->Final Fantasy",
> "Coromon->Pokemon". That doesn't mean all of the clones are bad games,
> but - as they're aping the classics - they lake the novelty and charm
> of the originals.
>
> Still, there are a number of games on the list that appeal to me, and
> - if I didn't own it already - "Callisto Protocol" alone would have
> made this month's Choice worth it. Well, I'll just have to make do
> with "Victoria 3" and "Hobs Barrow". It's not a great month of games,
> but not a bad one either; HumbleChoice is holding steady.
>
>
>
>

On 4/4/2024 8:30 AM, Werner P. wrote:
> As usual 2-3 games on the list are worth my time.
>
> That is basically the general scheme every month.
> So yes it is worth the price!
>
> Werner
>
>
>
> Am 03.04.24 um 02:35 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:
>>
>> Another month, another chance to grab eight more games on the cheap.
>> But are they games worth adding to the library, or just filler to make
>> The Number go up? Let's find out.
>>
>>
>> * Victoria 3
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/529340/Victoria_3/
>>      You rarely can go wrong with a Paradox Interactive
>>      strategy game... assuming you like their style of
>>      game, of course. I'm somewhat on the fence about
>>      their games. However, V3 is a bit of a departure
>>      from the earlier games in the franchise, as the
>>      developers simplified a number of mechanics (most
>>      notably combat), and fans of the older games aren't
>>      happy. But if you've never played any of the
>>      "Victoria" games before, you might enjoy this
>>      one more because these changes make it easier for
>>      newbies to get a handle on things. My biggest
>>      complaint is that - like so many Paradox
>>      Interactive games - there is a lot of content
>>      locked behind paid DLC.
>>
>>
>> * Callisto Protocol, The
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1544020/The_Callisto_Protocol/
>>      <grumble> I wish this game had been added to
>>      HumbleChoice two months ago, before I bought it
>>      on Steam. Oh well, I'm sure I'll find some use
>>      for this second copy. "Callisto" is basically
>>      a "Dead Space" clone, and a pretty good one too.
>>      Not as good as the game its emulating, but
>>      still pretty good. Definitely worth a play if
>>      you like this style of game.
>>
>>
>> * Humankind (Definitive Edition)
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124300/HUMANKIND/
>>      A classic 4X strategy game in the style of
>>      "Civilization". Oh, you can tell how much this
>>      game wants to be the next "Civilization". But it's
>>      not. Sure, it emulates those games, and fans of
>>      the genre can get some enjoyment out of it because
>>      of that, but it lacks the polish and balancing
>>      that made the Microprose (and later Firaxis)
>>      games so compelling. It's an above-average 4X,
>>      but it lacks the spark and genius that make
>>      the "Civilization" games so riveting.
>>
>>
>> * Fashion Police Squad
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1319460/Fashion_Police_Squad/
>>      At first glance, you might assume this tongue-in-
>>      cheek game is a 'boomer shooter', but I'm not sure
>>      that really fits. Yes, it's an FPS with retro
>>      graphics, but it lacks the intensity of a true
>>      boomshoot. It's just a mediocre FPS with old-school
>>      graphics and try-hard humor that's hoping its
>>      visual style will mask its deficiencies.
>>
>>
>> * Terraformers
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1244800/Terraformers/
>>      The game describes itself as a "A turn-based
>>      colony builder", which pretty much tells you all
>>      you need to know about it. Well, mostly; that
>>      description implies a certain sandbox elements,
>>      whereas this game is almost board-game like, with
>>      random events and powers (sadly, using a deck-
>>      building motif) adding pressure to the gameplay.
>>      The actual colony building aspect is actually
>>      fairly simplistic; its more about scrambling for
>>      resources than construction. In some respects, it
>>      feels a bit like a mobile game; something you
>>      play in short bursts rather than long sessions
>>      where you watch your creation grow.
>>      Conceptually, it looks interesting but I'm not
>>      sure it's the sort of game I would enjoy.
>>
>>
>> * Excavation of Hob's Barrow, The
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1182310/The_Excavation_of_Hobs_Barrow/
>>      Golly! A traditional, side-view retro-graphic'd
>>      adventure game in the style of the old Sierra
>>      classics. Not, perhaps, the most challenging
>>      game but it plays fairly true to those oldies,
>>      and has strong story and interesting characters.
>>      A definite throwback to the old times, which is
>>      great if you like that style (I certainly do)
>>      but more modern gamers might find it a bit slow.
>>
>> * Coromon
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1218210/Coromon/
>>      "Palworld" might have gotten a lot of flak for
>>      being a Pokemon clone, but "Coromon" is a lot
>>      closer to the original Gameboy classics. Heck,
>>      its motto is "Capture monsters, train, farm!"
>>      and if that's not enough, one look at its
>>      screenshots will immediately tell you what
>>      this game is aping. If you love Pokemon but
>>      for some reason don't want to PLAY Pokemon, I
>>      guess this game is for you. Myself, I never got
>>      into the Pokeman craze so I'm not at all
>>      excited about this clone.
>>
>>
>> * Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga
>> https://store.steampowered.com/app/1488200/Symphony_of_War_The_Nephilim_Saga/
>>      An old-school JRPG in the style of those old
>>      SNES classics. Again, this is a game whose
>>      appeal depends heavily on your fondness of a
>>      certain genre of old-timey games. If you weren't
>>      a huge fan of the classic "Zeldas" and "Final
>>      Fantasy" and "DragonQuest" games, then I doubt
>>      this one will convince you otherwise. But it's
>>      a solidly made game (although its close emulation
>>      of the old-time style can sometimes make the
>>      game feel... well, old!) and old-school JRPG
>>      fans will probably love this one.
>>
>>
>>
>> So... it looks like the theme of this month's selection is "games that
>> remind you of other, better games", e.g., "Callisto Protocol->Dead
>> Space", "Humankind->Civilization", ""Symphony of War->Final Fantasy",
>> "Coromon->Pokemon". That doesn't mean all of the clones are bad games,
>> but - as they're aping the classics - they lake the novelty and charm
>> of the originals.
>>
>> Still, there are a number of games on the list that appeal to me, and
>> - if I didn't own it already - "Callisto Protocol" alone would have
>> made this month's Choice worth it. Well, I'll just have to make do
>> with "Victoria 3" and "Hobs Barrow". It's not a great month of games,
>> but not a bad one either; HumbleChoice is holding steady.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>

I'm already happy if there's one a month that I find at least somewhat
interesting.

On Thu, 4 Apr 2024 09:46:52 +0200, Kyonshi <gmkeros@gmail.com> wrote:
>On 4/4/2024 8:30 AM, Werner P. wrote:
>> Am 03.04.24 um 02:35 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:

>>> Another month, another chance to grab eight more games on the cheap.
>>> But are they games worth adding to the library, or just filler to make
>>> The Number go up? Let's find out.

>> As usual 2-3 games on the list are worth my time.
>> That is basically the general scheme every month.
>> So yes it is worth the price!
>I'm already happy if there's one a month that I find at least somewhat
>interesting.

Yeah, the pricing is usually good enough that if there's even ONE game
on the list that you're interested in, you're still coming out ahead.

Usually, I find that there's one game I'm REALLY interested in (e.g.,
it's probably on a 'wishlist' on Steam or GOG or elsewhere), two or
three games that might be interesting, with the rest being filler that
may or may not be to my taste.

Under 'normal' circumstances, this would be a bonanza. I'd play all
the games in the first two categories, and maybe one or two 'filler'
games too; a pretty good result for just $12 USD. These days, it is a
slightly less appealing deal, just because there's such a FLOOD of
free games that it's become impossible to keep up. (I hesitate to
admit how many new games are added to my library each month, but it's
/far/ more than the five or six I list in the monthly 'what have you
been playing' thread ;-)

Still, I still maintain that HumbleChoice remains a good option for
gamers looking to acquire new titles without paying a fortune for the
privilege. Sure, they've offered some stinkers at times, and you'll
never get the newest-and-greatest, but it's an inexpensive way to grab
a lot of good games at a reasonable price. Personally, I find it a far
better deal than other subscription plans where you only have access
to the games so long as you keep playing; games you buy through
HumbleChoice are yours to keep.

IMHO, YMMV, etc.

On 4/4/2024 5:30 PM, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:
> On Thu, 4 Apr 2024 09:46:52 +0200, Kyonshi <gmkeros@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On 4/4/2024 8:30 AM, Werner P. wrote:
>>> Am 03.04.24 um 02:35 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:
>
>>>> Another month, another chance to grab eight more games on the cheap.
>>>> But are they games worth adding to the library, or just filler to make
>>>> The Number go up? Let's find out.
>
>>> As usual 2-3 games on the list are worth my time.
>>> That is basically the general scheme every month.
>>> So yes it is worth the price!
>
>> I'm already happy if there's one a month that I find at least somewhat
>> interesting.
>
> Yeah, the pricing is usually good enough that if there's even ONE game
> on the list that you're interested in, you're still coming out ahead.
>
> Usually, I find that there's one game I'm REALLY interested in (e.g.,
> it's probably on a 'wishlist' on Steam or GOG or elsewhere), two or
> three games that might be interesting, with the rest being filler that
> may or may not be to my taste.
>
> Under 'normal' circumstances, this would be a bonanza. I'd play all
> the games in the first two categories, and maybe one or two 'filler'
> games too; a pretty good result for just $12 USD. These days, it is a
> slightly less appealing deal, just because there's such a FLOOD of
> free games that it's become impossible to keep up. (I hesitate to
> admit how many new games are added to my library each month, but it's
> /far/ more than the five or six I list in the monthly 'what have you
> been playing' thread ;-)
>
> Still, I still maintain that HumbleChoice remains a good option for
> gamers looking to acquire new titles without paying a fortune for the
> privilege. Sure, they've offered some stinkers at times, and you'll
> never get the newest-and-greatest, but it's an inexpensive way to grab
> a lot of good games at a reasonable price. Personally, I find it a far
> better deal than other subscription plans where you only have access
> to the games so long as you keep playing; games you buy through
> HumbleChoice are yours to keep.
>
> IMHO, YMMV, etc.
>
>

No no, I have the same opinion. It just sucks sometimes when there's one
or two months with barely anything worth even looking at sometimes.
There have been some really good games in there over time, but a lot of
the games they have are just kind of... meh. Even the ones that
initially seem interesting sometimes tire me out quickly enough.

Come to think of it, when was the last time I actually played a game
from Choice for longer?
Check Check...
Huh, I played Roadwarden, which I got July 2023. That actually was a
pretty good month. Ever since then I barely played any of the games in
the bundle.

Why am I still paying for this?!