I don’t know if it tops the incredible Humble Bundle 5, which featured one of my favorite games, “Bastion” – but the generosity of the ninth Humble Bundle is anything but scant. It’s available until Sept. 24, and like every bundle, it’s pay-what-you-want, provides both PC and Mac versions (when available) and includes most of the games’ soundtracks.
Humble Bundle 9 consists of “Trine 2: Complete Story,” “Mark of the Ninja,” the beta of “Eets Munchies” and “Brütal Legend.” “FTL” and “Fez” are also available to those willing to pay more than the average (under $5 at the time of this writing), along with whatever games they add over the bundle’s lifespan.
I can personally speak to the quality of two games in particular, “Fez” and “Mark of the Ninja.” $5 is a steal for either one on their own. I try to keep this column focused on easily accessible experiences, and these titles won’t take a mastodon of a computer to run.
“Fez” was one of the first of the modern “indie darlings.” I’ve come to it late, and had an incredible amount of fun just exploring its beautiful artwork and toying with the perspective-shifting platforming puzzles.
Admittedly, I haven’t gotten to the point that dominates discussions of the game – where “Fez” turns all expectations on their heads, but I’ve seen glimpses of it and can’t wait to delve back in when I’ve got the time.
I would be remiss not to mention “Fez’s” soundtrack, which has become an important fallback in my flagged “study” music. Since all of my school work involves reading or writing, most lyrical music is too distracting. Disasterpiece’s “Fez” score provides the perfect ambiance to keep me feeling warm and comfortable during a long session at my cold, uncaring keyboard.
“Mark of the Ninja” is probably the best stealth-driven video game I’ve ever played. And you’ll find that hyperbole echoed throughout the infinite chambers of the internet – well, the dorky chambers I frequent. Along with “Don’t Starve,” it’s the game that got me interested in the Klei as a studio. “Mark of the Ninja” telegraphs the information you need to make it through rooms unnoticed, in a way that alleviates much of the confusion and tedium of stealth games. And consarnit, if you ever just want to feel like a ninja (or Batman), this is the game I’d point you to.
My limited time with “FTL” has kicked my butt, and I can at least recommend “Brütal Legend” as a vehicle for designer Tim Schafer’s always on-point comedy writing, delivered via Jack Black’s voice talent. (What other video game can claim that?) Visit humblebundle.com to check these games out yourself.