The Strategic Minds Collection includes seven PC games across 4X, tactical RPGs, and large-scale warfare.
Humble has released the Strategic Minds Bundle, an exclusive bundle of seven games, including strategy titles, split into two price tiers.
The way Humble bundles work may be new to you, but if you’ve been using them long enough, you’ll see how many different levels of bundles are made available daily and how it works.
Each level will give you either a few games (and a lower price) or more games (and a higher price). This particular Humble Bundle has two levels: Level One is a bundle where you pay $10 and get three out of the total of seven games.
Level Two is a bundle where you pay $19 and receive all seven. And if you’re willing to pay more, you’ll do it for the right cause because it allows your generosity to go towards more charities, including buildOn, which is the main organization being supported by the money collected from the purchase of this Humble Bundle.
All of the games listed in the above Humble Bundle are high-quality strategy games that have come out recently, and I’ll provide a brief description of each game as follows:
- Old World
- Songs of Conquest
- Valkyria Chronicles 4 Complete Edition
- Terminator Dark Fate Defiance
- The Last Spell
- Galactic Civilizations IV Supernova Edition
- Showgunners Deluxe Edition
Old World kicks off the bundle with one of the more unique historical 4X-style games available today.
It still addresses the traditional elements of growth (expansion), conquest (warfare), and civilization development (empire building); however, these areas have been tied together with dynasty succession, noble families, marriages, and court intrigue, all of which create a more personal experience with each campaign.
As rulers grow older, their heirs take center stage, and internal political strife often can be equally as damaging or impactful as events taking place outside of your borders.
Next up is Songs of Conquest, which transitions into a typical fantasy strategy. This type of game has roots of discovery and gathering resources on maps, leading heroic armies using heroes you’ve collected throughout your journey and engaging in tactical battles, but all framed through the lens of the powerful Wielders.
These Wielders will determine how your armies perform in battle as well as your overall long-term progress. With its faction-based model, vintage feel, and emphasis on managing kingdoms, it’s likely that fans of those classic heroes and armies will find Songs of Conquest to fit their taste best among all of the options listed above.
That fantasy theme leads into a completely different type of warfare in Valkyria Chronicles 4 Complete Edition. Taking place within the same conflict as the first installment of the series, it provides a new battlefront and relies once again upon SEGA’s popular BLiTZ battle system.
A battle system that combines tactical preparation with fluid movement and real-time targeting allows for a truly unique combat experience when compared to other turn-based strategy titles. Additionally, the complete edition includes all additional features that were released after the initial title.
Terminator Dark Fate Defiance follows next with a drastic shift in pace. It is the only RTS-style title included in the bundle.
The gameplay centers primarily on commanding forces on the battlefield against the Legion, and offers several types of units including infantry, tanks, vehicle engagements and large-scale combat. As units are able to continue their progression through campaigns, choices made throughout the campaign may also impact relationships with other factions, creating a larger scope of strategy than many other titles offer.
Finally, The Last Spell returns to turn-based play, although it incorporates a tougher survival mechanic. It blends turn-based squad-based combat with roguelite mechanics to provide a survival loop that challenges the player to build and defend their town each day and hold off waves of enemy forces at night as mages prepare for a final rite.
Due to the multiple layers of systems involved (action points, weapon builds, mage perks, etc.) as well as the constant threat posed by waves of monsters coming towards their village each night, The Last Spell is perhaps the heaviest systemically in the entire bundle.
The next one, Galactic Civilizations IV Supernova Edition, also provides a comprehensive look into true-scale space 4x territory.
Exploring star systems for valuable minerals and resources, colonizing planets, advancing technology, constructing fleets, and negotiating with various alien civilizations are all part of this expansive title. What sets it apart from other similar titles in terms of freedom is how many ways a player can develop his/her intergalactic civilization.
The ability to customize ship designs, implement different government models, negotiate with rival factions, etc., all contribute to providing the largest amount of strategic depth within the bundle.
The last game inside the Strategic Minds Collection is Showgunners Deluxe Edition concludes the package with another turn-based tactics experience. However, unlike some of the previous experiences within the bundle, Showgunners takes a slightly more dramatic approach.
Set in a future where gladiatorial combatants compete in televised death matches in urban arenas littered with obstacles such as traps and hazardous environments, it chronicles Scarlett Martillo as she navigates her way through this brutal world.
In addition to completing tactical battles, navigating through levels in real-time, recruiting allies, and leveling up character abilities/gear, Showgunners’ Deluxe Edition also includes additional downloadable content as a bonus to the standard version.
