CannibalisticApple's recent activity
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Comment on Humble Choice - September 2025 in ~games
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Comment on Humble Choice - September 2025 in ~games
CannibalisticApple From what I've seen browsing reddit, currently feelings towards Destiny 2 are pretty unhappy. Something about recent updates just screwing everything up (more than the usual such complaints), and...From what I've seen browsing reddit, currently feelings towards Destiny 2 are pretty unhappy. Something about recent updates just screwing everything up (more than the usual such complaints), and also discontent at removing a lot of content over the years, including some that may have been paid DLC? Also, that removed content is no longer compatible with the modern game, as they explained in a legal case regarding accusations of copyright infringement with some of it.
Also worth noting Destiny 2 is free-to-play, so this is just a bundle of DLC. So uh... Yeah.
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple By the way, thanks to that glitch, I found a guide which mentioned a spooky easter egg. And I just confirmed that it works! When you wake up in the middle of the night, ring the top doorbell three...By the way, thanks to that glitch, I found a guide which mentioned a spooky easter egg. And I just confirmed that it works!
When you wake up in the middle of the night, ring the top doorbell three times. Then step into the hall...
What You'll See
The conductor's head pops off and multiplies by three, and he juggles them while sometimes popping them back on his neck. Robert refuses to get too close, so you can just stand there and watch him from a distance.
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple (edited )Link ParentUpdate: rewound to the very beginning, and within 5 minuted I'm already seeing more people than in the entire first attempt. The dining car is full this time. I even got sat by a waiter! So yeah,...Update: rewound to the very beginning, and within 5 minuted I'm already seeing more people than in the entire first attempt. The dining car is full this time. I even got sat by a waiter!
So yeah, I think either I somehow had horrible luck last time around and missed people moving around the entire time, or it was glitched somehow. Nice to finally feel like I'm making progress~ Still curious about what was up with that though.
Edit: Yep, it was definitely glitched. I mentioned in the spoiler how I saw a guy in a brown suit standing in the red car, and this time I saw him in the dining room and go to another car. Our friend in the dining car also got served food this time, and then left well before Chapter 2 started.
Somehow I guess the characters got stuck. No clue what triggered it to happen, I'm blaming Tyler's ghost for jinxing me. Now I kinda wish this game had save states so I could just leave it open after that point and see what happens...
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple So, playing Gold Edition on Steam Deck, and... After looking up guides I think my playthrough may be bugged, which is interesting. Spoilers up to ~11:30 in-game. Spoilers In-game it is now 11:40....So, playing Gold Edition on Steam Deck, and... After looking up guides I think my playthrough may be bugged, which is interesting. Spoilers up to ~11:30 in-game.
Spoilers
In-game it is now 11:40. So far I've talked to Mr. Schmidt, met Kronos, got the passenger list, and also hid from police by climbing out the window (after a game over). But I haven't actually managed to talk to anyone else. After looking at the hint guide I saw I apparently should have fought someone named Milos, and looking up another guide mentions he should be in my compartment. He has yet to show up though.
Interestingly, Herr Schmidt and the two diners are still in the restaurant car. And they're also the ONLY people I've seen in there. I saw a family in the hallway head there, but upon following them to the dining car, they just disappeared. I do get audio clips from people saying "Excuse moi, monsieur, pardon" or "excuse me" when I enter or exit the empty lounge car. There's also a man in a brown suit standing in front of the conductor in the red car, just staring at me in silence. And from a distance, his feet seem to float because I can see the conductor's legs beneath them...
At this point, it's obvious. This train is haunted. Everyone else are ghosts, killed in the tragic crash caused by those foolish girls throwing a stone at a train. The driver must have hit some switch upon the glass breaking and striking his face that caused the train to jolt and topple, killing all inside. That invitation from Tyler was not for an idyllic train ride, but to join him in the afterlife... And now Robert is trapped in this empty purgatory for daring to throw his best friend's ethereal body out the window.
Joking aside, my game might be bugged right now. Not complaining, just kind of bemused. At least I have plenty of time to read the newspaper? xD
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Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of September 1 in ~society
CannibalisticApple People are latching onto anything they can and just going wild over the tiniest details. I suspect it's half serious speculation, half trolls egging on conspiracy nuts to enjoy the show.People are latching onto anything they can and just going wild over the tiniest details. I suspect it's half serious speculation, half trolls egging on conspiracy nuts to enjoy the show.
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Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of September 1 in ~society
CannibalisticApple To add to the conspiracy fodder: a friend shared a screenshot of the notification of the announcement at 2, and pointed out that it says "THE PRESIDENT makes an announcement" when it usually says...To add to the conspiracy fodder: a friend shared a screenshot of the notification of the announcement at 2, and pointed out that it says "THE PRESIDENT makes an announcement" when it usually says "President Trump". And another friend pointed out that all roads to Walter Reed Medical Center were closed.
Mostly we're just laughing about how every bit of information and picture is just more fodder for conspiracy nuts. But at this point, I'm honestly starting to think something DID happen. Not death, but he may have had a stroke. I might tune into it at 2 pm just long enough to see if it's Trump or Vance.
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple Spoilers I knew from kfwyre's original comment there was a hiding spot, but I threw it out because I spent like, three minutes stuck in the inventory after entering the sleeping car. No joke,...Spoilers
I knew from kfwyre's original comment there was a hiding spot, but I threw it out because I spent like, three minutes stuck in the inventory after entering the sleeping car. No joke, couldn't figure out how to exit. I knew there was a time limit, and I panicked and didn't want to get instantly arrested xD
Also wow, Cath is really not that shook up by the murder of his friend. Just goes straight to tossing him out the window and impersonation.
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple At bare minimum, the TV Tropes page doesn't seem to mention Moon Logic, That One Puzzle or Guide Dang It. As far as I know the trial and error in this game comes from learning from fail states and...At bare minimum, the TV Tropes page doesn't seem to mention Moon Logic, That One Puzzle or Guide Dang It. As far as I know the trial and error in this game comes from learning from fail states and using critical thinking on how to get past them, rather than some puzzles that defies common sense.
That said, kfwyre posted earlier with some helpful links including a spoiler-free guide. I personally plan to try to play as much as I can and consult that guide as needed, which is my usual strategy.
This makes me think though: if one of the games we play has a puzzle like that and people know about it, they should give the rest of us a warning. Just a quick, "Hey guys, there's one puzzle with moon logic" and then the solution in a spoiler box so people don't spend hours on something they would just never think about. Or a heads up if it involves some easily missed detail or choice at the beginning of a long sequence which could lead to a LOT of wasted time.
At the very least, The Secret of Monkey Island is scheduled for December...
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games
CannibalisticApple Well the name is a reference to it. Actually now I'm kinda surprised that game didn't get nominated given it's the literal namesake. Oh well. Hope some of the games look fun to try out!Well the name is a reference to it.
Actually now I'm kinda surprised that game didn't get nominated given it's the literal namesake. Oh well. Hope some of the games look fun to try out!
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple I'll be playing the Gold Edition on Steam myself, since I grabbed it during the summer sale. I'm trusting it will run on Steam Deck despite it not have a playable/verified rating. I'm pretty...I'll be playing the Gold Edition on Steam myself, since I grabbed it during the summer sale. I'm trusting it will run on Steam Deck despite it not have a playable/verified rating. I'm pretty excited for the game, though I'm actually about to go to bed and won't be able to start right away. I just wanted to post the topic now since the game is on sale on Steam for the next
1110 hours (I spent way too long writing this single comment), so it's the last chance to buy it at a big discount!! Though some of you may want to play the original version instead.And on another important note, and the reason I ended up needing another hour to write this comment...
As host, I hereby use my powers to issue Meta Challenges!
These challenges don't relate to the game or gamplay, but instead the real world! This started as a joke in my head with one specific "challenge" in mind, but as I started writing this comment I realized this could may spur some fun conversations. It can also hopefully spark some inspiration for some activities and sight seeing! These are 100% optional, and I don't expect anyone to complete all of the challenges. (Seriously, please don't try, for reasons that should be obvious once you read the challenges.)
- If you know of any other media about the Orient Express, watch/read/play it and share your thoughts! Let us know how the portrayal compares!
- If you play this game aboard an actual train, you get points!
- If you play this game on a train that isn't a subway/monorail/part-of-your-daily-commute-train, but an actual long-distance train, let us know how it compares! But also try to enjoy the ride, too.
- Just riding an overnight train without playing can also get points, and give you a chance to (hopefully) enjoy some nice scenery.
- If you visit a train on display in a museum, that's also awesome! (AND you get to see the rest of the museum, too!)
- There are almost certainly some old Orient Express cars on display that you can visit at museums or train yards. If you can somehow find and visit one this month (or any month really), please share pictures!
- If you play the game aboard the modern-day Orient Express, which does run in September and is very expensive: well, first of all you will be crazy, why are you wasting a Β£3800+ trip on a luxury train playing a VIDEO GAMEβ Ahem. You'll also get lots of recognition. And scrutiny, because seriously this is SO EXPENSIVE AND SHORT NOTICE WHY WOULD YOU EVENβ
- You can also, just, book a trip on it and NOT play the game. We will all applaud you and not treat you like a crazy person (assuming you didn't take out a mortgage or loan JUST to buy tickets to complete this challenge), and also politely request pictures from the trip and reports on how it compares to the game. Hopefully less murder is involved.
- If you've ever ridden the modern-day Orient Express: post pictures pretty please, and also let us know how the train in the game compares!
- And finally, the ultimate challenge that inspired this list: One original sleeper car, the very one that the developers of The Last Express visited and used as a model back in the 1990's, still existed in a train graveyard in Greece as of December 31, 2023. It is in horrible shape after thirty years of weathering and exposure to the elements, but... it exists. Probably. I don't think it would have been hauled away since then. The train graveyard isn't exactly a tourist site so it's not like they need to worry about it being messy, but that also means it's not easy to visit and tour. If you find it and share photos (and again, assuming you DON'T financially screw yourself over just for imaginary internet points), you win. You just win the whole thread.
- On that note: if you enter the train to play the game, you lose. You'll probably win yourself tetanus, seriously I winced at the view through those windows, but I won't even let you have any imaginary internet points for doing something so risky.
- Also there's apparently a Facebook group for this game, which I learned about from the comments on that video, so if you're on Facebook they might appreciate photos/video too. Jordan Mechner replied to a post sharing that video, so he might be checking out the group?
Actually come to think of it, I guess the fact the game is developed by John Mechner of Prince of Persia fame is another selling point I should have mentioned in the post. Maybe I'll edit that in there later.
Those are all the challenges I've come up with in the past hour. Hopefully even if you don't get a chance to play the game or you don't end up enjoying it, this will let you still participate in another way!
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Comment on CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express in ~games
CannibalisticApple CGA Announcement: We have officially inserted the cartridge for The Last Express. Use this topic to get set up for the month, help other people get set up for the month, and start playing! If you...CGA Announcement: We have officially inserted the cartridge for The Last Express. Use this topic to get set up for the month, help other people get set up for the month, and start playing!
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CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπ INSERT CARTRIDGE π’ The Last Express
Warning: this post may contain spoilers
Introduction
July, 1914. Paris.
Tensions are high all around the European continent. A long-growing discontent has reached a sharp peak not even a full month earlier with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. In the midst of these ever-uneasy days, a young American doctor by the name of Robert Cath gets a sudden invitation from his best friend, urging him to join him on the now-legendary Orient Express.
As he boards the train, he cannot predict the chaos that will follow. Luxurious as the train may be, this will not be an idyllic trip, but the scene of a murder. Blood will be shed, conspiracies will unfold, secrets will be revealed and romance will have a chance to blossom. With the official beginning of the Great War only a matter of days away, he may be the last passenger to step aboard what will be...
The Last Express
Welcome everyone to the first month of the Colossal Game Adventure! I am sure most people reading this will know the details already given the activity on the setup threads. Just to reiterate though, the Colossal Gaming Adventure is a monthly event where we will be playing through older games together. While @kfwyre organized the voting and nomination phases, each month will have a different host. We have seven months' worth of games already scheduled through March 2026, and I have the honor of being the conductor for the inaugural round!
As you saw above, our first leg of this grand journey will have us board The Last Express, a 1997 adventure game about a mystery on the Orient Express. I myself have not played it yet and will be experiencing it for the first time with most people here, because this game seems to be the poster child for hidden gems. A game that received critical acclaim and praise from critics and players alike, and clearly a work with serious passion and effort, but according to Wikipedia it sold only 100,000 copies on its initial release.
Luckily for us, one of those 100,000 copies belongs to kfwyre, who brought it to my attention with this passionate recommendation back in May. That link has some mild spoilers for the very beginning of the game, so you may not want to read it, but here's the key takeaway that made this game so interesting: this game plays out in real time. As you explore the train, characters will go about their set routines and events will unfold off screen regardless of you being present to witness them. These events can set up unknown domino effects that will impact you, and your own choices can also have unforeseen consequences that won't come into play until much later.
To that end, don't be discouraged by failure. Many adventure games of this era rely on trial and error but in this game failure is particularly integrated into the gameplay. Someone might somehow get the luckiest run ever and manage to complete the game on their very first playthrough without ever encountering a fail state, but ultimately, this game will call for a bit of patience. And maybe guides if you have the original version or the hints don't help. Which I personally think is pretty neat. Doesn't get much more classic/retro than looking up walkthroughs on GameFAQs!
So all aboard The Last Express, and enjoy the ride.
Game Information
Versions: Original Release and DotEmu/Gold Edition. The DotEmu version is a re-release which has additional features such as hints and tutorials, which may make it easier.
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, MS-DOS, iOS, Android
Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Point-and-Click
Stores:
- GOG, Original: The original 1997 release, in all its 1990βs glory for purists. (Also may come with some extras like a soundtrack and "making of" from a 2011 Collectorβs Edition published by DotEmu, but which is now wiped from the internet...?)
- Steam, Gold Edition: The remake/remaster released by DotEmu with added hints and tutorials, as well as interface tweaks. (Note: while it lists macOS, the game is 32-bit, which is unsupported by any macOS versions beyond 10.14 Mojave.) This version is on sale for only 11 more hours at the time of this topic being posted!! An extreme time crunch for sure, so if you see this message, now's the time to buy it!!
- iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store). These ports are also by DotEmu and predate the Gold Edition.
Game Setup
The main purpose of this topic is to get people up and running with the game. As such, it's recommended that you:
- Share which version of the game you're playing
- Share what hardware you're playing it on
- Share if there are any tools/mods that you recommend
- Share anything you think is important for people to know before they start the game
- Ask questions if you need help
Another purpose of this topic is to revisit the game and its time period:
- Do you have any memories or associations with this game itself?
- What about its system or era?
- What aspects of retro gaming were common at the time?
- What other games from the same time period are you familiar with?
- What are you expecting from this game in particular?
Finally, this topic is the beginning discussion for people starting to play it:
- Post updates sharing your thoughts as you play.
- Ask for help if you get stuck.
- Offer help to others.
It is recommended that you reply to your own posts if you are making consecutive updates so that they are in the same thread.
IMPORTANT: Any links to the game should be legal distributions of the game only. Please do NOT link to any unauthorized copies.
IMPORTANT: Put any spoilers in a dropdown block. Copy/paste the block below if needed.
<details> <summary>Spoilers</summary> Spoiler text goes here. </details>
FAQ
What is CGA?
Colossal Game Adventure (CGA) is Tildes' retro video game club.
Each month we will play a different retro game/games, discuss our thoughts, and bask in the glorious digital experiences of yesteryear!
Colossal Game Adventure is a reference to Colossal Cave Adventure. It's one of the most influential games of all time, one of the first text-based interactive games, and one of the first games to be shared online.
What do we want to do with this group? Play influential games; interact with each other through text; and share the love for retro games online!
It also abbreviates to CGA (because we love chunky pixel art), and its name communicates the Colossal amount of fun and excitement that we have with retro video Games in our shared Adventure of playing them together.
Do I have to sign up?
No. Participation is open to all.
There is a Notification List that will get pinged each time a new topic goes up. If you would like to join that list, please PM u/kfwyre.
Are there restrictions on what/how to play?
Each month will have a focus game or games that will guide our discussions. Beyond that, there are no restrictions. The philosophy of CGA is to play in a way that works for you!
This means:
- Choose whichever version of the game you want.
- You can use cheats, save states, mods, etc.
- You can watch a streamer or longplay instead of playing it.
If you have already played a game and want a different experience:
- Try a randomizer or challenge run.
- Play a different version of it.
- Play a related game (sequel, spiritual successor, something inspired by it, etc.)
There is no wrong way to participate in CGA, and every different way someone participates will make for more interesting discussions.
What is the schedule?
Each month the Insert Cartidge topic will be posted on the 1st, while the Remove Cartridge topic will be posted on the 20th.
Nomination and voting topics will happen in March and September (every 6 months).
Schedules are also posted then.
All CGA topics are available using the
colossal game adventure
tag.What do Insert and Remove Cartridge mean?
Inserting and removing cartridges are our retro metaphor for starting and stopping a given game or games.
The Insert Cartridge topic happens at the beginning of the month and is primarily about getting the game up and running.
The Remove Cartridge topic happens toward the end of the month and is primarily about people reflecting on the game now that they've played it.
There are no hard restrictions on what has to go in either topic, and each can be used to discuss the game, post updates, ask questions, etc.
With all the pleasantries out of the way...
> PRESS START
(Credit to @Boojum for the splash screen. It's too awesome not to include!)
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games
CannibalisticApple I think this one might look best so far! Also, now that I am on a proper computer and can see this on a bigger screen (and also in the bigger text of headings), I have realized that πΎ is in fact...I think this one might look best so far!
Also, now that I am on a proper computer and can see this on a bigger screen (and also in the bigger text of headings), I have realized that πΎ is in fact an alien monster. Worth noting I use the Love Dark theme, which is dark purple, which makes the alien monster blend in even more on a small mobile screen or on regular size text.
Honestly I don't think that's a problem. I just wanted to comment that the alien monster makes much more sense than a joystick controller and an octopus xD
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games
CannibalisticApple I like the thought of making them more visually different, and also moving the arrows. So I came up with this: CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπΎ INSERT CARTRIDGE ββ The Last Express π½ CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπΎ REMOVE...I like the thought of making them more visually different, and also moving the arrows. So I came up with this:
CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπΎ INSERT CARTRIDGE ββ The Last Express π½
CGA-2025-09 πΉοΈπΎ REMOVE CARTRIDGE ββ The Last Express βοΈ
One more thought: it might be fun to use emoji that fit the game. So instead of the octopus, could have π for The Last Express.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games
CannibalisticApple For what it's worth, I also have no experience playing The Last Express so I can't give tips or share reflections/memories. I'm just looking forward to experiencing it for the first time with...For what it's worth, I also have no experience playing The Last Express so I can't give tips or share reflections/memories. I'm just looking forward to experiencing it for the first time with everyone else!
That said, yeah, it's hard to predict our schedules that far in advance. Life can change rapidly. Though I think ultimately, if you want to host, then volunteer! If something comes up you can back out, and some other people may be interested in hosting it too.
Actually I'm curious now: has anyone here played Racing Lagoon? All the comments I saw mentioned how it looked cool and interesting, but it didn't seem like anyone referenced playing it. If not, it would be kind of neat if we'd be all experiencing a game for the first time together.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: Voting topic in ~games
CannibalisticApple Can also avoid the admittedly unlikely but still possible scenario where somehow all the top nominations are the same genre. Imagine six straight months of shooters or JRPG games...Can also avoid the admittedly unlikely but still possible scenario where somehow all the top nominations are the same genre. Imagine six straight months of shooters or JRPG games...
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: Voting topic in ~games
CannibalisticApple One thought I have to help whittle down the nominations would be to have a "double pack" month for two games that are related or similar (e.g. both Metroid games, the original Super Mario Bros and...One thought I have to help whittle down the nominations would be to have a "double pack" month for two games that are related or similar (e.g. both Metroid games, the original Super Mario Bros and Sonic games, two games with western settings, a western and a space shooter, etc.). Comparing the games could generate some interesting discussion, even if people only play one.
Alternatively, a double pack month could have two very different games in case people have different tastes. Though not sure how to balance that out.
You'd also suggested the possibility of "side quests", which I think could also be a good way to whittle down the list by using it for games that are shorter, or to balance out games that are more complicated to get running. I'd say Seaman, for example, should be a side quest given the simple gameplay (it's basically a really weird pet simulator) and also the complexity in getting it to run (you need a microphone to talk to it).
Games that involve patches like Kaeru no Tame might also be good options for a side quest month, depending on how easy or complicated it is to patch it. Some games have the patch as a direct part of a single download, but others require tracking down the ROM and then patching it... Bit more work than some people might want to do, so it could be good to have an alternative that could be easily played via the Internet Archive or GOG or Steam.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: Voting topic in ~games
CannibalisticApple Know what, sure! I'm a coward when it comes to playing horror games, but I like watching them. I can give it a go (doesn't the original have some notoriously cheesy voice acting?) and then look up...Know what, sure! I'm a coward when it comes to playing horror games, but I like watching them. I can give it a go (doesn't the original have some notoriously cheesy voice acting?) and then look up LPs if I'm too much of a coward to continue.
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Comment on Blizzard Entertainment files lawsuit against World of Warcraft private server Turtle WoW in ~games
CannibalisticApple I think the issue comes from them profiting off it with the in-game shops and donations. I don't know how much it costs to run and maintain the private server, nor to hire people to develop new...I think the issue comes from them profiting off it with the in-game shops and donations. I don't know how much it costs to run and maintain the private server, nor to hire people to develop new content, but... Well, they're making enough to hire at least 100 people for various positions. Don't know if the team is full-time or how much they pay (the forum post I found mentions it includes developers, artists, modelers, writers and game masters, and I know that writers are usually hired for projects rather than full-time), but that implies a decent amount of profit to afford it.
I am not a lawyer, but I don't think the reverse engineering argument stands up in this case. It would be one thing if they reverse engineered the code to make their own, original game. Plenty of clones of popular games exist. But this isn't about the code, they're directly using World of Warcraft branding as a selling point. Emphasis on selling, since again, they're most likely making a profit off this server.
They might be adding and developing totally new content, they may have developed the code from scratch. But the base is still indisputably World of Warcraft. Not even "WoW with a different coat of paint", or some derivative of it. It's literally WoW, it is based on a specific version of WoW. Anyone who plays it, plays it because it's World of Warcraft from 2004, but with upgraded content.
Fan-made works usually avoid profits because of this sort of thing. Plenty of totally free projects get shut down by the owners of the IP (just look at the recent Bionicle fan game shut down before its release after eight years of work), but adding profits to the mix? That's a different ballgame entirely. Especially in a case like this, where they're directly competing with the actual owners of the IP. Even if they didn't make it a direct copy, using the World of Warcraft branding and making a profit off it would still cause the same issues.
Note, I do support private servers. But adding profits to the mix changes things and makes it too messy. It would be far too easy for private servers to fall victim to the same greed that can turn people away from public servers.
I bought Humble Bundle for the first time last month. And this month's selection just... Doesn't seem worth it for me personally.
As I noted in another comment, Destiny 2 is free-to-play, so this is just DLC. And I don't care for sports games in general, but I'm also more wary of the annual release ones, and I know I'm far from the only one. Having those two in a single bundle as the big "headliners" seems like a bad idea to me.
The only other ones that stand out to me are The Plucky Squire and Return to Monkey Island, but... Not enough to get it this month.