[360/PC/PS3] XCOM: Enemy Unknown

[Zinfan]

This is what happens when I don't follow my own advice to ignore the civilians and go for the aliens on a Terror Mission. One stinking Sectopod and everything goes to hell.

And this is what happens when you don't understand how a new piece of tech works and you think your leading PSY guy is safe.



Next play through I'm going to try and get more squaddies into the mix early, not every one need to be a Col.
 
ATB I thought I changed the target for the heal using the TAB key (PC obliviously) to select the one I wanted.

[msteelers]

Next play through I'm going to try and get more squaddies into the mix early, not every one need to be a Col.

I'm in my first play-through and this is what I'm trying to do. I'm making sure to bring 1-2 rookies each mission to try and get a well rounded group of soldiers to pick from, rather than 1 super squad of people. The problem is the rookies keep getting killed.

[jztemple2]

Thank goodness the "Sheriff" has survived! 

[drifter]

I love the nicknames the game hands out.

Heavy weapons chick from the UK:  Katie "All In!" Holmes

[Blackjack]

"Everybody just calm down! There's no reason to panic. Everything's all right. Blackjack's in charge!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!"


He's the headshottiest, snap shottiest, gunslinger on Earth. Which doesn't make sense for a sniper, but has proven surprisingly effective...


"So THAT'S why I don't want to sell off all my corpses..."


This looks SO bad, but turned out SO well. 

[ATB]

"Everybody just calm down! There's no reason to panic. Everything's all right. Blackjack's in charge!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!"

More satellites STAT!

[TiLT]

"Everybody just calm down! There's no reason to panic. Everything's all right. Blackjack's in charge!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!"
<image>

More satellites STAT!

He doesn't need satellites. He needs a miracle. Better start polishing those diplomatic skills, Blackjack, because a deal with the aliens is about the best you can hope for now.

[forgeforsaken]

"Everybody just calm down! There's no reason to panic. Everything's all right. Blackjack's in charge!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!"
<image>

More satellites STAT!

He doesn't need satellites. He needs a miracle. Better start polishing those diplomatic skills, Blackjack, because a deal with the aliens is about the best you can hope for now.

If he hasn't done the base mission yet, he can do that and recover pretty well.

[Blackjack]

Nothing like your friends doubting you in public. This must be what being on Twitter is like.  

My first screenshot works better if you visualize the late Leslie Nielsen delivering the dialogue.  

No, haven't done that big thing just yet (am on the cusp). I figured I'd wait til I got laser sniper rifles/heavy weapons (although I only have one heavy at this point, so maybe it's moot) before tackling that. And did begin Foundry research on the vehicular thingies that eventually become SHIVs.

I do have another satellite on the way, and got those satellites into Germany and Argentina after they had been red-bar panicked for quite some time. So at least on Normal mode, I've learned not to panic myself so much -- the game seems pretty forgiving in Normal about how long a country's in red-bar panic before resigning.

I certainly don't pretend to be adept at the base-oriented stuff, or even properly upgrading my interceptors. I know I was awful at it in the 1994 game.

[ATB]

No, haven't done that big thing just yet (am on the cusp).

Wait? You're in near world-wide panic and haven't done the first base assault yet?!  That's like 2 or 3 months in.

Earth is doomed!!!!!!!!!!!!




 

[Roguetad]

I'm just piling on to the earlier recommendations that fully ranked up snipers with Double Tap and Team Sight are killing machines.  After unlocking Double Tap, my sniper handles well over 50% of the aliens in every encounter.  His kill tally is off the charts compared to the rest of the team.  I've started training up another sniper, and have done a few missions using 2, which works better than having 2 heavies or 2 assaults.

I still use 2 support (1 medic and 1 combat support), 1 suppression heavy, and 1 assault.  Next to my sniper, my assault has the most kills, but the gap between the 2 is huge.   

[Blackjack]

I started the alien base mission last night, but decided I was too pooped so perhaps tonight.

To some extent, any screenshot of the "panic situation" is inaccurate, because one successful mission will calm some areas, while others freak out. And getting one more satellite up since then also changed things. Going into the alien base mish, it's totally different than the screenshot I shared.

My base team will probably be one alloy SHIV w/ laser, a sniper, a heavy, an assault (usually I use two) and two supports. I probably haven't leveled up enough rookies but after most of the last half dozen turned into snipers, I got rather tired of waiting for something to become something else. So far I've only developed 1 heavy and 2 supports total. Everything else turns into sniper or assault. I don't have much flexibility when units get wounded, though usually they aren't out more than a few days now.

I understand aim% being random and all but when you're maybe two squares from an out-of-cover ailen, 97% or something aim, and you still miss, it just seems silly. Now if they use this game design to do a game based on Fallen Skies (how about that for an expansion? ), with local yokels w/ little experience firing inaccurate weapons, it would make more sense to me. 

[ATB]

I started the alien base mission last night, but decided I was too pooped so perhaps tonight.

To some extent, any screenshot of the "panic situation" is inaccurate, because one successful mission will calm some areas, while others freak out. And getting one more satellite up since then also changed things. Going into the alien base mish, it's totally different than the screenshot I shared.

My base team will probably be one alloy SHIV w/ laser, a sniper, a heavy, an assault (usually I use two) and two supports. I probably haven't leveled up enough rookies but after most of the last half dozen turned into snipers, I got rather tired of waiting for something to become something else. So far I've only developed 1 heavy and 2 supports total. Everything else turns into sniper or assault. I don't have much flexibility when units get wounded, though usually they aren't out more than a few days now.

I understand aim% being random and all but when you're maybe two squares from an out-of-cover ailen, 97% or something aim, and you still miss, it just seems silly.

It's crazy how different our playthroughs are. I just unlocked SHIVs yesterday and you have them for the first base assault.

What a game!

[Dunamis]

Really enjoying this game!  It really captures the feel of the original and the tactical combat is fun.

Played about 4 hours last night and was finally able to outfit everyone with new armor and laser weapons.

Good stuff!  Can't wait to finish it and up the difficulty and play it again.

[Roguetad]

I've never used the SHIV.  Are there other uses than just filling in for a wounded vet?  Why would you use one over a human squad member?  

[forgeforsaken]

I've never used the SHIV.  Are there other uses than just filling in for a wounded vet?  Why would you use one over a human squad member?  

They are immune to mind control.

[Blackjack]

I've never used the SHIV.  Are there other uses than just filling in for a wounded vet?  Why would you use one over a human squad member?  

They are immune to mind control.

One thing mentioned in the SHIV description is that it (I assume you'd more likely use the upgraded alloy type this way) can serve as mobile cover in the field for your troops. Might be in handy for an open map, though I guess you really don't know until you're already on the map. Also, the Foundry lets you research a Suppressing Fire ability for the SHIV.

As I understand, the drawbacks are that a SHIV doesn't level up, and if damaged, is expensive to repair. If you're like me though, and not enough troops are evolving into something other than snipers, having maybe one SHIV in a squad seems to make sense.

That's the beauty of XCOM really. If you want six upgraded SHIVs, I guess you can do that. If you don't want to mess with them at all, and spend your resources on other Foundry creations/upgrades, you can do that and I might go that route next time around.

Although I was sort of joking about Fallen Skies, now that I think about it, that could be a great idea for a follow up game. I mean, why just do more of the same (in terms of a standalone followup game; I could understand an expansion just having more maps/weapons etc.)? Or, if some publisher gets envious of XCOM's (so far) sales success and OKs a "similar but different project."

You could have a "post XCOM" game where XCOM failed, all the countries panicked, and all you have is a tattered bunch of "earthling insurgents" with basic weaponry trying desperately to fight back and retake the planet. You might still have a crude base and do research on a more basic level to improve conventional weapons.

I guess that might sound more like Fallout than XCOM. But as somebody who couldn't enjoy the most recent FPS Fallout games (due to motion sickness issues), some "reimagining" of the 1997 Fallout similar to Firaxis' XCOM game (retaining that wonderful turn-based combat but modernizing it) would make me happy too.  

[Roguetad]

I've never used the SHIV.  Are there other uses than just filling in for a wounded vet?  Why would you use one over a human squad member?  

They are immune to mind control.

I hadn't even thought of that.  That's good to know.  I've been lucky so far being able to rush in quickly and kill the sectoid commander breaking the mind control before any damage is done.  I've been focused on developing other tech and resources, and haven't touched the SHIV tech yet. I love that the game lays out so many options for base and tech development, without having the means or time to unlock everything that looks good.  I've had to make some tough choices.  In hindsight, there are some I'd like a do-over on.  I'm sticking with my decisions though.

[USMC Kato]

I bring at least 1 SHIV along for terror missions. Great for scouting and providing a distraction when trying to rescue civilians.  If the SHIV goes down, it's just money....unlike when I lose a veteran.

[The Grue]

I've had to take a break from XCOM for the last couple of days because I realized it makes me angry instead of relaxing me.  I'll give it a week off and come back all refreshed!

[jztemple2]

There has been a stream of new mods posted over at XCOM Nexus, but this one caught my eye. It might be good for those folks who want to get a taste of the end game without getting their brains beaten out over and over again (IE me )

Excalibur's Easier Easy Mod v1.0

This is a simple mod to make easy mode, that much easier. It's something of a cheat I guess you could say, but it's not overly dramatic changes. Your welcome to send me an email with suggestions or ideas for the next version, you can reach me at [email protected].

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This mod makes the following changes:
- Titan Armor provides 5 additional HP to make it a bit more durable for the later stages of the game.
- All classes have recieved one additional HP per rank and a small increase to the aim they game.
- All countries have had their funding doubled.
- The max range penalty for short range weapons has been decreased slightly.
- The grappling ability on the Skeleton Armor has had it's range increased to 20
- Alien abduction mission rewards have been doubled.
- Terror and Abudction UFOs will now show up, so you can intercept them if you so choose.
- The maximum number of UFOs has been increased from 2 to 3. This will help to allievate any shortages of alien materials for research and manufacturing.
- Salvaged UFO power sources will now give 40 Elerium as opposed to 30 for the same reason as above.
- All captured UFOs will yield twice as much alien alloys.
- All new rookies will start with higher stats.
- The chance of finding PSI talented soldiers has been increased dramatically.
- Panic levels in general have been reduced, so it should be much easier to keep the world calm
- Improvements in the Officer Training have been reduced in cost.

[Doopri]

I'm just piling on to the earlier recommendations that fully ranked up snipers with Double Tap and Team Sight are killing machines.  After unlocking Double Tap, my sniper handles well over 50% of the aliens in every encounter.  His kill tally is off the charts compared to the rest of the team.  I've started training up another sniper, and have done a few missions using 2, which works better than having 2 heavies or 2 assaults.

i basically did this by accident last night - i was training up a few rooks (well squaddie / sgts), including a new(ish) sniper on a mission that i thought would be a biiiiiiit too difficult so i figured "better toss in my col sniper as insurance"

they cleaned so much house as a pair its going to be hard justifying going with only 1 sniper from now on.  i had been running 2 assault often, as the run n gun plus double pump shotgun blast was too much fun.

by the way, i absolutely LOVE this game - it might just be near perfect in every way.  it IS Xcom, not a dumbed down xcom, not a "reimagining" not a "modern retake" - i feel like im back in the glory days - seriously kudos firaxis, you did right by us which seems to fall by the wayside too often in a day and age of bottom lines, shareholders and "business side" meddling!  i hope it pays off!

[Blackjack]

My recommendation for anyone getting exasperated is play it on Normal and avoid Iron Man mode. Save as often as you want. I save like crazy, but try hard not to give in to "reload every time I screw up." But if you're having a hard time, then reload as often as you like. Learn from mistakes.  

To me it can be fun to try one strategy, realize its *ucked, reload and try a different one. I did that with FPS shooters for a decade or more before everyone decided checkpoint saves were the way to go.

My initial Iron Man game was fine up until the first full-squad wipe out. Followed by the "all rookie" wipe out. etc. etc. Like Diablo 2/3's hardcore mode, I'm not really sure it's the mode for me. If that makes me a wuss, so be it. I think in the end, do whatever makes the game more fun for you, including the "Easy Easy mod," if necessary.  

[ATB]

I'm having pretty good luck with just one sniper, 2 assaults and 2 support and then whatever for the last slot.

It sounds like two snipers might be OP and unbalance?

[Doopri]

It sounds like two snipers might be OP and unbalance?

lol nope on classic the aliens have no problem wiping me out when im not careful...

and only slightly MORE of a problem wiping me when i am careful.  in the future i may stick with 2 assaults on intact ufo missions... i still have a love / hate relationship with my heavy, especially as the rockets become less effective

[gellar]

My typical mission is 1 Support, 1 Heavy, 1 Sniper, 3 Assault.  I am impatient.

[ATB]

i still have a love / hate relationship with my heavy, especially as the rockets become less effective

Don't tell me this. If rockets become less effective, then they are basically going to become useless...

[gellar]

i still have a love / hate relationship with my heavy, especially as the rockets become less effective

Don't tell me this. If rockets become less effective, then they are basically going to become useless...

Situationally they are effective.  Shooting a rocket directly at an enemy is never going to be an awesome.  Shooting a rocket at a car that the enemies are all near... that works out pretty well.

[Doopri]

ya and supressing fire is pretty nice too (even if it does eat ammo like mad).  i think part of my problem is also that

Spoiler for Hiden:

i havent invested in upgraded weaponry - mine are still sporting their original LMGs

[Blackjack]

Have you guys upgraded everyone to those Skeleton suits (which give increased movement tiles [I think?] and the grappling hook, but 1 less HP than Carapace armor)?

I only had the resources to make 3, so I gave one to my most experienced sniper, one to my lone heavy (to give him a bit more freedom of movement) and one to my medic-focused support guy. I don't know if any of that reasoning makes sense, I can always change my mind.   I know about the, is it Chitin? I just don't seem to have the one magic ingredient to concoct that yet.

I think I'll have to dole out some more Scopes, as too many of my guys are inaccurate in Overwatch, regardless of weapon. Sometimes its like they're all equipped with the blunderbuss in the movie Looper. 

[Destructor]

i still have a love / hate relationship with my heavy, especially as the rockets become less effective

Don't tell me this. If rockets become less effective, then they are basically going to become useless...

Situationally they are effective.  Shooting a rocket directly at an enemy is never going to be an awesome.  Shooting a rocket at a car that the enemies are all near... that works out pretty well.

My last terror mission ended with three of the always flying mutant things right next to a car...which was on fire. Car exploded, all three of them went flying into the air, and the match was won.

[ATB]

August 2015. Things are still going really well




After this status update, I got a ufo raid and had the kitchen sink thrown at me.  It was looking BAD. 

Spoiler for Hiden:

But i was able to keep the Sectoid mech or whatever it's called suppressed and my sniper was able to wear it down through a hole in the wall.  Luckily it only hit one time with that mega beam weapon it has.

Also had 3 heavy mutoids, 2 spinny disks, 2 commanders I was able to capture, 4 probe things, 7 mutoids.

Only casualty was a critical injury on my best assault trooper. She's gonna make it! 

[USMC Kato]

i still have a love / hate relationship with my heavy, especially as the rockets become less effective

Don't tell me this. If rockets become less effective, then they are basically going to become useless...

Trust me. Heavies will be awesome once certain research items have been unlocked 

[jztemple2]

Excellent article: Why Damned XCOM is Abolished From Nigeria

[CeeKay]

got a new Sergeant from a mission tonight:  M "Mama Bear' Moriarty.  Had a couple of scares during that mission though when Lt. Boonswoggle almost got taken down by a series of lucky shots, and that was after a bad grenade through by Al almost took out Cpl. Kato...  Props go to Corporal Childe for taking down a Thin Man by making a 22% shot.

[gellar]

I WINZ.

[msteelers]

I'm playing on Normal Iron Man, and I just don't have many assault guys. The rookies seemed to only want to become snipers or support units. That forced me into the habit of bringing a heavy with me on almost every mission, and now I think I'm starting to see how they could be really effective. I don't use the rocket launcher much, but suppressing fire is nice for pinning a target down while I move my other units around to try and flank it.

My normal squad usually consists of 1-2 snipers, 1-2 support units, 1 heavy, 1-2 assault units if any are available. It seems to be going well. The biggest screw up I had lately was putting a heavy a little too far out in front. I got impatient and opened a door instead of ending the turn when I had both of my moves left. Inside the room were three sectiod commanders. They took control of my heavy, who triggered overwatch on both my sniper and assault guy. Both shots hit. Now I have one less heavy.

[Harkonis]

I'm a big fan of the heavy suppression

[ATB]

I'm a big fan of the heavy suppression

Is there a difference between it and the support suppression?

[CeeKay]

I'm having the damnedest time capturing an alien-  my guys are so good they tend not to wound.  Boonswoggle is now a captain, so I have all 6 slots open, and he's still leading the kill board with Lt. Hark 'Wrong Way' Onis in second place.  I put Rookie Harp Au on suicide capture duty, his nick may be 'Teflon' if he gets that far.