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XCOM: Enemy Unknown |OT| Neo GAF is Under Alien Control

C

Corky

Nine out of ten orphans can't tell the difference.
I found this to be very interesting. A pretty meaty article/interview by GI with Jake with regards to the difficulty :

XCOM’s Classic Ironman Mode Is An Even Match For Its Creator

Some excerpts :

Do you see a fair amount of losses on Classic in your internal playthroughs?

Yeah, Casey our lead programmer just lost on Classic. If I’m playing Classic Iron Man I definitely lose easily as much as I win just because if I’m not paying attention and I lose a good soldier or two early then I know I’m going to have a really hard time. Obviously that makes us happy making sure people can lose on Classic. It’s interesting, Ironman kind of bridges the gap because Impossible is truly impossible, it’s like a roguelike where you’re going to die and lose on Impossible. Ironman is sort of like once I’ve played Classic enough and I can generally win on Classic, then Ironman kind of bridges the gap where it’s back to being incredibly intense, mistakes really count.
Click to expand...



How much do you actually change the math in the game for difficulty modes? I noticed certainly panic is a lot more of a factor, but what else do you do in terms of the underlying math?

It’s interesting because I didn’t want it to be just they have more hit points now. I did adjust the math but I adjusted it very [intentionally]. There are a lot of things I changed about Classic from normal that are subtle things like on the strategy layer in terms of what cities the aliens would target. On normal a lot of times the aliens would take it easy, in terms of like don’t target the city that’s suffering the most, that would just be a Dick move by the aliens.


On Classic it’s like all gloves are off, the aliens are trying to play the best game that they can. It’s the same in tactics. If you play a game on normal, the aliens will say, “Oh god, we’re already engaging him with four or five aliens, everybody else that’s out there, everybody just sort of hang back and be cool.” On Classic mode it doesn’t really matter how many aliens are in the fight. In normal you can actually see some aliens running off if there are too many, but in Classic if you’ve made the mistake of somehow encountering six or eight aliens at once the aliens will all simply join into the fight and work together
Click to expand...
 
X

Xater

Member
Mupod said:
This isn't the first time I've seen people think this was an XBLA/PSN thing, but I have absolutely no idea where that rumor came from since it's much older than the news about the XCOM shooter.
Click to expand...

There never was a rumor. Some people apparently just can't see a turn based game being a big console title.
 
H

HundredEyeMonk

Member
Corky said:
If you play a game on normal, the aliens will say, “Oh god, we’re already engaging him with four or five aliens, everybody else that’s out there, everybody just sort of hang back and be cool.” On Classic mode it doesn’t really matter how many aliens are in the fight. In normal you can actually see some aliens running off if there are too many, but in Classic if you’ve made the mistake of somehow encountering six or eight aliens at once the aliens will all simply join into the fight and work together
Click to expand...


And this is why I will be going Ironman Classic. If I make a mistake, I want to be punished for it. :)

And honestly, I would EXPECT the Aliens to "bring it". Letting me off the hook by dropping guys back is pretty lame.
 
F

fin

Member
kami_sama said:
I need to know how many of us did this
Click to expand...

My pile of shame is going through the roof. I still haven't finished Darksiders 2, barely started Borderlands 2. Need to start Assassins Creed Revelations before playing AC3. Plus juggling that with BF3 and Starcraft 2 online... and Xcom next week. I really need to play Witcher 2 as well. Galaxy on Fire 2 HD looks sick too, anyone play that yet? Steam Big Picture mode has been really great for comfy couch PC gaming.

I'll probably still end up getting Dishonored though.
 
D

duckroll

Member
I didn’t just go, everybody gets this much [critical hit chance] or everybody gets this many hit points, instead it’s more like the chryssalids get two more hit points, which doesn’t sound like a lot but it completely changes the way they play, and Mutons get two more hit points, which again makes them really difficult on Classic. It’s really specific math to that alien. One of the big things is that thin men get an extra hit point so they can’t be killed with grenades on a Classic game. The floaters are the same. It’s not numbers just for the sake of increasing the numbers, it’s numbers to change the tactics of the player, so a grenade is not going to kill a floater anymore so now you’re like, “Well, s---.” Now you’ve got to think of a new way to kill those guys; you actually have to kill them with something other than [area-of-effect] weapons.
Click to expand...

Oh boy, I love this developer. He really seems to get strategy games. I'm definitely playing on Classic, so I'm pretty pumped!
 
T

triggaz

Banned
I think I'm a go ahead and get the PC version for this I've got a capable rig and it's bout time I check out this steam big picture mode.

And noticeable differences with the PC version?
 
N

NoirVisage

Banned
duckroll said:
Oh boy, I love this developer. He really seems to get strategy games. I'm definitely playing on Classic, so I'm pretty pumped!
Click to expand...

I too like the cut of his jib, he knows his stuff , raised under a legend, and seems to be promoting this game so well its got folks who have never played xcom hyped on the possibilities.
 
D

DodgerSan

Member
Nocebo said:
I'm pretty sure Civilization 5 has scenario packs but also has a map editor.
It not like it's uncommon for PC games to allow for modding / mapping but still have official maps and expansions get released for it even though the same content can be made by users.

Edit:
Are you perhaps new to PC gaming?
Click to expand...

Lol, no not at all. Although I'm mostly on MMO's these days.

I hope you're right. Time will tell. I don't know Firaxis' track record on this sort of thing, so I'm happy to take your word on it for now.
 
D

doctorcdcs

Member
When I check out the steam achievements in the store page, they seem to be getting accomplished, as if the game is already out, with some already having finished the game (2.7%). Are these stats for review copies? Or street-broken physical copies?
 
graywolf323

graywolf323

Member
doctorcdcs said:
When I check out the steam achievements in the store page, they seem to be getting accomplished, as if the game is already out, with some already having finished the game (2.7%). Are these stats for review copies? Or street-broken physical copies?
Click to expand...

must be review, Steamworks would prevent street-broken physical copies from being played
 
E

epmode

Member
doctorcdcs said:
When I check out the steam achievements in the store page, they seem to be getting accomplished, as if the game is already out, with some already having finished the game (2.7%). Are these stats for review copies? Or street-broken physical copies?
Click to expand...

Regular retail games must still be activated on Steam so there's no way it's a broken street date.
 
H

Hindle

Banned
I know it's too early but I'm excited for the future for this franchise. Where they could take it for any possible sequel.
 
G

Grimsen

Member
My local walmart had an ad for xcom in the 360 section. Good to know this game is getting exposure!

Guh.. the wait is killing me.
 
T

Tu101uk

Member
DTKT said:
That's assuming it doesn't bomb on consoles. :(
Click to expand...
Firaxis have a long history of PC games development (see: Civilization) so even if it does bomb on consoles, it won't be anywhere near a catastrophe for them.

The fact that it's doing very well with preorders on Steam at the moment means that the franchise should look forward to a renewed and bright future, even if later iterations don't make it to consoles.

PS - As for future iterations? How about underwater? ;D
 
J

Jintor

Member
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
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This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

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As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
 
M

Mupod

Member
Jintor said:
/////CLASSIFIED/////
APPROVED RECIPIENTS ONLY
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
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This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
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  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...
casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel
Click to expand...

I like those odds. Sign me up.
 
frontieruk

frontieruk

Member
Jintor said:
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APPROVED RECIPIENTS ONLY
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...

Where do I signup for the meat grinder?
 
T

thy_

Member
Jintor said:
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...

!signup



oh and
http://steamcommunity.com/id/thy_
for GafCom
 
D

Deraldin

Unconfirmed Member
Jintor said:
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...

I'm in.
 
L

lorebringer

Member
Jintor said:
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...

In, I'm totally going to survive all the missions.

And: http://steamcommunity.com/id/lifenoodles
 
Woo-Fu

Woo-Fu

Banned
Zeliard said:
This is just further confirmation to me that Classic Ironman is the only way to play. :>
Click to expand...

I'm ready for Classic/Ironman

Exhibit A:

9RDkz.jpg


5 cyberdiscs and 10+ sectoids, at least one of which had psionics. That really WAS a terror mission.
 
F

fin

Member
Jintor said:
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Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...

!signup

for what?
 
T

Tu101uk

Member
Jintor said:
/////CLASSIFIED/////
APPROVED RECIPIENTS ONLY
/////CLASSIFIED/////
Click to expand...
Permission to board the Skyranger, sir!

Let me at 'em! I wanna pump bullets/rockets/grenades into them alien scum! I'll even get off the ship first!

In short: Sign me up please, thanks.
 
S

Sober

Member
Jintor said:
/////CLASSIFIED/////
APPROVED RECIPIENTS ONLY
/////CLASSIFIED/////

Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...
!signup all over my face, this is going to be amazing.
 
X

XANDER CAGE

Member
Jintor said:
/////CLASSIFIED/////
APPROVED RECIPIENTS ONLY
/////CLASSIFIED/////

Attention, candidate!

You have chosen, or been chosen, to join a recruitment program for a high-level international military task force with the backing of the United Nations. We are looking for experts in a variety of fields, from professional soldiers of all stripes to experienced research scientists and military engineers. If you feel that you have what it takes to stand tall amongst the best of the best, please respond to this initial communication within
[REDACTED]
days with a !signup notification.

This initiative will be dealing with security issues of the highest priority for a majority of the world’s nations, and as such is designated [TOP SECRET] in all jurisdictions. No information regarding this task force may be released to non-authorised personnel or organisations without prior clearance. Heavy civil and criminal sanctions apply.

There is a certain amount of risk involved with participation in the recruitment process, and, should your application succeed, with participation in the initiative itself. Although we are not authorised to release details of the initiative’s ultimate objectives and goals, analysts predict casualty rates of 70-80% for field personnel (significantly lower rates apply to non-combat staff). While financial compensation and other programs are offered to the families and relatives of downed individuals, the high likelihood of critical injury or death should be fully understood prior to application.

As a consequence of the projected casualty rate, we are accepting applications for all combat personnel positions. Specialist combat personnel are requested to apply, but specialisation designations will be determined in the field on a case-by-case basis based on performance.

Additionally, there are limited positions available for the following non-combat positions:
  • Pilots
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
Excess applications will be waitlisted for more detailed consideration at a future date. Please respond promptly. Time is of the essence.

Director Jintor
United Nations
[REDACTED]
Combat Unit
[REDACTED]
/2014
“VIGILO CONFIDO”
Click to expand...

Hell yes, I'm in.

GAFcom me up! My steam is just Bigjiantrobut.
 
frontieruk

frontieruk

Member
Do we need to open a lets play? ok to discuss the game in here but story based posts? though I guess it does keep the thread active :)
 
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