X-Com 2

[Groundhog]

4. The benefit of the ranger sword is the almost guaranteed hit and the range. Because you can use the slash ability once each turn - moving your full movement and attacking - it's a pretty effective way of removing pieces from the board and staying mobile. If you play the WoTC DLC and get the katana, the sword attack becomes incredibly deadly. And the special ability to attack any unit that comes within range also comes in handy. Overall, the gun is probably better, but the mobility that comes with the sword can be really sweet. I tend to make rangers either stealthy or combat oriented. The stealthy ones rarely get kills and ideally stay in stealth for the majority of as mission. The combat rangers use a mix of guns and sword depending on the situation.

Yeah, can confirm - especially re: the katana. Rangers are probably my favourite class, but I have them all trek down the combat path. Have to be selective with how you use the sword attack, but even without the katana they are great for a finishing blow if your shooting didn't obliterate the target.

[BYU 14]

Yeah, can confirm - especially re: the katana. Rangers are probably my favourite class, but I have them all trek down the combat path. Have to be selective with how you use the sword attack, but even without the katana they are great for a finishing blow if your shooting didn't obliterate the target.

I agree with this and a Ranger and a Specialist are the only two classes that are in absolutely every mission group for me. You can spec a Ranger to be very effective (Also see the list of Mods I use below)
Blademaster
Shadowstep
Run and Gun
Bladestorm, then get Implacable from this level later
Untouchable
Reaper

Other attributes I spec from mods
Shredder
Rupture
Ever Vigilant

[Honolulu_Blue]

I agree with this and a Ranger and a Specialist are the only two classes that are in absolutely every mission group for me. You can spec a Ranger to be very effective (Also see the list of Mods I use below)
Blademaster
Shadowstep
Run and Gun
Bladestorm, then get Implacable from this level later
Untouchable
Reaper

Other attributes I spec from mods
Shredder
Rupture
Ever Vigilant

On my last play through with the WoTC mod I took two rangers on the final mission. One was stealthy and had the kick-ass alien plasma gun and the other was up-close heavy hitter with the alien shotgun and katana. Both were easily my MVPs during the final part of that mission.

[Edward64]

Oh just wait :)

Just got done with the mission with the Avenger being shot down.

In the vanilla, it was set in an open field (and has been the past 3-5 times I've gotten to it). This time it had building between me and the objective so am thinking that is the mod.

I think I actually preferred the vanilla but it was good to have a change.

[MizzouRah]

Finally completed XCom EU, 55 hours total over a LONG period of time. :)


Guess XCom 3 will be out before I complete 2. Going to dig into that tonight or tomorrow and this time I'll start with the WOC expansion since I skipped EW in the first one.

[nilodor]

Finally completed XCom EU, 55 hours total over a LONG period of time. :)


Guess XCom 3 will be out before I complete 2. Going to dig into that tonight or tomorrow and this time I'll start with the WOC expansion since I skipped EW in the first one.

It’s worth playing the shen’s last gift story missions instead of skipping them. Some excellent fan service there

[Edward64]

It’s worth playing the shen’s last gift story missions instead of skipping them. Some excellent fan service there

I did enjoy that mission and you got the Spark.

Now that you mention it, that mission is not in WoTC? I got the Spark by researching it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I did enjoy that mission and you got the Spark.

Now that you mention it, that mission is not in WoTC? I got the Spark by researching it.

I only ever played Shen’s DLC with the WoTC expansion and don’t recall that mission.

[Edward64]

I only ever played Shen’s DLC with the WoTC expansion and don’t recall that mission.

I thought Shen's DLC was for XCom 2 (e.g. pre-WoTC). The steam thread below indicates you can 'activate' it so I think I must have missed it.

I remember it because of the "elevator tubes" but haven't encountered that mission in WoTC.

Shen's Last Gift and WotC :: XCOM 2 General Discussions (https://steamcommunity.com/app/268500/discussions/0/1474221865188223799/)
I was looking forward to playing the vanilla DLC after purchasing WotC in a few months. But now I'm reading up that SPARKs are available from the start and there is no mission attached. That's kind of disappointing, as I was looking forward to doing that mission. Does anyone know why this was changed, or if it will be readded at some point?

my guess is for balancing reasons. The spark/ruler missions are quite long and will probably exhaust the troops you send. So the month you do either missions you will have 1 less squad available.

Anyway you can activate the mission in the pre campaign content menu.

[MizzouRah]

Wow.. getting my arse kicked. Not used to newbie soliders.

[nilodor]

I thought Shen's DLC was for XCom 2 (e.g. pre-WoTC). The steam thread below indicates you can 'activate' it so I think I must have missed it.

I remember it because of the "elevator tubes" but haven't encountered that mission in WoTC.

Shen's Last Gift and WotC :: XCOM 2 General Discussions (https://steamcommunity.com/app/268500/discussions/0/1474221865188223799/)

When you start a new game you get to choose if you want to turn on Shen's mission and Vahlens mission.


It's cool because you get to play with Shen and Bradford who is a total badass. It's too bad it's only for that mission, but awesome none the less.


I'm not sure how it works with WOTC but when I start a new game I remember seeing those boxes, at the same time you can elect to either play the story opening for WOTC or start with a random faction.

[Edward64]

When you start a new game you get to choose if you want to turn on Shen's mission and Vahlens mission.


It's cool because you get to play with Shen and Bradford who is a total badass. It's too bad it's only for that mission, but awesome none the less.


I'm not sure how it works with WOTC but when I start a new game I remember seeing those boxes, at the same time you can elect to either play the story opening for WOTC or start with a random faction.

Thanks. I started a new game to check and saw the check box. I'll turn it on my next play through.

Almost done. I've killed the 3 Chosen, have a bunch of Colonels & Majors, nothing much to research now, healthy amount of supplies and intel.

Its too bad the Long War mod wasn't ported over. Looking forward to the next (supposedly) DLC.

[MizzouRah]

These timed missions suck.

[BYU 14]

These timed missions suck.

Reapers are a must for these.

[Edward64]

Reapers are a must for these.

Yes, I've been using the Reaper to move first under concealment.

I know Rangers get it later but it seems they should also have the conceal skill/trait at the very beginning.

[MizzouRah]

Reapers are a must for these.

I don't think I have one yet.

[MizzouRah]

They have done one hell of a job with XC2 WOTC. I'm really having fun, the maps seem much more interactive, I like the "bonds" soldiers can have as well as the specialized classes. It seems much more involved than the first, like everything you do matters in some way.

[MizzouRah]

Finally have a reaper, that nut job chosen took my skirmisher so I'll have to hunt him down (he's wounded pretty good). Each mission is one hell of a ride though!

[Edward64]

Finally have a reaper, that nut job chosen took my skirmisher so I'll have to hunt him down (he's wounded pretty good). Each mission is one hell of a ride though!

I hate the rescue mission, I can never do it well.

[jeff061]

I struggled with that mission as well. Last time I played it I sent 1 guy in the base to rescue him, stealthy as much as possible. Everyone else I ran around the perimeter to the extraction point.

Worked out well, spotted at his cell, but eliminated the guy befoe anyone else got in on the action, then snuck out.

[MizzouRah]

Hopefully my reaper is healthy when I do it. She took a hit vs that bastard chosen but lit him up with a claymore.


I cannot stress enough how much more tactical XC2 is vs EU.

[Groundhog]

I struggled with that mission as well. Last time I played it I sent 1 guy in the base to rescue him, stealthy as much as possible. Everyone else I ran around the perimeter to the extraction point.

Worked out well, spotted at his cell, but eliminated the guy befoe anyone else got in on the action, then snuck out.

There are no missions more satisfying than this, for me. Some of the "boss" levels in particular I've managed to finesse like this - get one guy in to get the vial while everyone else is in position to secure your exit. Rarely works to plan though.

[Edward64]

There are no missions more satisfying than this, for me. Some of the "boss" levels in particular I've managed to finesse like this - get one guy in to get the vial while everyone else is in position to secure your exit. Rarely works to plan though.

My concealed Reaper always seem to get unconcealed before properly positioned.

I think the trick maybe is to take your time and not do the max moves with each turn?

[Groundhog]

My concealed Reaper always seem to get unconcealed before properly positioned.

I think the trick maybe is to take your time and not do the max moves with each turn?

Yeah absolutely. I play with the mod to double mission timers as well because I hate being rushed. I take my time, move my guys up together and in cover, and back track if needed to find a different route. Sometimes you'll get discovered regardless and be flanked in the enemy's turn and shot to pieces, but especially once I've got my hands on armour upgrades most regular missions I'm not losing a single soldier.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah absolutely. I play with the mod to double mission timers as well because I hate being rushed. I take my time, move my guys up together and in cover, and back track if needed to find a different route. Sometimes you'll get discovered regardless and be flanked in the enemy's turn and shot to pieces, but especially once I've got my hands on armour upgrades most regular missions I'm not losing a single soldier.


I think I lost like 4 total soldiers in the first XCom. Let my scouts do their thing and then have the enemy follow them right into my heavies. Such a good feeling when a plan falls into place.

[NobodyHere]

I really need to go back and one day complete the first XCom

[Edward64]

I think I lost like 4 total soldiers in the first XCom. Let my scouts do their thing and then have the enemy follow them right into my heavies. Such a good feeling when a plan falls into place.

I never did that or even thought of doing it. It was always position my team just right and then take the first shot.

I'm not sure that strategy works in the WoTC. The baddies seem to get behind cover pretty well and you've the the timer on some missions.

[MizzouRah]

I never did that or even thought of doing it. It was always position my team just right and then take the first shot.

I'm not sure that strategy works in the WoTC. The baddies seem to get behind cover pretty well and you've the the timer on some missions.


Indeed.. I've had to change up tactics for sure, at least so far.

[MizzouRah]

For some reason, this game is much harder than the original. Destroy a relay, says "easy". I get to the relay in cover and then BOOM I'm outnumbered 11-4.


Yeah I save scum at times.. finally decided the easiest way out of this one was to call in an evac. I didn't kill anyone LOL!

[Neon_Chaos]

For some reason, this game is much harder than the original. Destroy a relay, says "easy". I get to the relay in cover and then BOOM I'm outnumbered 11-4.


Yeah I save scum at times.. finally decided the easiest way out of this one was to call in an evac. I didn't kill anyone LOL!

Those missions give you enough time to clear waves before getting to the relay.

A sniper with squad sight and a reaper to sight the relay makes this 10x easier.

[MizzouRah]

Those missions give you enough time to clear waves before getting to the relay.

A sniper with squad sight and a reaper to sight the relay makes this 10x easier.

My reaper was tired so I didn't take her. Guess next time I'll do something else until she's rested.

[Kodos]

Debating getting Enemy Within or X-Com 2 on my laptop. I see 2 is on sale on steam. Is it significantly more difficult than Enemy Within (which kicks my ass on PS3)?

[NobodyHere]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2bkTJAZM4i4" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Free (for a limited time) for PC users? No reason not to check this out.

[Edward64]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2bkTJAZM4i4" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Free (for a limited time) for PC users? No reason not to check this out.

Cool, thanks for the heads up.

[Jughead Spock]

Debating getting Enemy Within or X-Com 2 on my laptop. I see 2 is on sale on steam. Is it significantly more difficult than Enemy Within (which kicks my ass on PS3)?

I would say it is. And it's a freaking hog on resources, even on a decent system. War of the Chosen has some performance improvements, but 2 vanilla has a lot of trouble running on anything lower than great.

[NobodyHere]

I haven't dug into the new story missions much yet but I'm digging the original X-Com inspired soundtrack.

[Edward64]

Halfway through the DJ mission. Legacy is easier than WOTC so far.

[Edward64]

Finished all 4 missions. It was a little fun and somewhat short for a DLC (?), don't think there is much replayability and I would not want to pay for it.

[Draft Dodger]

the legacy thing prompted me to start another playthrough of the full campaign. I think it's my third.

this time around, I got the idea to base all my soldier nicknames and their color schemes on NFL team names (except the racist one). So I have a Raven decked out in purple and black, a Jet in green and white, etc. It's been fun. I could have finished a while ago but I'm going slow just because.

[Edward64]

the legacy thing prompted me to start another playthrough of the full campaign. I think it's my third.

this time around, I got the idea to base all my soldier nicknames and their color schemes on NFL team names (except the racist one). So I have a Raven decked out in purple and black, a Jet in green and white, etc. It's been fun. I could have finished a while ago but I'm going slow just because.

I did the same. Well underway with an ironman campaign and killed 2 of the 3 so far. I also plan on going slow but my colonels are starting to pile up.

I wish there was a Long War version for WOTC.

[nilodor]

I don’t know how I feel about the aliens great power. Although it was great to play as central again.

[path12]

Damn, finally got WotC and man, it is just one thing after another -- playing ironman and from the very beginning feel like I'm just barely hanging in there.

Love everything except that you can't go one goddamn day of scanning without like five things happening.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah I was more into Xcom.. Xcom 2 WotC just hasn't grabbed me yet. I played it quite a bit at first but haven't felt like going back to it. I don't like all the choices, lol..

[Edward64]

Finished my iron man game with WOTC with the 8 team mod. I had finished it a couple times before so it was a little underwhelming.

Planning to play XCom 2 Long War mod next time. I never finished that so hopefully it'll be fun for another 200-300 hours!

[spleen1015]

I've been thinking about playing some XCOM 2. Do I need to play the original XCOM 2 or can I just jump into War of the Chosen?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've been thinking about playing some XCOM 2. Do I need to play the original XCOM 2 or can I just jump into War of the Chosen?

Just jump in. War of the Chosen is essentially the same game with additional content. Excellent, fun additional content, but if you start at the beginning with the War of the Chosen DLC, you'll be getting the same general story arc that you would without.

[MizzouRah]

Just jump in. War of the Chosen is essentially the same game with additional content. Excellent, fun additional content, but if you start at the beginning with the War of the Chosen DLC, you'll be getting the same general story arc that you would without.

+1

[BYU 14]

+1

Just jump in. War of the Chosen is essentially the same game with additional content. Excellent, fun additional content, but if you start at the beginning with the War of the Chosen DLC, you'll be getting the same general story arc that you would without.

+2 Great game! And you don't miss anything going straight to WOTC

[NobodyHere]

XCom 2 + WotC is probably my favorite game released in the past 5 years.

[Edward64]

Some of you know the LW developers said a while ago they abandoned the WOTC LW mod.

Apparently its live again, Alpha stage. Not sure when it'll be released but looking forward to it.

Long War of the Chosen Beta 1 is officially released! - Pavonis Interactive Forums (https://pavonisinteractive.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=28400)


XCom has a great fan base, very active and bunch of mods. I wish Firaxis would come out with more DLCs.

[Groundhog]

I feel like I could probably start a brand new campaign of this game every 6-12 months and play it through to the ending again without getting bored. I have to stop myself because it's such a huge time suck for me once I get going.

[Edward64]

The mods have been great for replayability but the 3 Chosen plus the ending is the same all the time. Not sure how but do wish it varied some (e.g. maybe end game location, maybe not have all 3 die before the end game etc.)

Hoping the LW folks come up with some great ideas.

[Groundhog]

Yeah that's true, the first time I finished it that last stage was brutal, but the subsequent play through I aced it, remembering enough of what was to come (and making sure I had the right soldiers chosen for the mission).

[Ajaxab]

It's not X-Com 3, but we're getting a surprise next step in the X-Com series in a week and a half or so. XCOM: Chimera Squad (https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/14/21219644/xcom-chimera-squad-release-date-price-pc) is out on April 24th. I'm looking forward to it!

[MizzouRah]

It's not X-Com 3, but we're getting a surprise next step in the X-Com series in a week and a half or so. XCOM: Chimera Squad (https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/14/21219644/xcom-chimera-squad-release-date-price-pc) is out on April 24th. I'm looking forward to it!


It's freaking 50% off for $10 too, woot!


<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/39fhpegVBQQ" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="1280" height="720" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[Edward64]

It's not X-Com 3, but we're getting a surprise next step in the X-Com series in a week and a half or so. XCOM: Chimera Squad (https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/14/21219644/xcom-chimera-squad-release-date-price-pc) is out on April 24th. I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks, I didn't know this was coming out.

[Thomkal]

Damn, people beat me to the punch here :)

[Thomkal]

The lowest price I've seen so far for Chimera Squad is $8.97 at IndieGala-their deals tend to expire a lot quicker than other places, so you might want to go there if you've been holding out on this preorder.

[Icy]

I preordered yesterday, can't be wrong with x-com for $10 but... reading about it doesn't look like x-com 3 but a totally different game that just shares the game world and the tactical turn based battles and honestly, seeing it as cheap I doubt it's a full game. Do we know if it will have micro transactions or "clothes" etc for the real revenue engine for them?

[Neon_Chaos]

It’s like $7 in the Philippine Steam Store. Buying and hoping for the best. :)

[GrantDawg]

Just purchased Xcom2 with all the DLC's. It is taking everything in me not to call in work and just play it 24-48 hours straight.

[Neon_Chaos]

Just purchased Xcom2 with all the DLC's. It is taking everything in me not to call in work and just play it 24-48 hours straight.

Enjoy and have fun!

[Edward64]

I will buy it when it comes out, looking forward to it.

[Thomkal]

Just purchased Xcom2 with all the DLC's. It is taking everything in me not to call in work and just play it 24-48 hours straight.

Welcome to the cult! :)

[Thomkal]

So just about all my regular You Tubers are having Chimera Squad's Let's Plays. I guess it must be pretty good then?

[JonInMiddleGA]

So just about all my regular You Tubers are having Chimera Squad's Let's Plays. I guess it must be pretty good then?

Umm, can't go there from that info.

That means they're all desperate for content AND a high likelihood all got free review copies.

[SirFozzie]

Let's see. How can I put this without putting the game down.

It's the most awesome mobile game of XCom ever.

By that I mean it's divided into bite-sized chunks, both storyline wise and mission wise.

Storyline wise: You pick one of three factions to go against, try to keep them from devastating the city in some way, and when it's done, you can research some of their technologies to take on the remaining two factions (who get more bonuses if you do their storylines 2nd or third).

For example, with my gameplay, I took out (Spoiler) first, and then when I took on (Spoiler) next, the enemies had nascent chryssalids (baby chryssalids) as well as a limited amount of the regular chryssalids. (They still suck btw).

Mission wise, it's broken up into encounters. Usually the encounter goal is beat all enemies, but sometimes it differs (capture a target, don't let enemies escape, etcetera). Before each breach, you set up your four man squad to enter into one or more locations on the map. Usually, it will be via the traditional way of an unlocked door or through the window, but some classes and items will let you enter in unusual ways. (For example, breaching charges allow you to go through a hole in the wall you blow up, a Secure door Key will allow you through a locked door, etcetera.)

Once you choose your method of entry, the breach begins, and enemies will have three statuses: Surprised, Alert, And Agressive.

Surprised: Will not move or act after you breach

Alert: After the breach round is over, the enemy may reposition (or hunker down), but won't attack.

Aggressive: After you breach, they fire back.

So the goal is to A) Take down important enemies, and B) Kill Aggressive enemies to prevent them getting good shots at you.

Once the breach round is over, your team automatically scatters to cover, and the normal rounds begin.

Unlike past XCom's, where it's IGO/UGO, generally, turns are done on a 1 character basis (generally, one of yours goes, one of theirs go). This does make the choice of targets more just "Burn down the most dangerous one".. If you see a (SPOILER) out in the open, knowing if they get a turn, not only will they shoot at you, but they will prime a self destruct to go off when they die.. you know what to shoot first.

You can monkey around the timeline a couple ways. For example, Once per MISSION (not encounter), you can use the Team UP ability to pull one of your teammates right behind your current member in the timeline. (even if they just moved). This can be very powerful if used right. If you go more than five times around the turn order, you're probably doing something wrong (other than missions where you have to take on waves of opponents).

Oh, one other thing that you may not like. Some missions are "get X and GET OUT", which means that until you evac all your people and any VIP's off the map, you will have an infinite wave of reinforcements after each round.

As I said, this game probably started life as a XCom mobile game, as the characters are voiced, but they use staid graphics to indicate who is speaking, or the director of XCOM during storyline updates.

I'm not sure how much replayability it will have other then change the order of the storylines, but it's definitely a 20-30 hour game (at least) and that's pretty good for a $20 game, and more so at the current price.

[Thomkal]

Umm, can't go there from that info.

That means they're all desperate for content AND a high likelihood all got free review copies.

I don't disagree Jon, but I think in this case most if not all of them have had and continue to play the first two games in the updated version and loved them, so probably would have played the game on their channel regardless if they got a review copy or not.

[MizzouRah]

I've only played the tutorial in Xcom Chimera and I like the breach mechanics as well as the other varied mechanics from the aliens.

[nilodor]

Let's see. How can I put this without putting the game down.

It's the most awesome mobile game of XCom ever.

By that I mean it's divided into bite-sized chunks, both storyline wise and mission wise.



I think this hits it right on the head. It's like XCOM lite, it's the same turn based game you love, but with a few less options.

There are some new twists, some for the better. I think I like the new initiative system, but it takes some getting used to. Before it was like I can kill this viper, but I'll be exposed so my next two guys need to get kill this muton so I'm not flanked. Now it's like, my guy is in perfect flanking position, but behind the enemy they are flanking in turn order, do I pull them up the turn order? Do I try and deal with the enemy another way? The one bit I don't love is when you're trying to Evac on a mission and they have reinforcements coming in every round you often get caught having someone take unnecessary damage because they are later in the initiative track then one of the reinforcements.
I also like the breach mechanics, there's certainly an interesting ebb and flow to prioritizing your targets. My one quibble is it's hard to tell who will have a shot on certain enemies, so you may damage one guy, only to find out that the rest of your squad can't shoot at them.

My main dislike is that there is no permadeath anymore and you have a 'set' squad in a way. It streamlines the game, and there's less management, but also less attachment and it doesn't have that crippling feeling when you lose a colonel that you've relied on during the whole invasion.

Overall it's a solid entry, especially at this price point.

[Edward64]

Bought it because of the sale price. Haven't played it yet though. My next foray is back into FO76 once they fix some bugs.

[Fidatelo]

I bought this when it was on sale on GOG a few weeks back, finally got around to starting to play a couple nights ago. What fun!

[Fidatelo]

I think I maybe suck at this game. I'm only like 8 or so missions in and I've lost probably 10 squaddies already, including an entire team wipe on a failed mission.


How punishing is this game if you get off to a poor start or fail the odd mission? Do I need to restart?

[BYU 14]

I think I maybe suck at this game. I'm only like 8 or so missions in and I've lost probably 10 squaddies already, including an entire team wipe on a failed mission.


How punishing is this game if you get off to a poor start or fail the odd mission? Do I need to restart?

It can be unforgiving if you get on a bad streak early, but I would look for some easy choices to level up and make liberal use of overwatch until you get some team members built up. It also helps to keep a well balance squad and upgrade to 6 team members ASAP.

I typically go with the following, assuming you are playing WOTC
2 Rangers (The most lethal troops IMO with their sword and run and shoot ability)
1 Specialist (Go medical protocol and get your drone to heal capacity ASAP
1 Sharpshooter (Try and keep them a little behind and get elevation)
1 Grenadier (Destroying cover/fragging grouped enemies and the gatling gun affect on overwatch)
1 Reaper (WOTC class, use them early for concealed scouting and Templar later)

If you aren't playing WOTC add a second specialist

[MizzouRah]

I started a fresh game of XC2:WOTC and it's still just as hard as I remembered it. :)

The easiest mission for me so far was rescuing Mox. I haven't saved scummed and have lost at least 10 soldiers. I love the reaper but man does she tire out quickly.

It's the opposite if Phoenix Point where I've lost only 2 soldiers in many more missions than I've played in XC2 so far.

[Edward64]

I've played this a lot when it first came out and then WOTC. Haven't touched it in a while. I did use some mods to add to variability.

You would think Sid & Firaxis would know a good thing when they see it and be pumping out sizeable DLC's every 12-18 months. I get he may not have enough people but go hire them and put the B-team on DLC's, the core technology is already built and proven.

I would love to have an updated, modable Pirates game. So much fun with that way back when.

[SirFozzie]

Asking here because it's more likely fans of XCom, has anyone else played Company of Crime? X-Com cops and robbers in 60's Britain

[MizzouRah]

Asking here because it's more likely fans of XCom, has anyone else played Company of Crime? X-Com cops and robbers in 60's Britain

It's on my wish list so I'm wondering the same thing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Asking here because it's more likely fans of XCom, has anyone else played Company of Crime? X-Com cops and robbers in 60's Britain

Haven't played it, but fwiw I saw where Quill18 just started uploading a (sponsored) playthrough (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUCLZgauhGo)

[Groundhog]

Steam reviews are mixed, but I'm really enjoying Phoenix Point, by the creator of the original X-Com games. Not as polished as X-Com 2, but it definitely feels like the spiritual successor of the original games.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Steam reviews are mixed, but I'm really enjoying Phoenix Point, by the creator of the original X-Com games. Not as polished as X-Com 2, but it definitely feels like the spiritual successor of the original games.

I love it. Great game!

[Edward64]

Steam reviews are mixed, but I'm really enjoying Phoenix Point, by the creator of the original X-Com games. Not as polished as X-Com 2, but it definitely feels like the spiritual successor of the original games.

Thanks for the heads up, it does have some negative reviews. It is 50% off right now (for the next 5 hours) but think I'll pass for a Year 2 edition.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Thanks for the heads up, it does have some negative reviews. It is 50% off right now (for the next 5 hours) but think I'll pass for a Year 2 edition.

It’s a fantastic game. I am really enjoying it. Definitely worth the purchase if you like these types of games. Note that some of the negative Steam reviews could be related to the fact that Phoenix Point was exclusive to Epic for a long while. People get pissy about that for some reason.

[MizzouRah]

It’s a fantastic game. I am really enjoying it. Definitely worth the purchase if you like these types of games. Note that some of the negative Steam reviews could be related to the fact that Phoenix Point was exclusive to Epic for a long while. People get pissy about that for some reason.

Agreed one of my favorite TBS games to date.

[Edward64]

Great news. Haven't played WOTC in a while (waiting for the Firaxis Marvel game) but may have to reinstall.

I never did finish the orig X-Com version, it was too ... well, long and if I remember pretty tough.

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen gets its very own Long War overhaul | PC Gamer (https://www.pcgamer.com/xcom-2-war-of-the-chosen-gets-its-very-own-long-war-overhaul/)
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen gets its very own Long War overhaul

[Edward64]

I've played about 5 WOTC Long War missions so far. Haven't gotten into the meat of the differences yet but enjoying the different skills available.

Hopefully there are zombie mods compatible with Long War. Love killing them with a sniper with "death from above".

[Edward64]

About 3/4 through an WOTC playthrough (I've finished it several times). Just killed my first Chosen, working on my second now. Have a set of Colonels with Plasma weapons and 4 W.A.R suits.

I gave up on the Long War version from last year, it was ... well, too long and became kinda boring. Currently playing it with the "A Better ..."

I do think XCom modders are fantastic. They have certainly kept the game interesting.

[Toddzilla]

Funny, I just finished a WOTC playthrough this past weekend. I used the console to give me a full squad of Skirmishers and it was a blast.

I need 3 now.

[Edward64]

Is that a mod?

I have only been able to get 2 Reapers on my team. Both Colonels now, with +1 Claymores, Banish (great against the Chosen if you get up close) and special ammo.

I love my Sniper also with his Spider Armor and Death from Above, and Faceoff.

[Toddzilla]

It's a console command - "GiveFactionSoldiers" - which gives you one of each. I cut the other dudes and just keep the Skirmishers.

[Mota]

I'm also working on a WOTC campaign right now, and I'm so tired of those boss monsters dropping in on every battle! The Skirmishers are really cool though, I like them a lot more than the Reapers. Although I beat one map super easy with my Reaper in conceal, I claymored the item I needed to destroy, and then just sprinted back to the exit point while the rest of my crew just stood around.

[Edward64]

In anticipation of Midnight Suns on Dec 2, figure to leverage this thread for it also

[Edward64]

Midnight Suns will be released this Fri, Dec 2 and is currently $60 on Steam.

I may have to bite the bullet, I'm guessing there won't be any sales anytime soon. But I'll wait for reviews

[GrantDawg]

Midnight Suns will be released this Fri, Dec 2 and is currently $60 on Steam.

I may have to bite the bullet, I'm guessing there won't be any sales anytime soon. But I'll wait for reviews
Already pre-purchased. Just waiting for release.

[dubb93]

My son asked for this for Christmas and I’m going to get it for him, but I’m not very impressed with 2K charging $70 for games on the new consoles(and not giving free upgrades from say Xbox One to Series X if you upgrade or downgrade consoles.)

[NobodyHere]

I'm super excited about this game but unfortunately I have way too many games at the moment, so I'll probably just wait for a sale.

[Edward64]

Woo hoo. Reviews will be out tomorrow

https://sirusgaming.com/marvels-midnight-suns-review-streaming-embargo/
It was revealed that fans will be able to see official score reviews from various gaming media sites and a select few media personalities on November 30, 2022 at 6 AM PT. Also, these reviews will only offer images and captured footage from early Acts only as 2K has firmly asked reviewers to say no spoilers.
Now for fans who really want to see the game in action via watching a live stream, they can watch them starting on December 1, 2022 at 4 AM PT.

I really hope there is a lot of re-playability. X-Com already has a lot of this but the ending is always the same ending so it gets boring. Need different ways to "win/lose". Also would be great for a bunch of DLCs & content, I'm surprised that Firaxis didn't milk X-Com 2/WOTC more.

[Atocep]

I'm taking a wait and see approach. I've watched some previews and the combat looks fun and I like the use of the cards rather than hit chance. The stuff inside your base looks really boring though and apparently takes up a significant portion of the game (some are saying nearly half). That part could have potential, but based on what I've seen it runs into the same issue most marvel games seem to have, the characters are cardboard, basic portrayals of their comic book selves. No real personality and bland voice acting.

[Toddzilla]

I just wanted to point out that Jane Kelly is Director of the Reclamation Agency and provides leadership and moral support for Chimera Squad's agents.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Marvel's Midnight Suns review: the best Marvel game yet | Rock Paper Shotgun (https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/marvels-midnight-suns-review)

[Edward64]

Been reading good stuff so far

Marvel's Midnight Suns review | PC Gamer (https://www.pcgamer.com/marvels-midnight-suns-review/)
Yet tens of hours later, I've never stopped unpacking baggage with my various magical, irradiated, or vampiric roomies. It's a surprise I still haven't gotten over, or stopped appreciating: Firaxis's big-budget contribution to the Marvel universe is just as dedicated a downtime simulator as it is a turn-based tactics game. And despite the studio's expertise historically skewing toward the latter, Midnight Suns is equally accomplished in both fields.

[Edward64]

Here's a list of reviews.

Marvel&#x27;s Midnight Suns Review Thread - Post reviews and thoughts here : midnightsuns (https://www.reddit.com/r/midnightsuns/comments/z8qcm8/marvels_midnight_suns_review_thread_post_reviews/)

[Edward64]

Nice feel good story. Reminds me of the Skyrim Grandma.

https://www.thegamer.com/marvels-midnight-suns-luke-was-here/
Luke was diagnosed with neuroblastoma--a terrible form of nerve cancer--at age 14. After nine years of treatment, Luke's doctors exhausted all options available and placed him on end-of-life care. During all that time, Marvel and video games were the things that brought Luke the most joy, and so, with less than a year left, Luke gave his family a bucket list with three items on it. First was a puppy to give his mother something to take care of when he's gone. Second was a hog roast, and the third was to play Marvel's Midnight Suns.
:
2K social manager Asim Tanvir then brought Luke a gaming laptop with Marvel's Midnight Suns installed. When he arrived at Luke's home on the UK, Luke burst into tears before he got down to playing.
... and was later immortalized with an engraving found in a tree that reads "Luke Was Here."

[Thomkal]

wow

[Edward64]

Already pre-purchased. Just waiting for release.

Let us know what you think when you get a chance.

About 218 Steam reviews so far. Mixed.

[GrantDawg]

Let us know what you think when you get a chance.

About 218 Steam reviews so far. Mixed.
It is definitely not Xcom.

The big strike it has for me right now is the fact the cut-scenes are way too long to not have a way to pause them. That is one of my biggest pet-peeves in games. I don't like feeling like I'm being held hostage to a game. Give me the opportunity to pause scenes if my wife starts talking to me, or something is happening that pulls me away a second. I am not a fan of games as movies. I just want enough to story to drive the game along. There is way too much story and not enough game so far.
Combat is different. I have never been a card/deck game player. I don't think this game is a true version of that, but it is at least a hybrid version of it. I am also not super crazy about how you don't have turns for each character. Instead, all three have cards that can be played in a round, and it is super random. Still, combat is not bad. It is pretty fun super-hero action.

[Swaggs]

How is the character creation and customization?

[GrantDawg]

Limited. Maybe 6 different faces, some hairstyles, eye color, that is about it. I guess your character will grow and evolve over time, following three possible paths. I haven't gotten far enough to see how varied.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Edward64]

Thanks for your updates. I don't mind not being able to pause cut scenes, but hate not able to skip by them. Keep 'em coming when you get a chance.

Currently, Steam has 648 reviews, Mixed.

[SirFozzie]

One of my favorite streamers (Lionheartx10, who normally does Total War videos), is doing a LP of Midnight Suns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rciZoX7cWSA

[Edward64]

Thanks, watched some of that.

The combat animations are great, reminds me of when I first saw the XCom soldiers crash through a window or use a blade.

But the character looks are "off" to me? Maybe too used to the film actors playing them.

[GrantDawg]

Thanks, watched some of that.

The combat animations are great, reminds me of when I first saw the XCom soldiers crash through a window or use a blade.

But the character looks are "off" to me? Maybe too used to the film actors playing them.
They are different. I guess they are more true to the comics. I haven't read comics since the early 90's, so they are not what I'm used to. Still, I think the voice actors do a pretty good job. Also, the game looks pretty amazing in full 4k and ray-tracing.

[GrantDawg]

Here is the other thing I dealing with personally. When in the open world-ish area, using a game controller is much better than trying to use the keyboard to move around and interact. In combat, the keyboard and mouse is much better.

[GrantDawg]

Played all day off and on. I am definitely hooked. Combat is like a puzzle. The card element adds randomness and does sometime drive me crazy. It is a good challenge, along with the time elements you hwve on most missions. I'm getting a feel for which team mates I like to play with best. I am mostly favoring the Witchy girls do far, but Blade and Ghost Rider are pretty solid as well. Of the Avengers, Captain Marvel makes a great tank, but the others are actually pretty underwhelming.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Edward64]

Also, the game looks pretty amazing in full 4k and ray-tracing.

Sure, go ahead and rub it in.

The integrated GPU on my i7-1260p plays WOTC & Civ 6 just fine. Assume it'll be the same for Midnight Suns.

[GrantDawg]

Just got my first glimpse of Wolverine in a one off mission, and man. He is badass.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Edward64]

Just got my first glimpse of Wolverine in a one off mission, and man. He is badass.


About to finish a WOTC playthrough and will prob buy this game soon.

Question on re-playability. Less, same, more than X-Com 2/WOTC? Surprisingly, Steam shows only 2,085 reviews which I think is extremely low (but now at Mostly Positive)

Still happy with it? No glaring bugs on a PC? Checking on the forum, it looks like most of the issues are on consoles.

[GrantDawg]

Replayabilty- in my opinion, it is going to be minimal. There is too much story based parts of the game to think I will want to go through it again. There aren't major story arc changes to make replaying interesting. You are working with the good guys, and the dark option is only going to make you more Woverine than Captain America. But I am 40 hours in, and I am only at the beginibf of act 2. You don't have to rush the story, just take your time. You will get your money's worth out if it.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[GrantDawg]

Bugs- I have had one minor visual error that was cleared up by restarting. But I have not crashed once, and I have stayed running smoothly throughout. That doesn't seem to be the experience with everyone, though. I think it is a pretty big system hog, so ymmv

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Edward64]

Replayabilty- in my opinion, it is going to be minimal. There is too much story based parts of the game to think I will want to go through it again. There aren't major story arc changes to make replaying interesting. You are working with the good guys, and the dark option is only going to make you more Woverine than Captain America. But I am 40 hours in, and I am only at the beginibf of act 2. You don't have to rush the story, just take your time. You will get your money's worth out if it.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

Well crap. That was an unexpected no/minimal

[GrantDawg]

Well crap. That was an unexpected no/minimal
Finished today (nice rain out for work allowed me a full day to complete it). 75 hours of play, and I would say well worth the price. I will also say surprisingly as of right now, I don't think I'm done. I do think I'm going to replay it at a higher challenge level. I'm going to take my time, and try to max all friendships before moving on (I only maxed like 4). I'm also going to try to finish all the Abby stuff. I think I did most, but I know there are few things I didn't. There is an option at the end to continue doing missions and playing around, but I think starting over would be more fun.



I would give this game a 8.5/10. It was very solid story wise. Combat was fun. I enjoyed the voice acting. There is a bunch of customization you can do as you play, and constantly varying the team really keeps things interesting.


My knocks would be the cut sequences can go to long at times. It always seems the like the conversation has a natural ending, then there are 2-4 extra lines that are unnecessary. They also broke my ray-tracing with the last update. It just got to choppy and I had to turn it off. There are way to many in gamer currencies in my opinion as well. It was a PIA to keep up with them all. But when you compare that to the state most games come out at release in, those are minor quibbles. This is a very payable, complete, fun and challenging game right out of the box. There is no need to wait for mods or DLC's to make it a good game.

[Edward64]

Thanks for the update. I would appreciate you letting us know about re-playability after your next playthrough.

Even though I complain about X-Com 2/WOTC and how it drives you towards the same ending all the time, there is still tremendous replay value because the missions are different, research tree is varied enough, your perfect team of Majors & Colonels gets tore up unexpectedly etc. (and, of course, there's a bunch of mods).

Just wondering if there is enough variety (?) of missions, events etc. to keep it interesting even though you have to follow the main arc.

[Edward64]

They also broke my ray-tracing with the last update. It just got to choppy and I had to turn it off.

This maybe your problem?

If You're Playing Marvel's Midnight Suns, Disable The Launcher (https://kotaku.com/marvel-midnight-suns-avengers-pc-launcher-disable-slow-1849890630)
If You're Playing Marvel's Midnight Suns, Please Disable The 2K Launcher
:
I started playing the game this week and while I wasn’t experiencing any stutters, I was getting weird framerate dips in sections of a game that my hardware should have been more than OK with. And hey, whaddya know, as soon as I disabled the launcher my issues went away, and it was all smooth sailing.

RPS posted some helpful instructions on how to do this in their post. It’s nothing extreme; just some folder browsing and mild editing of the command line used to launch the game. Alternatively, you can watch this vid:

[GrantDawg]

Nah, I did that. Didn't help. It was fine before the patch. Idk what they did. Still looks great, but I do wish i could have seen the final battle and cut scenes with ray tracing on.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Edward64]

Runner up GOTY by PCGamer

PC Gamer's Game of the Year Awards 2022 | PC Gamer (https://www.pcgamer.com/game-of-the-year-awards-2022/)
In our second-favorite game of 2022, Firaxis' turn-based pedigree matched well with a party-based RPG to deliver a surprisingly big singleplayer game, one that took 70+ hours to complete.
I thought this was interesting comment

I gave up on both modern XCOM games because I didn't like all the stuff that wasn't fighting. Base building, world power appeasement, and resource management were chores I'd put off until my resistance collapsed. In Midnight Suns, I'm squeezing every ounce of character interaction, hub expansion, card upgrading, and deck building out of the in-game day before embarking on an actual mission.

GOTY not announced yet but betting it's Elden Ring.

[Edward64]

In case you didn't catch it on another thread, Midnight Suns is $40 on Steam.

[Thomkal]

Green Man Gaming has it for just over $35 for Steam or Epic


So there Edward :)


https://www.greenmangaming.com/games/marvels-midnight-suns-pc/

[Edward64]

Thanks!

[Fidatelo]

Dang, when I bought it on the 1st I paid effectively full price. It was in a bundle with XCOM:EU and XCOM2 but I already own the former and I didn't really care to have the latter. Would have much rather saved $30 but I kind of assumed the x-mas sale was what it was at that point.

[Fidatelo]

Cost aside, I'm loving the game! I was up waaaay too late playing again last night. This is my favorite video game since Breath of the Wild.

[Thomkal]

Dang, when I bought it on the 1st I paid effectively full price. It was in a bundle with XCOM:EU and XCOM2 but I already own the former and I didn't really care to have the latter. Would have much rather saved $30 but I kind of assumed the x-mas sale was what it was at that point.


I pretty much assume that there is going to be a good sale somewhere on almost every game (except for Rimworld and Caves of Qud) of 30% or more fairly quickly after release-you just have to be patient and wait for them.

[Edward64]

Green Man Gaming has it for just over $35 for Steam or Epic

So there Edward :)

Green Man Gaming (https://www.greenmangaming.com/games/marvels-midnight-suns-pc/)

Just got it at GMG for $35 and installing on Steam now.

Currently playing Wasteland 3 and some XCom WOTC. Not sure when I'll get to Midnight Sun but its a great price (even if re-playability is questionable) and I'll get to it eventually.

Thanks again for the heads up.

[Thomkal]

You are welcome Edward, have fun!

[Edward64]

Wow.

Did you guys know about TNG & XCom connection?

"War of the Chosen" introduced three new factions that the XCOM team could ally with, and, as it turned out, the leader of each of these groups was a "TNG" alum. Betos, the leader of the warrior-like Skirmishers, is played by Denise Crosby. Crosby played the equally tough Tasha Yar during the first season of "TNG" and, thanks to interdimensional shenanigans, made several guest appearances in later seasons as well.

Meanwhile, the mysterious Templars are led by Geist, who is voiced by John de Lancie. De Lancie played another strange and mystical character on "TNG," making numerous appearances as the all-powerful entity Q. De Lancie got to reprise this role in Season 2 of "Picard," but "XCOM" fans will remember him as the psionically gifted soldier committed to freeing Earth from alien control.

Finally, Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker on "TNG," plays the head of the Reapers, Konstantin Volikov. In the game, Volikov sports a beard almost as impressive as the one Riker grew for later seasons of "TNG," making Frakes an appropriate choice for the character.

In addition to these three stars of "TNG," the "XCOM" expansion also featured the voice acting of Mirina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, and Dwight Shultz. As with the leaders of the three factions, it seems like Firaxis deliberately assigned these actors parts that would fit with their "Star Trek" past.

[Edward64]

(Adding JA3 in this thread, figure it's close enough to X-Com mechanics)


Okay, decided to get JA3. After seeing the streaming gameplay, I was pretty sure I was going to like it. (In addition to BG3, Starfield and now JA3, also have Urban Strife, Xenonauts 2, Aliens & Second Front on list. Not sure how I'm going to find time to play all of them)

JA3 is fun so far. Got to the second map block (whatever that's called). My 680m was struggling at medium graphics level (a slight lag), so going to low in my next session.

I've been watching some YT videos but still haven't figured it all out. Think I will download the mod that shows hit chance %. May rationale is the shooter should have a sense for chance to hit vs no sense at all.

[Edward64]

Been playing more XCom 2 WOTC, specifically the Long War Mod better known as LWOTC.

I've tried LWOTC before but never got far because the strategic layer was different and the tactical battles harder. But started reading up on it below and am doing okay now.

https://xcom.substack.com/


If you are an WOTC fan, beat it numerous times, and put it away because it got boring ... highly recommend you trying LWOTC mod, it should give you many more hours of fun (but read some tutorials, hints & tips before trying).

I'm well into my first real playthrough and found a list of recommended mods to LWOTC. So, I'll have that to look forward to in the next one.