X-Com 2, Midnight Suns & Jagged Alliance 3

[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 is out on April 24th. I'm looking forward to it!

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by 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 is out on April 24th. I'm looking forward to it!

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

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by 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 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Enjoy and have fun!

[Edward64]

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

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by 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

Haven't played it, but fwiw I saw where Quill18 just started uploading a (sponsored) playthrough

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

I love it. Great game!

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Edward64

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]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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-midn...aming-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