Sectoid Please Stand Up

[TheLastRookie]

I was excited when I saw the first few articles about the new game, now I'm disappointed.

The scariest thing about a Sectoid is their expressionless childlike appearance, big heads and eyes. I've noticed in most of the game informer articles that they are chimp like now, squatting with pot bellies.

In the original, even with their pixelated selves they still manage scare the hell out of me, walking into an alien ship piercing the darkness and seeing five humanoids looking back at your soldier with only 29 TU's to spare is truly priceless.

I've had times where a Sectoid would STAND in a field of grass waiting for me to move the spotter and when I do it would ease around the map and kill a soldier from the other direction popping out of nowhere.

Somehow the new aliens managed to create very advance technologies and genetics; travel hundreds of light years, to step out of their ships with a bad back problem.

Sectoids created all other aliens; they think as one, they are the hive. I thought the mission was to change their sexless species through advanced genetics, maybe the new mission is to splice in chimpanzee DNA.

Update them, but leave the human like characteristic of standing on two feet alone, just make more aliens.

[SectoidSquisher]

I do see where you're coming from. The original game's Sectoids are the stereotypical 'little green man' - the sort of thing that most people who claim to have been abducted describe. And yes, those things were chilling. I don't know. I need to see them in action, along with everything else to be sure.

[meanmanturbo]

Honestly I never found the appearance of any enemy unknown alien particularly scary . It was the instant plasma death that was scary about sectoids.

[insidius]

I wonder what else the community can find to complain about in the coming months.

[XCOM]

I was excited when I saw the first few articles about the new game, now I'm disappointed.

The scariest thing about a Sectoid is their expressionless childlike appearance, big heads and eyes. I've noticed in most of the game informer articles that they are chimp like now, squatting with pot bellies.

In the original, even with their pixelated selves they still manage scare the hell out of me, walking into an alien ship piercing the darkness and seeing five humanoids looking back at your soldier with only 29 TU's to spare is truly priceless.

I've had times where a Sectoid would STAND in a field of grass waiting for me to move the spotter and when I do it would ease around the map and kill a soldier from the other direction popping out of nowhere.

Somehow the new aliens managed to create very advance technologies and genetics; travel hundreds of light years, to step out of their ships with a bad back problem.

Sectoids created all other aliens; they think as one, they are the hive. I thought the mission was to change their sexless species through advanced genetics, maybe the new mission is to splice in chimpanzee DNA.

Update them, but leave the human like characteristic of standing on two feet alone, just make more aliens.

There was a conversation about this at the other thread --> here.

Specifically, to me it's important to remember that these aliens are smarter and more advanced than us humans, and hence should look the part to a certain degree. Standing upright goes a long way to showing this, and makes for a truly alien appearance (nothing on earth stands upright except for humans). Either way, I agree with you on aliens appearing creepier and more intelligent when standing upright vs hunched, but I also do like the look of the new Sectoid. At least they still have big shiny heads.

[kingsword]

Way too much nitpicking, new aliens are alright. We should focus on really important gameplay issues so that they'll take the complaints seriously.

[DeepOneTerror]

Way too much nitpicking, new aliens are alright. We should focus on really important gameplay issues so that they'll take the complaints seriously.

Do you think alien design is not an important issue? I think Firaxis graphic artists would be pretty offended by your post.

Anyway, it's hard to say too much about "important gameplay issues" when they haven't released gameplay videos or much gameplay information. We know a few things, and those things have already been discussed heavily (TUs, terrain, etc) but I think this topic is valid, even if it is presented somewhat harshly by the OP.

[CaptainMuton]

I can kinda see where the OP is coming from, the sectoids in the original kinda looked like children, and it was creepy and unnerving when you had to shoot them. Being more 'alien' in appearance strangely seems to 'dehumanise' them and make it much easier to kill them, but may take away some of the creepiness of the sectoids. As they were genetically engineered in the original maybe this time around they are a fully naturally evolved species.

[kingsword]

No, I think it's important but they got it either right or better than the original. Old game's weakest asset was art, I know many are fond of old mutons but I found them very ill-suited to the otherwise serious game. Sectoids were good but they aren't bad now either. No worse IMO.

No, we have solid information about gameplay from GI article and screenshots already. And gameplay was what old game was about, not mutons/chrysalids/sectoids/Guile etc. I very much doubt somebody playing a game 20 years later would be doing that because of the art or graphics.

[DeepOneTerror]

No, I think it's important but they got it either right or better than the original. Old game's weakest asset was art, I know many are fond of old mutons but I found them very ill-suited to the otherwise serious game. Sectoids were good but they aren't bad now either. No worse IMO.

No, we have solid information about gameplay from GI article and screenshots already. And gameplay was what old game was about, not mutons/chrysalids/sectoids/Guile etc. I very much doubt somebody playing a game 20 years later would be doing that because of the art or graphics.

Well, there are people who think that they didn't get the sectoids right. Personally, I'm okay with the new sectoid, as long as we have some aliens (especially if the Ethereal makes an appearance in the new game) that stand up-right.

I'd argue that a huge part of what made the old game so beloved was in fact the mutons/chryssalids/sectoids (maybe not so much Guile). It was the tense atmosphere and mystery of the unknown that gave X-Com its charm. With that in mind, yes, gameplay needs to be absolutely top notch, but the things that you have deemed unimportant (in this thread and other threads as well) are just as important as gameplay. Otherwise, you should just play laser squad, right?

Kingsword, it seems like all you care about is a flavorless game, but that has balanced gameplay. Trying to deny any discussion on non-gameplay related elements... I think you should stop doing that.

[Happymonster]

You are right about the gameplay being the most important, but I always liked the style of the art. Floaters were always my favourite design, I just found it really cool that they had an anti-grav device inside most of their body.

[Happymonster]

DeepOne: Ohhh.. Don't insult LaserSquad else I'll set a Venemous Splurge onto you!

[Nosmirc]

I wonder what else the community can find to complain about in the coming months.

I know right? The last few days have seen a few silly complaints IMO.

[DeepOneTerror]

I know right? The last few days have seen a few silly complaints IMO.

It's not complaining for the sake of complaining. The point of this entire forum is to give feedback on a game that's still in development. In development - meaning changes can still be made. They want to hear from the fan base. The graphical presentation of enemies in this game is at the very center of what the game should be about. I don't think it's silly.

[kingsword]

Well, there are people who think that they didn't get the sectoids right. Personally, I'm okay with the new sectoid, as long as we have some aliens (especially if the Ethereal makes an appearance in the new game) that stand up-right.

I'd argue that a huge part of what made the old game so beloved was in fact the mutons/chryssalids/sectoids (maybe not so much Guile). It was the tense atmosphere and mystery of the unknown that gave X-Com its charm. With that in mind, yes, gameplay needs to be absolutely top notch, but the things that you have deemed unimportant (in this thread and other threads as well) are just as important as gameplay. Otherwise, you should just play laser squad, right?

Kingsword, it seems like all you care about is a flavorless game, but that has balanced gameplay. Trying to deny any discussion on non-gameplay related elements... I think you should stop doing that.

What made the game a true legend was gameplay first, there have been tons of spiritual successors that got the atmosphere right or even better but they all suffered at geoscape. And atmosphere =/= ape with bright green spandex fetish. No, definitely stuff like mutons didn't help the atmosphere. Sectoids were good yes but a poll about them not crouching is nitpicking in its literal description.

I care about a game with perfect gameplay because it's what makes the game in this example and also because they did the new art just right without being goofy like the original did awkwardly at times.

I cannot deny discussion and do not even try that by calling the thread 'nitpicking', in fact I wouldn't be posting anymore than that if it wasn't for replies to your posts. I only appealed to the common sense and in the best interests of the fanbase. We all know complaining about every single thing does no good, NMA did that for FO3 and merely resulted in valid claims getting swept away among a flood of nitpicking.

[DeepOneTerror]

I agree, the gameplay is at the forefront of what made the original a true legend, but i dont think any spiritual successors really got the atmosphere right. I agree that the muton's green spandex may have been a bit silly.

The problem is, a lot of your gameplay suggestions actually point Xcom in a direction that I really don't agree with. The atmosphere of the original wasn't only painted by the graphical representation, but by the tenuous situations it put the player in (ie: lethality of single shots or bombs). That combined with the graphical representation, alien behavior, and other stuff i've talked about is what made X-Com legendary.

This forum isn't at risk of being "swept away among a flood of nitpicking" because there just aren't that many people in here.

[DepthCharge]

You're complaining about the sectoids? Give me a break they look amazing!!

[OldManBrian]

Ugh, I agree this really is nitpicking. All the new aliens look great, and either way they aren't going to RE-ANIMATE anything this late in development no matter who complains about it.

Creating nitpicky threads like this is just a surefire way to get the devs to completely ignore these forums. (If they are even reading these to begin with.)

[DazzD]

So far from the videos shown I have liked all the creatures. Some are not to my taste but they still look good. And that new skinny tall man one looks friggan awesome! I guess it comes down to everyone’s personal opinion and they cannot please everyone. Some people want the exact same as the originals, others want the same units improved and others still want brand new. Sux to be a developer hey! 

[Zhab]

1) A Chimpanzee, poopin at the Zoo?

2) A silhouette of a small big headed child, just past the light of the street lamp with a body?

Wow ! That poll is extremely biased. It would be hard to make it any more biased. But it is so obvious that most people probably translate that to:

1) New Sectoids

2) Old Sectoids.

[Mindless]

I went for the old one, but I'm in two minds. The new Sectoid doesn't look to bad, will have to see what they are like in the game though.

[TheLastRookie]

Way too much nitpicking, new aliens are alright. We should focus on really important gameplay issues so that they'll take the complaints seriously.

Considering you will be seeing the Sectoids for a high percentage of the gameplay and if the game has the same replay value as the original, then I would say this very important.

The artwork and models are fantastic but that’s not what we are talking about atm.

[OldManBrian]

Way too much nitpicking, new aliens are alright. We should focus on really important gameplay issues so that they'll take the complaints seriously.

Considering you will be seeing the Sectoids for a high percentage of the gameplay and if the game has the same replay value as the original, then I would say this very important.

The artwork and models are fantastic but that’s not what we are talking about atm.

Rather than restate it, I'll just quote myself from before:

Ugh, I agree this really is nitpicking. All the new aliens look great, and either way they aren't going to RE-ANIMATE anything this late in development no matter who complains about it.

Creating nitpicky threads like this is just a surefire way to get the devs to completely ignore these forums. (If they are even reading these to begin with.)

[SectoidSquisher]

One thing that the new sectoids show is that there is going to be a lot more variety with alien movement. One of the things I didn't like about the original was the fact that the vast majority of things moved upright, like humans. These sectoids look like they'll be crouching, leaping, generally moving very quickly and that can only be a good thing. The sectoids look like they'll be fast, while the Mutons look very slow and ponderous but massively powerful. More variety in aliens, not just in appearance, but in movement is welcome for me.

[rcmiller]

I find it funny the poll close....

[TheLastRookie]

One thing that the new sectoids show is that there is going to be a lot more variety with alien movement. One of the things I didn't like about the original was the fact that the vast majority of things moved upright, like humans. These sectoids look like they'll be crouching, leaping, generally moving very quickly and that can only be a good thing. The sectoids look like they'll be fast, while the Mutons look very slow and ponderous but massively powerful. More variety in aliens, not just in appearance, but in movement is welcome for me.

XCOM: Crouching Sectoid, Hidden Mooonkeeey, hehe; I had to go there, lol?
Seems to that’s why most movies and video games suck these days. When I see these Sectoids, I think um… “Whack-A-Mole, let me load this infinite ammo clip, this should be fun for a few hours.”

I don’t think this will be an intellectual fight for the human race; these Sectoids put zero fear in me, put me and a monkey in a room and see who comes out first. I hope each troop uses “Take it” as an execution line, I love popping heads, that way I can rack up my Oscar Mikes; since “The Sectoids look like they'll be fast.”

Btw, how would you know their movement speed when its turn based, Oh… yeah under options “Alien Movement Speed.”

That’s why GF is so important; I can protest with my dollars, it goes on my rental list instead of my buy list. I purchase too much junk.

It's hard to create a classic.

[Codex]

The poll isn't closed, rcmiller, you already voted on it

I haven't looked in to how they move too much yet or what they look like beyond the screenshots from the online version of Game Informer. They were standing in their little "species blurb" that they have in the article. I don't really see that much of a difference between how they're crouching and how the solider is crouching in the cover art - given that they are closer to the ground anyways it might be easier to crawl to support that massive cranium when you're trying to be sneaky. It wouldn't do to be trying to be stealthy and to fall over because your center of gravity has shifted terribly...

[SectoidSquisher]

XCOM: Crouching Sectoid, Hidden Mooonkeeey, hehe; I had to go there, lol?
Seems to that’s why most movies and video games suck these days. When I see these Sectoids, I think um… “Whack-A-Mole, let me load this infinite ammo clip, this should be fun for a few hours.”

I don’t think this will be an intellectual fight for the human race; these Sectoids put zero fear in me, put me and a monkey in a room and see who comes out first. I hope each troop uses “Take it” as an execution line, I love popping heads, that way I can rack up my Oscar Mikes; since “The Sectoids look like they'll be fast.”

Btw, how would you know their movement speed when its turn based, Oh… yeah under options “Alien Movement Speed.”
.

No offence, but that was a rather dumb comment. You'll be able to see their movement speed when you see them moving around during their own turn. Have you played the original?

[TheLastRookie]

No offence, but that was a rather dumb comment. You'll be able to see their movement speed when you see them moving around during their own turn. Have you played the original?

lol, you know what... HAHA never mind.

[rcmiller]

The poll isn't closed, rcmiller, you already voted on it

I haven't looked in to how they move too much yet or what they look like beyond the screenshots from the online version of Game Informer. They were standing in their little "species blurb" that they have in the article. I don't really see that much of a difference between how they're crouching and how the solider is crouching in the cover art - given that they are closer to the ground anyways it might be easier to crawl to support that massive cranium when you're trying to be sneaky. It wouldn't do to be trying to be stealthy and to fall over because your center of gravity has shifted terribly...

no I meant that both sides of the poll were relatively close in terms of how many people have voted on each.

And I do think the old sectoids were more intimidating....wait....they were the tan things that clicked and could fly right? Geez it has been awhile since I played xcom...started over today, currently playing a virtual machine...so much fun

Anyway back on track, I am going to give the new sectoid a chance...it looks ok I guess. The sectiod just looks so...primative alien-ish. But they arent going to reanimate this late in the game, so complaining is a waste of time. Id rather them fix the whole health, ammo, TUs, squads deal than the decent aliens.

[Brian Damage]

no I meant that both sides of the poll were relatively close in terms of how many people have voted on each.

And I do think the old sectoids were more intimidating....wait....they were the tan things that clicked and could fly right? Geez it has been awhile since I played xcom...started over today, currently playing a virtual machine...so much fun

Those were Skeletoids, from Apocalypse. Sectoids were mostly from UFO: Enemy Unknown/XCOM: UFO Defense and interceptor, though they made a cameo as rescuable hostages in Apocalypse and the Aquatoids from TFTD were closely related.

[DazzD]

Those were Skeletoids, from Apocalypse. Sectoids were mostly from UFO: Enemy Unknown/XCOM: UFO Defense and interceptor, though they made a cameo as rescuable hostages in Apocalypse and the Aquatoids from TFTD were closely related.

Dam I am outta touch then, I played apoc more then the other 2 I guess. I thought it was the advanced flying ones too. So they were the little traditionally called 'greys' in sci-fi with the big black eyes... Well the new ones suit very well then. If they were replacing the flying ones thenI agree they were a little off. Now I have worked out which ones they are really replacing, then they are very good. Close to the original but rougher and uglier. They look like they can move fast and crawl up walls etc. Fast and creapy... perfect for xcom

[Usul]

Really guys, if you SERIOUSLY like to know that other people think, you'll need to make the polls neutral. But this poll most likely does not care about other peoples oppions, but ist trying to influence.

If you ask
"Do you think that the awesome alternative A is good, or are you a moron and believe B is good?"
then this will have a totally different outcome then the question
"Do you prefer alternative A or alternative B?"

So if a poll is to be taken serious, it needs to be done well and not biased.

[kingsword]

Proud voter of poopin' chimps!

[anotherdevil]

They kind of made it look like the Dover Demon didn't they?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dover_Demon

[bloodsportsman]

the new sectoid is actually a response to the standards of today's aliens, the aliens of this era look more hunched to seem like they are more adapted to killing. Making an alien look similar to a chimp is a sound idea because it makes them look human but slightly off, all of the idiots going "they look stupid because they have to look human to be smart" should actually think for once. If they all stand perfectly upright it gets boring, I like variety in my enemies.

[SectoidSquisher]

I'm slim sectoid, yes I'm the real sectoid, all you other sectoids are just on steroids, so won't the real sectoid please stand up, please stand up, please stand up.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

[Zhab]

Really guys, if you SERIOUSLY like to know that other people think, you'll need to make the polls neutral. But this poll most likely does not care about other peoples oppions, but ist trying to influence.

If you ask
"Do you think that the awesome alternative A is good, or are you a moron and believe B is good?"
then this will have a totally different outcome then the question
"Do you prefer alternative A or alternative B?"

So if a poll is to be taken serious, it needs to be done well and not biased.

I fully agree on the importance to properly make polls. Polls also need more options than A or B. Like "I don't care" and "I don't know" are also very important. For example, if many people vote "I don't care" the designer knows that this features does not make or break the game. Also, many people who answer A or B will have a pretty final answer on this. However, those who answer "I don't know" represent people who might be a little bit in favor for one or the other (perfect neutrality is a rare thing), but really don't know yet. Those represent a group that can easily be affected by future design changes. Politicians in campaign pay special attention to "I don't know" people for that same reason.

Making a proper meaningful poll isn't that simple. Making a scientific one is significantly harder.

[TheLastRookie]

I'm slim sectoid, yes I'm the real sectoid, all you other sectoids are just on steroids, so won't the real sectoid please stand up, please stand up, please stand up.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

lol, I love it

[DazzD]

the new sectoid is actually a response to the standards of today's aliens, the aliens of this era look more hunched to seem like they are more adapted to killing. Making an alien look similar to a chimp is a sound idea because it makes them look human but slightly off, all of the idiots going "they look stupid because they have to look human to be smart" should actually think for once. If they all stand perfectly upright it gets boring, I like variety in my enemies.

Good call, I totally agree. The ones in the original look like kids toys that you could just punch in the face to break. The new version looks far meaner and punching one in the face would lead to a sevear ass woopin. Scary 20 years ago is not scary now so the charactors need to change with that.