Are they showing us too much??

[SupernovaXL]

Don't know about you guys but if the tech tree in this game is going along the path of the old game I'm starting to feel like I've seen too much. Looking at some of the demos, they show what seems to be all the plasma weapons.

The flying suit was the last armor you could get in the old one and they have shown us this too. There is one part of the demo that shows some operatives abseiling down into what as been speculated as the mothership (although I think this maybe an Alien base mission).

We have seen most of the alien types.

I'm going to stop looking at this game now till it comes out to try and forget what I've seen. I'm worried there will be no surprises left.

[heniv]

Great point, I have felt much the same way lately. Then again, I am probably one of the persons most read up on the information released (self inflicted). My fear is that I will spoil the game for myself with to much information or interest.

I'm going to stop looking at this game now till it comes out to try and forget what I've seen. I'm worried there will be no surprises left.

I have had much the same thoughts of late.

Yes, we have seen a lot of features in the game. It makes you wonder how much more of it there really is.
Then again, if you look at the content revealed. Much of it is what we knew had to be in the game.


I will not be disappointed if there is really scarce information from now on to the release (don't know of any game cons. in between though). They have got the publicity they needed at E3 and have caught the fans attention.
Next thing would be to calm things down and make a big ad-campaign right before release.

[Gazz]

They haven't even shown all areas of the game.

UFO interception, for instance.
We may assume that it somehow involves interceptors and UFOs but that's it...
Of course, it could turn out to be something as primitive as the UFO 1 air combat. That would also be a reason not to show it.

The entire "diplomacy" or strategic gameplay on the Geoscape, what kind of choices you get to make, how satellite coverage is dealt with.

If you place a satellite in a geostationary orbit then it covers the equator well but doesn't have the same coverage / resolution on the the northern and southern hemispheres.
A satellite that does offer good coverage on these will be doing "laps" around Earth, waving between the two hemispheres.
If you put a satellite up to stay over Sweden, for instance, it will fall down if it doesn't apply constant thrust to stay on station.

[craziestp]

If you place a satellite in a geostationary orbit then it covers the equator well but doesn't have the same coverage / resolution on the the northern and southern hemispheres.
A satellite that does offer good coverage on these will be doing "laps" around Earth, waving between the two hemispheres.
If you put a satellite up to stay over Sweden, for instance, it will fall down if it doesn't apply constant thrust to stay on station.

I had a thread about the whole satellite thing a while back. From what I've seen recently, they've simplified the system so that you don't need a basic understanding of orbital mechanics to play the game. Essentially, what you're buying is 24 hour "coverage" over whatever designated areas you want.

In reality, what this consists of is setting up a constellation of satellites in various (possibly the same) orbits, which sequentially pass by the area desired. Even though a satellite sweep of any given area only lasts a short time (dwell time depends mostly on altitude, usually only a few hours), the fact that you have multiple satellites makes up for this. Basically, when one satellite leaves coverage of an area, another is moving in to get coverage.

In short, having to manually position satellite orbits and constellations is fairly complex and requires a great deal of planning and math. Having this system simplified is honestly much better.

[Inkidu]

Wait, don't they have geostationary satellites that stay over one area a the time? As opposed to the orbiting variety. I think the former is called geosynchronous, because it matches the earth's rotational speed. That is to say the constant-thrust option isn't totally beyond the capabilities of XCOM. Those things still last for years because in space it only requires a minimum amount of thrust to maintain. I doubt the war will dragon on for a decade.

[Hortey]

We actually know very little about the game, and if we knew a lot... would it matter?

This type of game is BUILT to be played through multiple times with many different circumstances and outcomes. I mean, think of all those storylines you've seen in games the past couple years, thinking modern military games only. They all take place at the same time telling the same kind of story but things play out differently in each one. Every playthrough could be completely different depending on if the soldier you name after your best friend survives an attack that kills the rest of the squad (which is named after you and 2 of your buddies) and survives the rest of the game with some close calls or if they all survive until the last mission and you sacrafice them for the survival of earth or something I dunno.

In most games, everything is moderated so the story plays out the same each time because they have a story to tell. Your buddy can take 10 bullets to the head and be fine until the moment where he gets shot in a cutscene and ONLY THEN is his life actually in danger. In XCom, the story plays out and changes based on every single decision you make, as in chaos theory, if you split your engineers up to research 2 things instead of focusing on the rifle upgrade it changes everything after that. Maybe after that your squad leader dies because he 8 damage to an alien that had 9 hp and got shot, then a squaddie freaks out and causes the death of the entire squad, but survives to make it back to the base and maybe you think about it like he covered up what happened so no one would blame him. Then later in the game he is the new squad leader, and you've researched psionics but none of your men you tested could be a psionic and you go into the mission without a psi soldier where you the squad leader gets mind controlled and drops a nade at his feet. That told the story of a guy who covered up the past of his squads death, who came home and lied about it, who couldn't find any psi soldiers and was unable to stop himself from being MC'd but in a moment of clarity threw himself on a grenade to make sure he wouldn't be the cause of any more deaths... and it all started 6 months back when the player didn't research weapons technology as fast as he could have.

If all the scientists had been on weapon tech, the alien would have died, the squad would have returned home, they would have fought together for another half a year until the psi project started, maybe all 3 of the ones that died in the first story were psi capable, and maybe on that fateful mission the psi was able to break the psi hold over the friendly unit before any loss of life.

Butterfly flaps it's wings off the coast of California, and there's an earthquake in Japan.

[SectoidSquisher]

Don't know about you guys but if the tech tree in this game is going along the path of the old game I'm starting to feel like I've seen too much. Looking at some of the demos, they show what seems to be all the plasma weapons.

The flying suit was the last armor you could get in the old one and they have shown us this too. There is one part of the demo that shows some operatives abseiling down into what as been speculated as the mothership (although I think this maybe an Alien base mission).

We have seen most of the alien types.

I'm going to stop looking at this game now till it comes out to try and forget what I've seen. I'm worried there will be no surprises left.

Absolutely! I'd like to put forwards a polite request to mods and other forum members: if you post any videos that have any new spoilers, please say so in the thread's title. Thanks. That especially applies to late-game stuff - why the hell are Firaxis spoiling the late game discoveries?

(I've somehow still managed to avoid seeing the Chryssalid attack in its entirety!)

[Hobbes__]

You have the option of completely ignoring these forums until October 9th.

What they shown so far was to get people used to the new graphics, system, etc. There's a ton that hasn't been revealed yet, like the 'Green Spectre' alien (unless it is a Sectoid) that was present on the first images of the Gas Station.

Since it is based on the original game we can't really expect much surprises in any case.

[SectoidSquisher]

True, but I like coming here to discuss the game - and speculate - but not have it handed over on a silver plate. I don't think it's much to ask to include a spoiler warning in the thread title. And this is one of the forums that isn't filled with morons, unlike the EA Fifa forums!

[tazong]

You have the option of completely ignoring these forums until October 9th.

What they shown so far was to get people used to the new graphics, system, etc. There's a ton that hasn't been revealed yet, like the 'Green Spectre' alien (unless it is a Sectoid) that was present on the first images of the Gas Station.

Since it is based on the original game we can't really expect much surprises in any case.

Totally agree - this is a xcom enemy unknown forum - all subjects across everything to do about the game and speculation about the game and facts about the game are going to be shown here.
If you dont want spoilers of any kind - no one is forcing you to read the forums or to watch videos on youtube - that is something you do on your own accord?
As for the ammount of information they have shown - i am pretty sure that have shown us us some very tasty morsals yes and most fans of the game have been very very happy to see it - without doubt they are holding loads of stuff back we dont even no about - this is a firecracker that still has plenty of surprises left to entertain us all.

[ShredZ]

I'm with the OP. I can't wait to NOT see more info on this game now - I already feel like I can play this new version in my head from beginning to end. Combat details, base facilities, alien types, and level designs ... I hope they can keep the rest of the surprises for us when the game finally comes out.

[carldivine]

Are they showing us too much??

i dont think so...

[SectoidSquisher]

I'm with the OP. I can't wait to NOT see more info on this game now - I already feel like I can play this new version in my head from beginning to end. Combat details, base facilities, alien types, and level designs ... I hope they can keep the rest of the surprises for us when the game finally comes out.

That's what I'm worried about - how much more is there that will be completely ummm.... Unknown?

[Voqar]

I actually don't think they've shown enough. I want to see some actual gameplay by someone that isn't doing a canned marketing script that shows the UI FOR THE FREAKING PC being used. I'd like some details moreso than a glossy overview.

I've found that even with games where there is no NDA (with public beta testers), lots of video, and lots of coverage, where I "research" all I can, that there is still plenty to learn when I get the game and even stuff I thought I knew all about ends up feeling different or has more details once I get to dink with it myself.

IMO, Firaxis is in the stone age when it comes to this stuff. They have no competition. They have nothing to hide. It's somewhat bothersome that they don't do public betas - it's like they don't want feedback - JS and his small crew know it all. And there's no reason to be so secretive or limited with info, it's not like they're giving away trade secrets or hurting sales - unless they have something to hide. Bottom line is, if the game is good, it will sell, and being open before release is free hype and marketing.

They're the same way with Civ, which also has no competition and which is always sure sales.

As much as I can't stand how blizzard does business or games anymore, they continue to be very open with development - early beta access for many, no NDA, etc. Runic was similar with beta. Arenanet for GW2 - wide open. Stardock is always wide open and heavily involved with the community. This is how I prefer to see things done. Not the we know what's best and we're not telling you squat.

[craziestp]

Wait, don't they have geostationary satellites that stay over one area a the time? As opposed to the orbiting variety. I think the former is called geosynchronous, because it matches the earth's rotational speed. That is to say the constant-thrust option isn't totally beyond the capabilities of XCOM. Those things still last for years because in space it only requires a minimum amount of thrust to maintain. I doubt the war will dragon on for a decade.

First off, all satellites are in orbit, regardless of which type of orbit they have. If they're not in orbit, then they're either in an escape trajectory, collision course with earth, or just somehow floating there by some unnatural means.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geostationary_orbit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosynchronous

Secondly, big difference between these two. Geosynchronous orbits don't necessarily "stay put" in the same spot in the sky, but will return to the "same spot" after 24 hours. Geostationary orbits are a type of geosynchronous orbit in which the satellite will constantly "stay put" in the same spot in the sky. However, a geostationary orbit is only possible over the equator.

To answer your question: Yes, Geostationary orbits exist, but there are several problems with this for radar satellites. First off, the satellite has to be over the equator at a very specific altitude (35,786 km). Think about that for a second, that is extremely far away and your radar/visual resolution would be total crap. Basically, these satellites are only good for broadcasting and monitoring weather. In order to get any kind of decent/reasonable resolution for any type of radar/spy satellite, you need to be in low earth orbit (160–2,000 km) or have a highly eccentric/elliptical orbit that passes over the target area during perigee.

Finally, no. A constant thrust option is both far beyond our current technology and just simply impractical. Think of it like this: how much constant force from propulsion would it take for an object to just "float" in front of you where you're standing? You'd still need at least roughly 3/4 of that same force from propulsion to counteract the force due to gravity at "low earth altitude". And even if you had anti-gravity technology, you'd still need an extremely large power source that can run non-stop for possibly years. In addition, if at any time the propulsion or anti-gravity stopped, the "satellite" would instantly come rushing down to earth and crash within minutes. On the other hand, if the same satellite lost propulsion while in an orbit, it would take months or even years for the orbit to decay enough to come crashing down to earth. During that period, you'd have time to fix the problem.

In the end, you can do more research yourself, or just trust me when I say that it is astronomically more plausible and cost-effective to simply have a constellation of satellites.

[heniv]

I never seen a forum where the users can go so off-topic as this. =D

[RusVal]

You want proof that there is still much we haven't seen yet? Ok, here's some mysteries to chew on:

- We've only seen two types of SHIV, and only two weapons for it. And in an interview, Jake mentioned that in a single playthrough, one where he was explicitly trying to focus on researching them, he still wasn't able to get all of the designs he could.

- In the Last Stand trailer, when it shows the guys exiting the ramp, why, when all were apparently using at least mid-tier equipment, the guy wearing Ghost armor (the one far left) is lugging a starting shotgun?

- In the initial screenshots of the game (during the Game Informer coverage), the Thin Men are armed with some kind of rifle, one which we haven't seen since. It isn't plasma, since it lacks the green glow, yet it isn't laser, since it also lacks the red glow (and the developers have mentioned that they are intentionally designing weapons to be easily determinable from a distance). So, what type of weapon is it? Best guess is a railgun of some sort, though I am kind of biased towards those types of weapons so I could be wrong.

- As has been pointed out, in previews of Interception, there is room next to the Abort button for other types, most likely abilities (by my count, they can fit four). And Jake has gone on record that "upgrading" the Interceptors will be a process of getting a new design, not things like armor and engine for one design. (Not to mention we haven't seen a Firestorm yet)
Also, from the way the aircraft hanger is designed, it seems highly unlikely that we will be seeing Transport-Fighter hybrids, so we might have a replacement for the Avenger, too.

- Ghost armor has cloak, a grappling hook, and a running boost. Yet Skeleton armor just gets a grappling hook. So, it is safe to say that there are types of armor with only cloak, and one with only a running boost.
Maybe there's an armor with jetpack plus cloak?

And finally:
- Notice that the crystals the "drone" enemies transform from have the same color as Elerium-115?

[ste-V]

also they havent said much about alternative class skill designs. alternate for the sniper is a dual pistol front hog. what are the alternates to the other classes?! will they be such radical turns as for the sniper?

there is so much they could show, while the game will still remain mostl "unknown" to us.

[LeftyRighty]

also they havent said much about alternative class skill designs. alternate for the sniper is a dual pistol front hog. what are the alternates to the other classes?! will they be such radical turns as for the sniper?

there is so much they could show, while the game will still remain mostl "unknown" to us.

Well the first sniper unlock is a choice of "squad sight" and one that lets you move and shoot... so "death from afar" or "run and gun" would appear to be the starting point for choice.

[katscan]

Answer ? YES !

I feel like I should stop watching but I cant resist. Now that they gave me an option to shut my soldiers up, I have nothing left to complain about

Better question is will you guys read reviews of the game ?(which will most definitely spoil some surprises, no matter how hard they try not to throw in spoilers, which I'm sure will be a prerequisite that Jake puts out)

I'm buying it regardless, so I figure I'll just 'go dark' a week or two prior to release.

[japester]

Hortey pretty much expressed my opinion on the matter. If a game is story-based, it can be spoiled. Because the point of that game is to lead you to a specific conclusion. But a game like XCOM is about the actual game play itself. Technically, there isn't anything to spoil (unless you count whatever cinematic you'll get if you win). I view the info we've been given the same way I'd view a board game where someone explains what's in the box (player pieces, cards, board, etc). I don't need to open Monopoly and go, "There's a little metal dog!? COOOOL!" Because the fun is in playing the actual game and seeing how it ebbs and flows.

Absolutely! I'd like to put forwards a polite request to mods and other forum members: if you post any videos that have any new spoilers, please say so in the thread's title. Thanks. That especially applies to late-game stuff - why the hell are Firaxis spoiling the late game discoveries?

While I get where you're coming from--and I respect the desire of anyone to avoid game info entirely--I have to officially remind folks that nothing released by Firaxis is technically a spoiler. I need to clarify that because "spoiler" means different things to different people. And we need to be clear. There's a big difference between discussing new info and having something spoiled for you. If I tell you two guys walk into a bar, that isn't a spoiler. If I tell you the punchline, it is. (And a few people would be angry to know the number of guys and the location. LOL)

People have said that we already know most of (the aliens, the tech, the suits, etc). Do we? Without knowing the total scope of the game, we don't know if we've seen 10% or 70%.

I'm all for descriptive thread titles (in fact, that's part of the forum rules). If you are showing a video, please give a basic overview (like the recent thread stating it would be thin men combat and rain effects). But until the game is released, let's not call anything "spoilers". Unless it is leaked info through unofficial channels, it is all sanctioned PR and is meant for the fans to see and discuss.

[Inkidu]

I don't think so. I mean this isn't Brawl where people are looking for every leaked character. I'm sure Faraxis is sticking to some mathematical reveal model for optimal market effectiveness. However, I would posit that several people were here to flagellate it because they messed with formula. I know I was here to GET MOAR!

[chethecat]

No way. I want MORE!

Seriously, though, sure we've seen things, and had a few surprises so far. All of which have been great. But much like every play through of the original -- sure, I knew the general gist of things. I knew to get my Flying Suits I had to research certain things and so on.... but nothing was every the same. Terror missions popped up -- but in different spots, at different times, etc. I imagine we'll be playing this game months from now and still be talking about "new" ideas.

[japester]

I have a feeling my personal enjoyment of the game is going to revolve around watching how my soldiers react to situations. I'm expecting quite a few "NO WAY!!" moments. LOL

[heniv]

While I get where you're coming from--and I respect the desire of anyone to avoid game info entirely--I have to officially remind folks that nothing released by Firaxis is technically a spoiler. I need to clarify that because "spoiler" means different things to different people. And we need to be clear. There's a big difference between discussing new info and having something spoiled for you. If I tell you two guys walk into a bar, that isn't a spoiler. If I tell you the punchline, it is. (And a few people would be angry to know the number of guys and the location. LOL)

I find that reasoning flawed, a spoiler is not defined by its source but by its content. A lot of what Firaxis has released are spoilers - if we disregard the historical analogy of the original.

Plasma, Flying, Stealth and so on.. are major features of the game not disclosed at the start. The only reason to show them off is for the sake of publicity.

I guess you are referring to a definition in the rules of this board of what is acceptable content and not.

[japester]

It's only flawed if you believe that the company which designed the game is incapable of intelligently deciding what to release as part of their PR.

Some people view all information as "spoilers". These people want to go in blind and discover everything for the first time. Which is a fine goal, but the definition is too broad. That's why I included the joke analogy. The punchline is the spoiler. Knowing the bits leading up to that aren't spoilers, because they aren't part of the payoff.

It's not specifically defined in the rules. The wording has evolved over time based on experiences with other games. It's simplest to just remind folks that 2K/Firaxis/Irrational/Gearbox/whomever aren't idiots and won't spoil their own games. If you think they are spoiling it, then you need to adjust your definition of the term.

To give another example--this really came into play when BioShock 2 was being rolled out. Every new piece of info was greeted with screams of "SPOILERS!" and requests that things be spoiler tagged. When they revealed that Big Sisters existed, they wanted it tagged. When they said you'd play as a Big Daddy, they wanted it tagged, etc. But those weren't critical to the story. They weren't actual spoilers. A few people did tag them voluntarily, but since we didn't lay down a clear definition, the very next post would discuss that same info without tags. Which caused huge fights. Ultimately, we realized that a clear, easily enforced and understood definition was required. Otherwise some people would tag everything and everything (making the forum a mess), while others discussed things openly and caused ill will. So here we are.

[Airvhan]

I'm with the OP. I can't wait to NOT see more info on this game now - I already feel like I can play this new version in my head from beginning to end. Combat details, base facilities, alien types, and level designs ... I hope they can keep the rest of the surprises for us when the game finally comes out.

It could always be...
They were actually showing us the game called (XCOM: Enemy Known Very Well) :P and it will be released way sooner than the other game XCOM: Enemy Unknown which they haven't released any info about yet. :P

[SupernovaXL]

Films do it all the time. You watch the trailer and WOW!! that looks awesome I'm going to see that! Then you watch it only to find out you had already seen the best it had to offer TO SELL THE PRODUCT I hope and pray this does not go down the same route.

[theiawolf]

I just want to go to the excom official website and get just as much if not more official information rather than third party. I dont believe half of the info regarding the game as it is in my opinion that unless it comes directly from the dev team/publisher/etc it is all spectulation.

[heniv]

I just want to go to the excom official website and get just as much if not more official information rather than third party. I dont believe half of the info regarding the game as it is in my opinion that unless it comes directly from the dev team/publisher/etc it is all spectulation.

Dude, I would estimate that 80%-90% of all the info released is from the Firaxis development leads (Jake, Garth, Greg, Casey) or marketing (Pete). The rest are articles based on these presentations or interviews.

Except for Pax and E3, Firaxis has made most of their information releases through community based channels (game mags, game sites and so on), not in their own channels.

[TheFinn]

I just want to go to the excom official website and get just as much if not more official information rather than third party. I dont believe half of the info regarding the game as it is in my opinion that unless it comes directly from the dev team/publisher/etc it is all spectulation.

Check the very first sticky.

heniv has done an incredible job of providing a summary of all the official* stuff we've seen and heard from the devs about the game.


*official - obviously subject to change prior to release.

[chethecat]

Films do it all the time. You watch the trailer and WOW!! that looks awesome I'm going to see that! Then you watch it only to find out you had already seen the best it had to offer TO SELL THE PRODUCT I hope and pray this does not go down the same route.

There is truth to this sometimes. Certainly not every movie does it. I am going to believe that Firaxis isn't doing it for XCEU as well.

Of course we also aren't talking about a 90-120 min movie. We're talking about a game that will take a score or more of hours to get through once and sounds like it will have a load of replayability. Of course we won't really know until it comes out, but I'm going to maintain my faith that they're doing right by us.

[japester]

A non-interactive, 2-hour movie experience is a very poor analogy. X-COM (and hopefully, XCOM:EU) is more like chess. If someone describes all the pieces to you in advance, they haven't ruined the game for you.

The proof? If X-COM could be "spoiled" (meaning, things are only cool the first time you see them), we wouldn't still be playing it 18 years later. With some of us putting in hundreds of hours during that time. Discovering a new unit, tech, or enemy pales in comparison to actually using it. And then using it again and again and again, to see how it fares in different situations.

[TheFinn]

A non-interactive, 2-hour movie experience is a very poor analogy. X-COM (and hopefully, XCOM:EU) is more like chess. If someone describes all the pieces to you in advance, they haven't ruined the game for you.

The proof? If X-COM could be "spoiled" (meaning, things are only cool the first time you see them), we wouldn't still be playing it 18 years later. With some of us putting in hundreds of hours during that time. Discovering a new unit, tech, or enemy pales in comparison to actually using it. And then using it again and again and again, to see how it fares in different situations.

I think they could show too much - but it's a very subjective line.

The cyberdisk for example. I love the new look and transformer aspect - I don't mind that they showed it but had my first experience with it's 'transform and curl out a grenade' been during the game it would have been an OMGWTF!! moment and would have thrown me into a defensive turtle for a mission or two while I watched to see what ELSE it did now.

I'm going to hazard to guess that there WILL be some OMGWTF moments for those of us who played the original. That there will be a few tweaks and new aliens/experiences that keep us on our toes.. and I DON'T think Firaxis will show them to us before we encounter them.

The week I get the game, I'll be completely avoiding these forums or any other webpage that might contain any sort of spoiler. Heck, I may just unplug my ethernet cable for the week.

[Notorious_BLT]

Heck, I may just unplug my ethernet cable for the week.

And then the game comes out with online-only DRM. What now FINN!?

In all honesty I do think they could show us too much by showing us the ending of the game or something like that. Otherwise, if they just show off units, I don't think so.

[TheFinn]

And then the game comes out with online-only DRM. What now FINN!?

Always Online DRM should be handled the same way as someone touching your stapler or moving your desk back again.

[Almainyny]

Always Online DRM should be handled the same way as someone touching your stapler or moving your desk back again.

I like this human! He understands!

[japester]

I think they could show too much - but it's a very subjective line.

The cyberdisk for example. I love the new look and transformer aspect - I don't mind that they showed it but had my first experience with it's 'transform and curl out a grenade' been during the game it would have been an OMGWTF!! moment and would have thrown me into a defensive turtle for a mission or two while I watched to see what ELSE it did now.

I'm going to hazard to guess that there WILL be some OMGWTF moments for those of us who played the original. That there will be a few tweaks and new aliens/experiences that keep us on our toes.. and I DON'T think Firaxis will show them to us before we encounter them.

The week I get the game, I'll be completely avoiding these forums or any other webpage that might contain any sort of spoiler. Heck, I may just unplug my ethernet cable for the week.

The Cyberdisc is a good example. Yeah, it would be fun to see that first in-game, but since it's a classic enemy with a new twist, it perfectly represents what Firaxis is trying to do with the franchise. So they almost had to show it off in advance, to get their point across to us long-time fans. What I'm generally arguing against is the opinion of a few folks that the Cyberdisc is now ruined or spoiled because we know it can do that. When that reveal is a momentary thrill that is a small part of it's overall package of joy.

Avoiding the forums during release is always good advice. I've encouraged that during each game launch I've been around for. Although, I'm much less worried about it this time. Even if the ending of the game was revealed to me, I don't think it would impact my fun much. When I picture my XCOM experience, it's kind of like the holochess in the Millenium Falcon. I want my little digital guys to duke it out with the other little digital guys. The endgame isn't even on my mind. Heh.

[TheFinn]

The Cyberdisc is a good example. Yeah, it would be fun to see that first in-game, but since it's a classic enemy with a new twist, it perfectly represents what Firaxis is trying to do with the franchise. So they almost had to show it off in advance, to get their point across to us long-time fans. What I'm generally arguing against is the opinion of a few folks that the Cyberdisc is not ruined or spoiled because we know it can do that. When that reveal is a momentary thrill that is a small part of it's overall package of joy.

I agree that showing the 'disc wasn't going TOO far.. and it does show the older players that they're trying to improve on some things from the original while remaining true to it.

Even if the ending of the game was revealed to me, I don't think it would impact my fun much. When I picture my XCOM experience, it's kind of like the holochess in the Millenium Falcon. I want my little digital guys to duke it out with the other little digital guys. The endgame isn't even on my mind. Heh.

I've never thought of it in the holochess terms but I do like that analogy - especially with the individuality the class/perk system brings to the table.

I'll agree that it wouldn't be the fun that gets lost if I saw the endgame videos... but something close. The satifaction? The sense of discovery? Not sure how to word it. I want to see the endgame video because *I* saved the world, not because someone else posted it on youtube. I also want to see the "you screwed up, here's what happened to the human race, jerk" video because I screwed it up (which I'm sure to see when I play hardcore classic.. LOL).

Originally posted by Almainyny
I like this human! He understands!

Thank you!! My genius is so rarely appreciated. It'd probably work better if I tooted my own horn more. Right katscan??

[japester]

I also want to see the "you screwed up, here's what happened to the human race, jerk" video because I screwed it up (which I'm sure to see when I play hardcore classic.. LOL

Heh! I don't want to see that!

I love the sense of discovery in other games. But since nearly every surprise in X-COM was a bad one, this might be the one game where the more intel I can get the bettter! LOL