What this LP has proven to me:
1. The most audacious actions are always the ones that you end up surviving.
2. Maybe you should do a mission while attempting to minimize collateral damage just to show how much more hilarious (read: higher casualties) it becomes. :p
Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Moderator: Thanas
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MJ12 Commando
- Padawan Learner
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- Joined: 2007-02-01 07:35am
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
The advantages of the Plasma Rifle are generally not significant enough to use it in place of a heavy plasma.
The Auto fire accuracy is only 5% better, and Snap Shot isn't really a tactical consideration, it's a thing you do if you haven't got enough TU left for an Auto shot (and since the difference is generally only 2-4TU real cost, that's not often), it's not a thing you choose to do for it's own sake.
The power difference is immense though. 80 vs 115. Especially against high armour/high HP targets like Chryssalids or Mutons, the survivability rates of targets hit with Heavy Plasmas drop considerably from those of the Plasma Rifle.
For example, a Chryssalid has 96HP and 34 armour all around. Plasma Rifles are going to do (-34)-126 damage to them, giving them an 81% chance to survive a hit.
Against a heavy plasma they'll take (-34)-196 damage, giving them only 67% chance to survive a hit.
Mutons are even hardier against Plasma Rifles, you only have a 9% chance to get a first shot kill, whereas a Heavy Plasma that shoots up to 36%. Remember that if you don't kill with the first shot, you might trigger reaction fire, and you can generally only expect one shot of an auto fire burst to hit unless your agent has massive accuracy.
When you factor in the fact that Heavy Plasmas don't have a significantly greater weight than plasma rifles, so even your weakest agents can carry one, and ammo for them is like confetti, there's really no choice.
The Auto fire accuracy is only 5% better, and Snap Shot isn't really a tactical consideration, it's a thing you do if you haven't got enough TU left for an Auto shot (and since the difference is generally only 2-4TU real cost, that's not often), it's not a thing you choose to do for it's own sake.
The power difference is immense though. 80 vs 115. Especially against high armour/high HP targets like Chryssalids or Mutons, the survivability rates of targets hit with Heavy Plasmas drop considerably from those of the Plasma Rifle.
For example, a Chryssalid has 96HP and 34 armour all around. Plasma Rifles are going to do (-34)-126 damage to them, giving them an 81% chance to survive a hit.
Against a heavy plasma they'll take (-34)-196 damage, giving them only 67% chance to survive a hit.
Mutons are even hardier against Plasma Rifles, you only have a 9% chance to get a first shot kill, whereas a Heavy Plasma that shoots up to 36%. Remember that if you don't kill with the first shot, you might trigger reaction fire, and you can generally only expect one shot of an auto fire burst to hit unless your agent has massive accuracy.
When you factor in the fact that Heavy Plasmas don't have a significantly greater weight than plasma rifles, so even your weakest agents can carry one, and ammo for them is like confetti, there's really no choice.
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Zixinus
- Emperor's Hand
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Been playing UFO Afterlight.
It is clearly apparent that the developers have to be fans themselves as their games also have incredibly stupid AI. They need instant-kill weapons just to be remotely competent again my own squad.
Other than that, the game is somewhat fun. Just not when the instant-kill troopers start to appear.
It is clearly apparent that the developers have to be fans themselves as their games also have incredibly stupid AI. They need instant-kill weapons just to be remotely competent again my own squad.
Other than that, the game is somewhat fun. Just not when the instant-kill troopers start to appear.
Credo!
Chat with me on Skype if you want to talk about writing, ideas or if you want a test-reader! PM for address.
Chat with me on Skype if you want to talk about writing, ideas or if you want a test-reader! PM for address.
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
This assault was fairly straightforward. Standard X-COM tactics of "BLOW UP THE OCEAN" were used. Our only disadvantage in this battle was we attacked in early morning, where our visibility was good but not optimal.
We didn't know what we were up against until we landed and spotted this Reaper out in a cabbage field. It was sanctioned with FIRE.
The majority of the squad moved south from the landing zone, circling around the downed Terror Ship. Several Floaters and Reapers were encountered and neutralized.
Hawkwings, Shepp, and Karrick circled around the other side of the UFO, clearing all buildings in their path. With fire.
A barn used to be here. Now, only cinders and broken, charred alien bones remain.
Trooper Maxentius was sent to sweep and clear a barn we had blown the shit out of, and spotted a Floater right as Robo-Vendetta was advancing. The squad unleashed their full fury on the house the floater was hiding behind, but were unable to drop it before Vendetta was killed again.
Note: That laser rifle lying onthe ground is where Vendetta died again. Apparently the floater wrecked his shit so hard it obliterated his body.
X-COM's stellar accuracy wins the day again, when our autocannon monkeys literally fail to hit even the barn itself! (the fact that our prior sanctioning of the floaters within the barn left little barn remaining is irrelevant.)
Maxentius went inside the barn, to OH HOLY SHIT A FLOATER RIGHT THE FUCK THERE wait its...unarmed?
Moving quick, Maxentius zapped the floater with his stun prod. We surmise it had been knocked unconscious in the barrage. He would remain in the barn to cover the disabled Floater, because the last thing we would have wanted was for the damn thing to get up and wander away, wasting four or five turns hunting it down and stunning it again.
The teams split up, finding two entrances into the downed Terror Ship, both large enough to allow the tank entry. As the squad moved inside to clear, sniper fire came from gaps in the ceiling where battle damage had blown holes in the floors upstairs.
We lost both Robo-Thunder and Karrick in a vicious cross-fire from the upper floor this way. The rest of the squad stormed upstairs and found the remaining floaters. One went down to the lower level through the gap in the ceiling and was smoked by Zablorg, while Robo-Ohma dropped the remaining one, which was floating down the hallway.
However....
A floater who had apparently been hiding on top of the barn moved down and shot Maxentius in the back. The closest response came from Hawkwings, who fired off a rocket that succeeded in vaporizing Maxentius's remains and mildly annoying the floater.
Zablorg, meanwhile, ran outside, leapt through the air, did a slow-motion spin with glorious locks waving in the air, and fired a singe snap shot from his laser pistol. The laser beam plugged the floater square between the eyes at three hundred-some meters. He then quoted John Wayne, grabbed a sandvich, and ate while the morning sun rose over the blighted farmland, his glorious locks waving dramatically in the breeze. Women and some men orgasm'd at the sight.
Post-mission analysis: No way we could have saved Thunder or Karrick, as we had no idea that gap was there until we were getting shot at. Vendetta could have been saved if he wasn't being used as a scout and the rest of you guys could shoot worth half a shit. Maxentius probably could have been saved if we'd posted someone to watch his back or simply brought him inside the ship. I didn't expect to see a floater hiding up on the rooftop.
Code: Select all
UFO Crash Recovery: Floater Terror Ship
Squad: Robo-Thunder, Robo-Decue, Robo-Vendetta, Maxentius, Shepp, Rekkon, Vanas, Karrick, Robo-Ohma, Commander Zablorg
Rocket HWP: HawkwingsThe majority of the squad moved south from the landing zone, circling around the downed Terror Ship. Several Floaters and Reapers were encountered and neutralized.
Hawkwings, Shepp, and Karrick circled around the other side of the UFO, clearing all buildings in their path. With fire.
A barn used to be here. Now, only cinders and broken, charred alien bones remain.
Trooper Maxentius was sent to sweep and clear a barn we had blown the shit out of, and spotted a Floater right as Robo-Vendetta was advancing. The squad unleashed their full fury on the house the floater was hiding behind, but were unable to drop it before Vendetta was killed again.
Note: That laser rifle lying onthe ground is where Vendetta died again. Apparently the floater wrecked his shit so hard it obliterated his body.
X-COM's stellar accuracy wins the day again, when our autocannon monkeys literally fail to hit even the barn itself! (the fact that our prior sanctioning of the floaters within the barn left little barn remaining is irrelevant.)
Maxentius went inside the barn, to OH HOLY SHIT A FLOATER RIGHT THE FUCK THERE wait its...unarmed?
Moving quick, Maxentius zapped the floater with his stun prod. We surmise it had been knocked unconscious in the barrage. He would remain in the barn to cover the disabled Floater, because the last thing we would have wanted was for the damn thing to get up and wander away, wasting four or five turns hunting it down and stunning it again.
The teams split up, finding two entrances into the downed Terror Ship, both large enough to allow the tank entry. As the squad moved inside to clear, sniper fire came from gaps in the ceiling where battle damage had blown holes in the floors upstairs.
We lost both Robo-Thunder and Karrick in a vicious cross-fire from the upper floor this way. The rest of the squad stormed upstairs and found the remaining floaters. One went down to the lower level through the gap in the ceiling and was smoked by Zablorg, while Robo-Ohma dropped the remaining one, which was floating down the hallway.
However....
A floater who had apparently been hiding on top of the barn moved down and shot Maxentius in the back. The closest response came from Hawkwings, who fired off a rocket that succeeded in vaporizing Maxentius's remains and mildly annoying the floater.
Zablorg, meanwhile, ran outside, leapt through the air, did a slow-motion spin with glorious locks waving in the air, and fired a singe snap shot from his laser pistol. The laser beam plugged the floater square between the eyes at three hundred-some meters. He then quoted John Wayne, grabbed a sandvich, and ate while the morning sun rose over the blighted farmland, his glorious locks waving dramatically in the breeze. Women and some men orgasm'd at the sight.
Post-mission analysis: No way we could have saved Thunder or Karrick, as we had no idea that gap was there until we were getting shot at. Vendetta could have been saved if he wasn't being used as a scout and the rest of you guys could shoot worth half a shit. Maxentius probably could have been saved if we'd posted someone to watch his back or simply brought him inside the ship. I didn't expect to see a floater hiding up on the rooftop.
X-COM: Defending Earth by blasting the shit out of it.
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
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weemadando
- SMAKIBBFB
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Damn, another costly mission. But it's good to see that BURNING SHIT is still our no.1 priority.
Because we all know that animals are instinctively afraid of fire. And aliens are animals right?
Because we all know that animals are instinctively afraid of fire. And aliens are animals right?
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
It says something about our methodology when the only screenshot without smoke and/or fire is the recovery screen.weemadando wrote:Damn, another costly mission. But it's good to see that BURNING SHIT is still our no.1 priority.
X-COM: Defending Earth by blasting the shit out of it.
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
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Temjin
- Jedi Council Member
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- Joined: 2002-08-04 07:12pm
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
I see Zablorg is going to have a new sig...Peptuck wrote:Zablorg, meanwhile, ran outside, leapt through the air, did a slow-motion spin with glorious locks waving in the air, and fired a singe snap shot from his laser pistol. The laser beam plugged the floater square between the eyes at three hundred-some meters. He then quoted John Wayne, grabbed a sandvich, and ate while the morning sun rose over the blighted farmland, his glorious locks waving dramatically in the breeze. Women and some men orgasm'd at the sight.
In other news, I hope you realise that because of you, I'm now going to have a permanent mental image of Zablorg as a Fabio look alike.
"A mind is like a parachute. It only works when it is open."
-Sir James Dewar
Life should have a soundtrack.
-Sir James Dewar
Life should have a soundtrack.
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Heh Zablorg for the win. A most entertaining thread so far. Got me interested in this game series again. Seems I do things the hard way, some handgrenades used once in a blue moon and trying to keep collateral damage as low as possible.
Eh to each his own I guess. Keep up the good work.
Oh and if for some reason you need a name I'll volunteer for anything ^^
Eh to each his own I guess. Keep up the good work.
Oh and if for some reason you need a name I'll volunteer for anything ^^
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
A classic mistake. Floaters love rooftops almost as much as they love barns.Peptuck wrote: I didn't expect to see a floater hiding up on the rooftop.
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Ryan Thunder
- Village Idiot
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Wait, I died so we could capture "Alien Entertainment"? 
SDN Worlds 5: Sanctum
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
You will be sorely dissapointed.Temjin wrote:I see Zablorg is going to have a new sig...Peptuck wrote:Zablorg, meanwhile, ran outside, leapt through the air, did a slow-motion spin with glorious locks waving in the air, and fired a singe snap shot from his laser pistol. The laser beam plugged the floater square between the eyes at three hundred-some meters. He then quoted John Wayne, grabbed a sandvich, and ate while the morning sun rose over the blighted farmland, his glorious locks waving dramatically in the breeze. Women and some men orgasm'd at the sight.
In other news, I hope you realise that because of you, I'm now going to have a permanent mental image of Zablorg as a Fabio look alike.
Yes... everyone is dying one after the other... It's all coming into place.
When do I get a promotion?
Jupiter Oak Evolution!
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The Yosemite Bear
- Mostly Harmless Nutcase (Requiescat in Pace)
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
What you want GENERAL now?
Wait, blood & uts Zablorg, standing in front of a giant mural of earth talking about making the other guy die for his planet.
Wait, blood & uts Zablorg, standing in front of a giant mural of earth talking about making the other guy die for his planet.
The scariest folk song lyrics are "My Boy Grew up to be just like me" from cats in the cradle by Harry Chapin
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Vanas
- Jedi Council Member
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Woohoo, alien porn at only the cost of four mostly human lives! After reviewing the tapes, it's quite clear that we need faster firing auto-cannons. The inherently inaccurate cannons will only allow us highly trained, somewhat drunk and exceedingly trigger-happy Heavy Weapons teams to hit a precise target if they can put enough exploding metal into the sky/ground/barn/alien/shop/fellow op- civi- targets of opportunity to saturate an area fifteen times over.
According to wikipedia, "the Mohorovičić discontinuity is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle."
According to Starbound, it's a problem solvable with enough combat drugs to turn you into the Incredible Hulk.
According to Starbound, it's a problem solvable with enough combat drugs to turn you into the Incredible Hulk.
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Academia Nut
- Sith Devotee
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Actually, if I remember the prices right, that number of alien entertainment sets will pay for the cyber surgeries to resurrect your asses. Oh, you might be confused and insist on being called by a different name to begin with, something like Dan Simmons or Paul Martin, but a quick trip to the reindoctrination chamber will remind you of who you really are.
I love learning. Teach me. I will listen.
You know, if Christian dogma included a ten-foot tall Jesus walking around in battle armor and smashing retarded cultists with a gaint mace, I might just convert - Noble Ire on Jesus smashing Scientologists
You know, if Christian dogma included a ten-foot tall Jesus walking around in battle armor and smashing retarded cultists with a gaint mace, I might just convert - Noble Ire on Jesus smashing Scientologists
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
The only solution to this is more fire and explosives.Vendetta wrote:A classic mistake. Floaters love rooftops almost as much as they love barns.Peptuck wrote: I didn't expect to see a floater hiding up on the rooftop.
Really, if X-COM Apocalypse has one failing, its penalizing you for collateral damage.
X-COM: Defending Earth by blasting the shit out of it.
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Hence "cannon fodder". I wonder what aliens watch for entertainment... does it ever explain it?Ryan Thunder wrote:Wait, I died so we could capture "Alien Entertainment"?
Obviously they were doing an important bit of psychology. Unlike games where being good gives the most rewards, X-COM decided to make people realize that doing the right thing has consequences. Mostly to other people and property values, but the invisible hand somehow seeks you out. Probably has to do with leaving all the sheel casings behind that say "property of X-Com".Peptuck wrote:The only solution to this is more fire and explosives.Vendetta wrote:A classic mistake. Floaters love rooftops almost as much as they love barns.Peptuck wrote: I didn't expect to see a floater hiding up on the rooftop.
Really, if X-COM Apocalypse has one failing, its penalizing you for collateral damage.
The book cover When the Devil Dances is perfect for this except it is a women... hmm.The Yosemite Bear wrote:What you want GENERAL now?
Wait, blood & uts Zablorg, standing in front of a giant mural of earth talking about making the other guy die for his planet.
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Psychic porn.Samuel wrote:Hence "cannon fodder". I wonder what aliens watch for entertainment... does it ever explain it?Ryan Thunder wrote:Wait, I died so we could capture "Alien Entertainment"?
To make up for their lack of genitals.
That's why they are invading. They are jealous of our genitals.
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The Yosemite Bear
- Mostly Harmless Nutcase (Requiescat in Pace)
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Actually I was refering to this, if someone knows how to edit links to embed the ytube show me please.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v71W_FFW_J0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v71W_FFW_J0
The scariest folk song lyrics are "My Boy Grew up to be just like me" from cats in the cradle by Harry Chapin
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White Haven
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Marsec Arms Factory. *shudders*Peptuck wrote:The only solution to this is more fire and explosives.Vendetta wrote:A classic mistake. Floaters love rooftops almost as much as they love barns.Peptuck wrote: I didn't expect to see a floater hiding up on the rooftop.
Really, if X-COM Apocalypse has one failing, its penalizing you for collateral damage.
Out of Context Theatre, this week starring Darth Nostril.
-'If you really want to fuck with these idiots tell them that there is a vaccine for chemtrails.'
Fiction!: The Final War (Bolo/Lovecraft) (Ch 7 9/15/11), Living (D&D, Complete)
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Just a quick heads-up: I'm trying to catch up with everyone who requested a role or part in the glorious defense of mankind.
In typical X-COM fashion, that means that anyone who posts in this thread is getting drafted, retroactively. Even if you don't want to fight for mankind.
Once we get to the end of April I'll probably post up an active duty roster with the list of everyone who's fought, died, supported, and/or gotten wasted in the name of humanity.
In typical X-COM fashion, that means that anyone who posts in this thread is getting drafted, retroactively. Even if you don't want to fight for mankind.
Once we get to the end of April I'll probably post up an active duty roster with the list of everyone who's fought, died, supported, and/or gotten wasted in the name of humanity.
X-COM: Defending Earth by blasting the shit out of it.
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Ooo, did I kill a Reaper this mission? It is of course important to maintain my tradition of killing (at least) one alien per mission and surviving to brag about it. If I do not fail the first part of the tradition, hopefully I will not fail the second.
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Ryan Thunder
- Village Idiot
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Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
Am I actually dead this time? Or are we gonna have ROBO ROBO RYAN?
SDN Worlds 5: Sanctum
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
I'm fully expecting to be dug up and put back to work, X-Com always needs more bodies. Even if they're going slightly runny.
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
As long as you have a brain, you'll have a place in X-COM.Ryan Thunder wrote:Am I actually dead this time? Or are we gonna have ROBO ROBO RYAN?
X-COM: Defending Earth by blasting the shit out of it.
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Writers are people, and people are stupid. So, a large chunk of them have the IQ of beach pebbles. ~fgalkin
You're complaining that the story isn't the kind you like. That's like me bitching about the lack of ninjas in Robin Hood. ~CaptainChewbacca
Re: Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense!
So being in X-COM... invalidates your position in X-COM?Peptuck wrote:As long as you have a brain, you'll have a place in X-COM.Ryan Thunder wrote:Am I actually dead this time? Or are we gonna have ROBO ROBO RYAN?
Jupiter Oak Evolution!