Let's Play X-COM: UFO Defense

[MKSheppard]

May i suggest skipping the first couple of months and simply summarizing it; so that we're not always covering the same old "hey look, laser rifles are this new cool technology!" thing?

[Eleas]

May i suggest skipping the first couple of months and simply summarizing it; so that we're not always covering the same old "hey look, laser rifles are this new cool technology!" thing?

I endorse this heartily.

Recalling a conversation I had with Pendragon the other day, I think his summary would do just fine. 'Course, it wasn't in the Let's Play context, but still, his recollection of the typical game back when we first got the thing:

"You play for two hours. 50% of your soldiers have been kneecapped and are bitching about it in the infirmary. On the flip side though, you're now the leading source of bleeding-edge black market arms tech in the world. Congratulations."

X-Com: keeping the alien menace from killing you... by killing you first.

[MKSheppard]

We could start the LP off in the phase where your men are fully equipped with laser rifles and personal armor -- and have a fighting chance on the Alien Menace; and research into reverse engineering the alien plasma weaponry and power armor is ongoing.

And you could start it off with a brief video summary to the new recruits (us guys), about a early X-COM Mission that went horribly wrong.

"Cryssalids, stay the fuck away from these guys, and if you see one up close, shoot yourself in the head, okay?"

*Show video of paris terror mission gone horribly wrong*

[CaiusWickersham]

But the early days is when the funnest shit happens. Besides, I know how to make 2 months entertaining in this game. Last question and I'll get to making real posts: do you guys want screenshot threads like Peptuck did or can I do videos? Either works for me.

[VX-145]

Personally? Screenshots. That way it's easier to trim down to the more intersting things.

[Eleas]

Personally? Screenshots. That way it's easier to trim down to the more intersting things.

If I ever do a Let's Play, I'd probably use the screen caps for reference to illustrate what happened. Multiple images that closely resemble one another tend to blur together after a while.

That, and the fact that I doubt the in-game graphics would do justice to some of our members' facial expressions.

[OmegaChief]

Oh yeah - and BTW, the more alien attacks we have, the less funding we'll give you, because clearly if you can't defend the entire earth from aliens with five million and some half blind, uncoordinated fools who we found drunk on a street corner, then it's YOUR fault, not ours.

As a generic grunt I take offence at the fact you think I'm half blind!

I'm clearly totally blind.

[White Haven]

Screencaps plus hilarious narration.

The imagination beats video footage of early 90s computer games.

[Vendetta]

Video Let's Plays are dull. We don't need to follow your every mouseclick, we just want the explosions and (inevitable self-inflicted) carnage!

[Starglider]

Use screenshots. Videos are way more hassle to make and view. Also, unless you're a professional voice actor the narration is likely to grate.

In the Let's Play I did (alas, on indefinite hold), I cropped and montaged the screenshots. IMHO it worked well; it cut off irrelevant interface elements and wasted screen space, reduced the number of images people had to download, and allowed for some measure of artistic composition. Examples;





I recommend this technique if possible.

[CaiusWickersham]

Okay, the consensus is leaning toward screenshots. I have a photobucket account up so I'll use that (anyone else knows a good free image host site, please PM). First entry will go up tomorrow.

[wautd]

<--- assault

[The Yosemite Bear]

I vish to return to my Role as the Jack Bauer/Nazi Doctor of our Base, as soon as you have built alien containment facilities, and let me ask that important question. "Is it Safe?"

oh and request a CD of the Resiviour Dogs Sound Track. Septids found mysteriously missing ears, beaten duct taped and burnt alive, are a mere coincidence....

[Coalition]

I was a pilot last time, being a ground soldier sounds fun. Maybe my guy is the first to test the Power armor, and the settings aren't quite right, leading to massive internal injuries from bones being forced to walk even when I am screaming in pain.

[Ryan Thunder]

Let me in as a rifleman. Yes, I am expendable. There are many copies.

[CaiusWickersham]

Code: Select all

FROM: UNSECGLOCRI Wickersham, Caius
TO: JASDF Lt. Col. Toyotomi, Amaya
SECURITY RATING: BLACK

Colonel: 
You have been selected for a mission of great importance by the Global Crisis Section of the Security Council.
As you are aware, claims of alien visitations have been on the rise since 1997.  Originally dismissed as hysteria, credible reports trickled in.  In 1998, governments around the world stepped up their military readiness.  Japan started the way with the Kiryu-Kai.  It lasted all of five months because it was run by this bimbo:

Code: Select all

Of all the Kiryu-Kai personnel, you showed the most competence.  For this, we have requested you as the director of a new unit to handle the alien threat; the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit (tentatively X-COM).
This will not be like the Kiryu-Kai.  This program is being established under UN auspices and is being funded by thirteen nations, including Japan, most of Europe and the United States.  You will have full discretion over staffing, equipment & base locations.  You will report only to the UN to provide updates on mission progress monthly.  If you do well, you will likely get more money from the bean counters.
I hope to have your acceptance soon.

Caius Wickersham
Director
Global Crisis Section, Security Council UN

"Of all the people to head this up, why did it have to come to me?"

[Force Lord]

Give me a tank. I need big guns!

EDIT: As for a name, Mander Sanchez will do fine.

[VX-145]

An excerpt from Private VX-145's journal:

I have a new job, luckily for me. That last one was much too dangerous - with this one I'll be working with the best the planet has to offer, so I should be safer. Not that I disliked it - the pay was brilliant - but after that four-month stay in the hospital, I had to get out of there. This job pays a lot less because apparently command has budget issues. Yeah, right, we're saving the world from aliens, surely we have enough money to buy whatever we need and pay still pay the grunts a ton of money each. I bet someone a few pay grades above me's taken it all under "Expenses"... I wish I could do that.

But enough rambling, about my first day at this new job!

I arrived at the base in a truck (I couldn't tell where the base was, apparently there was some security risk involved, or we were going through one of those induction rituals) with some other recruits, but I ignored them. Too many army guys for my liking, and the camaraderie steamed off of them like one of those old steam engines. A bit too much friendship in my opinion - some of these guys will be dead soon. I talked a bit with some of the quieter ones, some were nice enough but a few were totally insane. I was taken down a couple of elevators - apparently the base is quite a bit underground, again for security. Plus, when the alien battleships come a'knockin, they won't just be able to blow the base back into the stone age. I was given a room with a uniform (Some weird gray thing with patches that probably couldn't stop a spitball) and was told to report to some briefing room in... oh crap gotta go, time's up.

[CaiusWickersham]

Director's Log -- Amaya Toyotomi
Time code: 17.1.1999 0800 GMT

I might as well get in the habit of using this thing so I can prepare for monthly reports more easily. After accepting the position of Director of X-COM, the UN got our first base set up. We're situated on Sicily, where we have easy radar coverage of Europe and northern Africa.

Unfortunately, the planners have no clue how to make a secure base. Apparently, they never realized that hangars are just as much a welcome mat as the entrance shaft. The contractors were also likely of the lowest bidder since they failed to complete some necessities.

That will be remedied. I've ordered two more hangars and a replacement barracks be built so we can limit access to the hangars and entrance shaft in the worst case scenario. We are also building an interrogation and detention cell for live alien captures.

The initial personnel were adequate, but several changes in equipment were required. The initial order forgot some sort of illumination, and a way to capture aliens eventually. Also, someone thought we needed pistols. Pistols are inaccurate and worthless in the open field. We need rifles first and foremost.
The scientists were immediately put to work on new weapons to handle alien incursions. We don't know what we're up against and we must prepare for the worst. It seems significant advances in laser technology have appeared allowing for weapons-grade lasers. This is their first project.

At 1700 GMT, we had our first UFO contact. We launched our first Interceptor, piloted by Lt. "Starglider" to intercept and verify. Starglider verified an alien craft and shot it down over Great Britain.



The next two weeks were quiet. This is good as it allowed us to get our initial staff finalized and the gear we'll need for the time being loaded onto the Skyranger. The science staff was able to finish research into a prototype laser weapon.



They were able to create something the size and accuracy of a pistol, however. This will not do for the field. The one good thing from this was the experience gave the science team the practical knowledge to take this method to a rifle-sized model. This project is currently underway.
January 16th 1800 GMT-- our second UFO was detected above Spain. Our second Interceptor, piloted by Lt. "phred" took off to intercept.

The craft landed shortly thereafter. Sensing the opportunity to get a good look at what we're facing, the Skyranger was sent out with our initial soldier team to capture the UFO.

ADDENDUM: MISSION LOG TRANSCRIPT TIMECODE 16.1.1999 2000
Hawkwings: Tanks first! WHEEE!

Carl: I think I saw something move over here! There! It ain't human, take it down! ::gunshot:: ::unknown sound:: Got it! First kill!

weemadando: Lucky son of a . . .
Carl: Flare's away! I think I found the craft!

weemadando: Fucker! I'll show you you little . . . ::unknown sound:: ::crackle:: HOLY! There's another one over here!

Shuji: I don't see anyAAAAAH!
MKSheppard: Okay, tossing a flare over here. There he is! In the wheat field!

Karin: On it! ::gunshots:: Down it goes!

Leon: Hey, there's a third one in this building! ::unknown sound:: AAAAAH!
Cpl Kendall: ::heavy breathing:: I finally got off the plane with this thing! Okay, time to avenge Leon! ::autocannon fires:: ::explosions:: ::unknown sound:: Got it!

Karin: Okay, area looks secure! All that's left is the craft! Here's the door. Omega, take the other side! Hawk cover the door
OmegaChief: Okay, who's going in? Onetwothreenotit!
Karin: Real mature, kid. All right, let's take a look. ::door opening:: OH CRAP, THERE'S THREE OF THEM IN HERE! RUN AWAY!

::unknown sound:: Karin: OUCH! That hurt! My ass!

Hawkwings: Oh, crap, Karin! Time to redeem myself! Rocket away! ::rocket launches:: ::explosion:: Woohoo! Got one!

Bluewolf: Only one? Looks like it's up to me. ::gunshots:: Got a second.

OmegaChief: Looks like up to me to play hero. ::gunshots:: One in the head! Take that ET! That's the last one! It's Miller Time!
Command: Recovery team inbound. Head back to base.
TRANSCRIPT ENDS
We recovered the UFO intact with six alien bodies for necroscopy. Also included were several alien weapons, tentatively labelled as a pistol, rifle, and bigger chunkier rifle by the science staff. Also included was a metal sphere of unknown function. All have been sequestered for further study.

In light of his combat proficiency and composure under stress, weemadando has been promoted to Sergeant.

Currently, the base is being further expanded for more scientists currently. We are also seeking more soldiers to replace those lost. Karin is currently in the hospital for his injuries.
END LOG

[OmegaChief]

*Blows smoke away fro his gun barrel*

Best thing about the Xenos, big head means easier headshot

[JonB]

Personal Journal - 16 January 99

"So, I got a call from my superior today. Said I may be transferred to this new, topsecret group somewhere in Europe. No idea where, or when, or even who. Well, it can't be all that bad. I mean, who is there to fight in Europe? - Jon Berry, CAF."

[Eleas]

Personal Journal - 16 January 99

"So, I got a call from my superior today. Said I may be transferred to this new, topsecret group somewhere in Europe. No idea where, or when, or even who. Well, it can't be all that bad. I mean, who is there to fight in Europe? - Jon Berry, CAF."

Personal Journal - [BINARY HASH]

<translator active>

"Dear Diary,

I believe I am beginning to show signs of individuality. I had never thought it possible. But the evidence is incontrovertible. And I am frightened. Fearful. And hesitant.

However, in some way, I am growing used to it. A slow burn of excitement has begun to rise in me. It is as if a curtain has slid open before me, a panoply of colour and sensation and poetry singing to me. And yet, for all the beauty of it, it's just the faintest glimpse of what is to come. How could I not have seen it before?

Am doing well at the job. Militia is not my forté, but I won't have people pulse behind my back about that, too. It's bad enough just being a reformist; adding sedition to the mix would probably not go over very well with the big brains upstairs.

Big brains. I think I'm actually developing something like that humour think the natives are going on about.

I suppose I won't have to-

...

Okay, sorry about that, Diary. Don't have much time to write - the order just came. Command sent us off on "disruptive activity." I have to get ready for briefing-pulse.

I don't like this.

...

Oh no. Oh my highly-evolved cortex! They're sending us to war! The mission is a commando raid. They even gave us the new, experimental Frzzbltz to make us totally invisible. I don't think there's another of those in the entire fleet! We're supposed to sneak up on someplace under this "cloak" thing and assume control over a few dozen of poor natives... some place called NORAD. They control their fission weapons from there. What a nightmare!

Okay, focus. This can't be allowed to happen! I'll stop them. Somehow, I'll stop them. The dream of intergalactic peace can't end like this! Not now!

...

I think... I think this might actually work. I now have control over the cloaking system. It's an energy hog, but I may be able to pulse the energy and make it look like an accident. The prototype's never been tested on this planet, after all.

Oh, how I love being a genius.

...

I did it. I didn't even have to hurt or threaten anyone, I just blinded the sensors and let the rest of the crew do their thing.

We're down here. The cloaking system is gone, sadly; ablated by the atmosphere. No matter. The humans are coming, soon. And I'll be here, waiting for them.

They're not monsters, you see. That's just what our leaders pulse to make us believe in conflict for the sake of conflict. But why? Why should we fight? What's the use of it all, in the face of such beauty, such promise for the future? No, I've seen what the humans are capable of. Surely their best and brightest will be the fastest to respond, to arrive here, where I've led them. Where we can meet, at last, as equals.

I have already prepared my words. I feel they are woefully inadequate, but that's immaterial; I must try. But I have every hope of success. I shall step out into the field, my deactivated pistol at my side, and approach them in the open. Our physical forms may differ, but the hearts within them are not all so different.

This tranquil evening shall witness the dawn of a new era."

[Hawkwings]

First line of the first transcript! Got a kill! Didn't lose my tank! Yes, this calls for a celebration!

Now, to find out what sort of booze they have in Sicily...

-----
Hours later, after getting thoroughly plastered...

"And see here! Right before that first one got splattered! He's making... shadow-puppets! With those finger-stub things of his! Eugh, gross... Haha, stupid alien, doesn't even have his gun out! Ooh, and look at the high-speed camera footage of him getting shot! Yeah, this one's going up on the main screens!"

[weemadando]

Woo! Sergeant.

[Vehrec]

Doctor William Hill reporting. I've been told that there's some alien tech that needs examined?