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UFO:Aftershock is the second game in Cinega's XCOM-like trilogy. It's real-time with pausing, and unlike Apocalypse it has no turn-based mode.
I wonder how quickly I can summarize the plot:
You were born in space. The elders said "We can never go to Earth." But they were old and dumb and the station was failing for some reason, so you rebelled and left. Now you've captured a better space station, which moves, and Earth looks enticing. Why are there crazy feral aliens everywhere?
Now that your expectations are low, here's the actual intro video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eozdMQn5ZiQI haven't played this in a long time, and forgot most of the later mechanics. But considering the announcement of XCOM 2, I felt it might be fun to run a loose suggestion game with Bay12ers in the squad.
I've played a few days already, long enough to establish a basic base and make contact with the three "friendly" factions:
As you can see, the baseline humans don't like me much. See, in Aftershock, there are two ways to get a county to join your Commonwealth:
1) You can wait patiently for them to request help against the vicious mutants and feral reticulans, then they may join you afterward. (The specific mission can involve helping the NPCs clear an area, or escorting unarmed civilians out of harms way). The faction will appreciate this, making them more cooperative in the future.
2) You can kick their primitive dirt-dwelling butts. The faction will globally resent you a bit for this, but only a bit. The factions are really just independent tribes united by fear. In fact, while the factions aren't officially at war with each other, the other two will like you *more* for conquering their rivals.
So despite that low opinion score, I can recruit from any of the three factions. There's a recruitment cost, but it's so low it doesn't really matter at this point (it's dramatically higher for high-level recruits, but we don't need that).
Here's an explanation of the factions you can choose from. I used mostly cyborgs, last time, but I'd rather have variety this time around:
Cyborg
Background: Some survivors of Nightfall found their bodies no longer rejected artificial implants. Obviously they stuffed themselves full of every bit of metal and plastic they could find. I *think* they believe that Nightfall was a challenge to be conquered by human ingenuity and strength. They believe themselves to be the most dedicated protectors of humanity.
Mechanics: Male only. Significant health bonus, and can equip augmentations. A very solid choice, and what I used for most of my squad last time I played this. Emphasis on physical stats, which unlock the training to handle better augmentations. I don't actually have any augmentations yet though, or even the research lab to do so. But they're still already the most effective trooper, even able to run up to enemies with a knife. Require advanced technology to recruit (the red resource, middle rarity)
Good roles: Bullet sponge, stabber, shotguns. Explosive weapons potentially.
Psionic
Background: Not actually alien-hybrids, these humans were affected by a psionic wave somehow related to Nightfall. They believe that Nightfall was a spiritual event which unlocked transcendental power in certain individuals - themselves. They believe themselves to be the next stage of humanity, though they have no desire to exterminate the unfortunate others.
Mechanics: Female only. Health malus, and can equip psi weapons. Having one of these in the squad at all times is a big help, since they can passively sense enemies through walls. It's not 100%, but it is a big help on a scout character. Also, since mental stats allow them to increase their psi training level, they tend to be good medics. Require xeno resources to recruit, (the green-white resource to the right, most rare)
Good roles: Scout, medic, sniper, eventually psi-warrior.
Human
Background: Normal humans who survived Nightfall through sheer adaptability and pluck. It's remarkable that they managed to survive Nightfall without the advantages of the other factions. They tend to have large supplies of old world equipment, but their tactics are fully adapted to the new world. They tend to believe that Nightfall was a punishment from the Earth itself for humanity's hubris.
Mechanics: Male or female. Hrm. Honestly humans kinda suck, at at first. They're theoretically the cheapest to hire, though, and they maaaay level faster? Compared to cyborgs, they have less health and can't equip augmentations. But, they get to wear armor, whereas cyborgs have to rely on their initial hardiness and augmentations. They might also be faster than cyborgs. It's really not clear, but I'll say this - the NPC humans are deadly foes. Most trainings require a mix of mental and physical skills, and humans aren't encouraged to focus on either like the mutants are.
Best roles: Whatever they want. Particularly stealth, assault rifles, and leadership. Roles which require mental skills but also taking some hits or having physical strength.
Example pictures of the three factions, also showing off the list of trainings available and the stat system. A nice thing is that the stats and training don't demand powergaming or advanced planning, so don't worry too much about what they mean. I'll explain them as we go along.
(This game has the silliest last names, they're great. Not pictured: Teerth Goodenough. I'm not even kidding. Must be a new-world thing.)
So! Since I just suffered a crushing loss trying to annex some humans, this seemed like a good time to share the game and receive suggestions. Not to mention volunteers to replace my losses
~Join the glorious heroes from space~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNdMC6_eUGkCallsign:
FORMER Faction:
Gender (If human):
Preferred role:
Opinion of the glorious Laputan master race, come from the sky to save the dirtdwellers from themselves:
Do you feel uncomfortable killing your FORMER kin Y/N:
The Laputan Coalition respects dissenting opinions, but respects loyal honorary Laputans more.
Author
Topic: UFO: Aftershock: Let's play it (Read 2147 times)