# That's XCOM (II) Baby! **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** video-games-e-games\ **Created:** [December 11, 2015, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194 "2015-12-11T20:20:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2016, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/21 "2016-02-02T13:42:35Z")
> [@Garula](#): > > Looking at the action points vs. simplified movement + action system discussion here, I am very much in favor of the latter. I think a lot of gamer-types tend to confuse complexity with depth. Action point systems often seem like they allow more flexibility and greater depth, but more often than not there are only a few really optimal choices and a whole bunch of ways to make stupid mistakes. For example, you move your guy just far enough to still have enough APs to attack, but whoops, you forgot you need to spend an AP to turn to face the enemy. That’s not an interesting choice, that’s you having to spend your time doing arithmetic instead of thinking about tactics. Yup, my feeling exactly. “Mental load” is something I think about a lot: what are you doing with your brain? If a game is requiring you to do a lot of computation, that’s mental power you’re not using for other things. My ideal game has got a ton of interesting choices that are enough to keep my brain occupied without tiring me out with a bunch of addition and subtraction. I’m playing Enemy Within again, and remembering that near the end of the game, decisions become easier: as characters become more powerful, the choices are less interesting. Hopefully in XCom II, decisions will stay interesting through the endgame. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/22 "2016-02-03T02:35:26Z")
I think you’re right about the differences in action systems. In _Chrono Cross_, they had a system I would love to see in more JRPGs. The stamina bar gave more options without being overwhelming and added some strategic depth as characters recovered while others took actions. Somewhat more complex than the older Square ATB (or pure turn based) system but less complex than some systems I’ve seen. ---
**Author:** ![Garula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@Garula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garula)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/23 "2016-02-03T04:48:34Z")
I’m not quite as keen on the Chrono Cross system. As I recall, 99% of the time your best course of action was weak attack -\> medium attack -\> strong attack -\> magic, repeat with another character. The main complication was that if you missed or if an enemy hit you in the middle, you might have to muddle around a bit until you could get back to that pattern. It was more interesting for how it did away with traditional MP and cut out a lot of the tedium of going into the menu and healing up all your guys after every battle. I think it succeeded more because it established a comfortable rhythm rather than because it pushed the player to make interesting tactical choices. Easily my favorite game soundtrack of all time, though. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/24 "2016-02-03T06:04:59Z")
Anyway, I don’t think I can run the game. Processor should be fine (i7 2.5 GHz), RAM should be fine (16 GB), but the video card is only an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1 GB VRAM. It’s a MacBook Pro, so there’s no way to upgrade the video card. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/25 "2016-02-03T15:06:54Z")
Your GPU is just on the cusp of being supported (it’s basically an under-clocked HD 6770), it runs the original Xcom at 2560x1440p [XCOM: ENEMY UNKNOWN on iMac 2011 - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drJk6rSQXRE) mind you, it looks like it’s a bit south of 30 FPS, but it is at 1440p. I think you should be able to run the game just fine at 1080p with some graphics options turned down/off. Finally, remember that Steam offers full refunds, so buy it with confidence. If it doesn’t run, you cna return if for a refund. You’ll need to run windows though, an OSX version isn’t out yet, but is coming later. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/26 "2016-02-03T15:08:23Z")
TB updated his look into Xcom 2 with a new WTF is video. His main complain is that there are some camera bugs and performance isn’t what it should be, specially during cutscenes. Otherwise he loves the game to bits. He also recommends people good at Xcom not bother with normal difficulty, and instead go for commander or legend. Linky: [► WTF Is... - XCOM 2 ? - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1dLGihV0No) ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/27 "2016-02-03T15:12:26Z")
Shouldn’t we have a pre-load option by now? ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/28 "2016-02-03T17:18:51Z")
I don’t know if anyone here played Long War, a mod for XCOM 1, but the guys who did it are apparently already working on mods for the next game that will be available on day one. From [here](http://www.longwarstudios.com/news.htm): > [@](#): > > Long War Studios to provide release day mods for XCOM 2 > Jan. 21, 2016 > > Long War Studios announced today that it has partnered with Firaxis and 2K Games to provide multiple mods for XCOM 2 that are planned for release when XCOM 2 launches on Feb. 5. Details on mod content as well as XCOM 2’s modding tools will be available when LWS design lead John Lumpkin appears at the Firaxis Megapanel at PAX South in San Antonio at 12:30 p.m. CT on Jan. 30. The panel will also be webcast live here. > Long War mod for XCOM: Enemy Unknown / Enemy Within released > Dec. 28, 2015 > > The final version of Long War, the critically acclaimed mod for Firaxis’ 2012 game XCOM: Enemy Unknown, went live today, after nearly three years of development. Led by John “JohnnyLump” Lumpkin and Rachel “Amineri” Norman, the Long War team consists of more than 50 coders, artists, voice actors and translators, and the mod has received almost half a million unique downloads on the Nexusmods web site. Grab it here. > Long War Studios web site goes live > Dec. 28, 2015 > > Long War Studios, founded by the masterminds behind the Long War mod for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, began operations in August 2015, announced its existence to the world today with the release of the final version of the Long War mod for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The Colorado-based company will develop strategy games to be funded by Kickstarter campaigns and/or in association with other developers. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/29 "2016-02-03T18:37:39Z")
I hear the preload is up, 25gb. Still haven’t gotten my keys from GMG though. It looks like modding support for this game is going to be top notch. The three mods available day 1 are: a new SMG that makes troops move faster/makes them more difficult to detect (but with reduced dmg and ammo), a new class called the leader with some buffing abilities, and a modified Muton called the Muton Centurion which is introduced as a mini boss of sorts. > **[The best XCOM 2 mods](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-xcom-2-mods/)** > > Tweak, change, and enhance one of the best strategy games out there. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/30 "2016-02-03T18:43:58Z")
Got my key from GMG just now. Anyone remember the incantation for feign death? It’s been so long since I D&D’d ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/31 "2016-02-03T19:49:23Z")
I just started my pre-load. I may have to go back and Play the original for some fun… ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/32 "2016-02-03T21:17:14Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > Anyone remember the incantation for feign death? It’s been so long since I D&D’d From the spell casting instructions found in _Drakkenomicus_: You close your eyes, place both of your hands over your chest, palms in. Bend over (forwards) slightly, and incant the phrase “OUCHyergotme!”. Then allow your body to go limp, and fall to the floor/ground. You must ensure that you make no attempts to consciously move any body or facial muscles. Remain prone (and not moving) until spell effects expire. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/33 "2016-02-03T21:21:58Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > I just started my pre-load. I may have to go back and Play the original for some fun… I’m gonna try my hands at some The Darkest Dungeon to my X-com-like fix till Friday (or maybe tomorrow afternoon if the VPN gods don’t fail me). ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/34 "2016-02-03T21:27:17Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > I’m gonna try my hands at some The Darkest Dungeon to my X-com-like fix till Friday (or maybe tomorrow afternoon if the VPN gods don’t fail me). Huh. Darkest Dungeon is like X-Com? That’s the best recommendation for it I’ve heard. Is it really like X-Com, or is it gonna disappoint me like Shadowrun did? ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2016, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/35 "2016-02-03T21:35:42Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Huh. Darkest Dungeon is like X-Com? That’s the best recommendation for it I’ve heard. Is it really like X-Com, or is it gonna disappoint me like Shadowrun did? Shadowrun disappointed you? Which one? Dragonfall has got to be one of the best cRPG game’s in recent history, and Hong Kong is fantastic as well. I’ve barely touched the game so far, but it’s Xcom-like in that you recruit adventurers that are likely to die at some point, can be upgraded and equipped, and the combat, while not the same, is still turn based and tactical (it’s 2D). It’s also a very punishing, hard game. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/36 "2016-02-04T04:22:01Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Huh. Darkest Dungeon is like X-Com? That’s the best recommendation for it I’ve heard. Is it really like X-Com, or is it gonna disappoint me like Shadowrun did? They’re really not remotely the same, except in the most generic sense. Darkest Dungeon is a side-scrolling fantasy rogue-like that uses Final Fantasy-style combat: all your guys lined up on one side of the screen, all the bad guys on the other, and each character takes turns making an attack. It’s a cool game, and a lot of fun, but it’s not a natural comparison with X-Com. I’d suggest _Hard West_ or the Blackguards series for a more X-Com style experience. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/37 "2016-02-04T12:03:03Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > They’re really not remotely the same, except in the most generic sense. Darkest Dungeon is a side-scrolling fantasy rogue-like that uses Final Fantasy-style combat: all your guys lined up on one side of the screen, all the bad guys on the other, and each character takes turns making an attack. It’s a cool game, and a lot of fun, but it’s not a natural comparison with X-Com. > > I’d suggest _Hard West_ or the Blackguards series for a more X-Com style experience. I’ve barely touched the game, and only have watched some of it on streams. It definitely gave me an x-com like vibe, but I’ll defer to Miller 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/38 "2016-02-04T12:18:50Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Huh. Darkest Dungeon is like X-Com? That’s the best recommendation for it I’ve heard. Is it really like X-Com, or is it gonna disappoint me like Shadowrun did? The easiest way to put it is this: the strategic game is similar to XCOM, the tactical game is not. It’s a game about putting together squads of adventurers and sending them on dungeon crawls, but the tactical side only cares about marching order, not about positioning around the dungeon. > [@Miller](#): > > I’d suggest _Hard West_ or the Blackguards series for a more X-Com style experience. I would not suggest _Hard West_, [as apparently it’s boring even to a person trying their hardest not to admit it is bad.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfpTbyxTTaQ) ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/39 "2016-02-04T14:48:50Z")
Xcom 2 will have a Steam controller profile on release, yay! ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194/40 "2016-02-04T16:58:53Z")
> [@Grumman](#): > > I would not suggest _Hard West_, [as apparently it’s boring even to a person trying their hardest not to admit it is bad.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfpTbyxTTaQ) I played through the first chapter, and enjoyed it well enough, but I suppose it might not hold up in the long run. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thats-xcom-ii-baby/740194.md?page=3)