OpenXcom Forum

OpenXcom => Playthroughs => Topic started by: Lion66six on September 12, 2016, 07:48:33 pm

Title: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 12, 2016, 07:48:33 pm
Good Afternoon All,

I'm going to have a crack at doing an LP for Hellrazor's excellent addon Hardmode Expansion. Not done an LP before, but have played the addon for around a month or two so far. Some basic information about this LP:

- Addons used : Hardmode Expansion - https://www.openxcom.com/mod/hardmode-expansion
- High Quality Sounds
- Difficulty Level - Superman & Ironman

Rules of engagement:
- Nothing is to dirty. If a solider has to kick an alien in the nuts to win, so be it.
- No save scrumming (Ironman anyway!)

Update Frequency:
- It should be about once a week, depending on having a job, keeping the missus happy and doing some DIY around the house.

There is an extremely high chance that I will fail within 6 months, but its hardmode for a reason. So let me know if you want a solider named, just tell me what name you want :-)

Playlist link:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmj_0cucHyuIdR8oIad69xxvONIgslxKs

Episode Links and title:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP01] - And so it begins ......  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iwm5E6adQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP02] - Stun the live one! ......  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RjKMjNCH2s
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP03] - Point Rocket Launcher the correct way!  ......https://youtu.be/yiq-utpcFms
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP04] - How dare you build a base  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45EbEKevdBQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP05] - Take a big UFO, roll the dice on destiny  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1GcdUGa0uQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP06] - Small in size, not in nature - https://youtu.be/vFPNs4ZVKao
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP07] - Terrorism sucks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS0LUPfyahA
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP08] - Its a massive bug hunt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3awTSvPb3k
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP09] - Time to tidy up - https://youtu.be/EFuv-Gs0lkg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP10] - Could it be a clean sweep? - https://youtu.be/YX0QAtLVuoY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP11] - Medibay is empty for once! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-z-f2kja0w
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP12] - Use the force! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaXN9Qv_Fw
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP13] - Easter Island Demolition Crew Arriving ..... https://youtu.be/lfIGzB7TvuU
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP14] - Labship for a lobotomy? - https://youtu.be/fvaDzT-LADY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP15] - How many days in Feb again? - https://youtu.be/qmNtLjbSza0
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP16] - Is all the drama done, nope! - https://youtu.be/V8q04D0QHpY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP17] - As Yet Untitled - https://youtu.be/BqcI22e2ttY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP18] - Boosh the America dream - https://youtu.be/9SjiBSplY5s
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP19] - Thailand Thunder - https://youtu.be/51QiAlmOl80
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP20] - Decisions to be made - https://youtu.be/NKGURD1jYgA
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP21] - We March Onwards - https://youtu.be/NRZkq9HSL5s
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP22] - Cant think of a title - https://youtu.be/nVl26CKm1OY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP23] - Bring it on! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJYZGltCM3s
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP24] - Lets turn this around - https://youtu.be/hiaiBtXgbOE
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP25] - Action Stations - https://youtu.be/4weX1REHOr4
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP26] - Born in the USA - https://youtu.be/aoF-OK8HWX8
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP27] - Who is the commander - https://youtu.be/PAf12tqRrdU
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP28] - Smack that base again - https://youtu.be/yCtsDPcyuNc
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP29] - Team Two Goes in, what comes out? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvLMTAv0oPA
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP30] - Time to decode that Data Slate! -  https://youtu.be/7E0pZiZlrpw
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP31] - Into the darkness - https://youtu.be/WCK6anUfHwg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP32] - USA Team on top! - https://youtu.be/OntONjHggEw
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP33] - Average deaths per mission is - https://youtu.be/_TZRv83vdiQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP34] - Green Wall time soon yes? - https://youtu.be/XemfJ937FH4
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP35] - USA Flyby! - https://youtu.be/bo8nqKHY73Q
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP36] - Playing in the dark forest! - https://youtu.be/f7y1beSuV-g
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP37] - Polar Explorer! - https://youtu.be/X9WwkeHersE
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP38] - Plane Graveyard Action - https://youtu.be/EMBWSTTuS7c
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP39] - Another labship to my collection - https://youtu.be/XlNR7daFghQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP40] - Bring on the artic circle fun! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nriiQVO0tCA
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP41] - Fun - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD3dWZ79JjU
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP42] - Muton for breakie! - https://youtu.be/MoOO6lp5xIE
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP43] - Gotta catch them all - https://youtu.be/A6mnV0M1eFU
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP44] - Rob the supply line! - https://youtu.be/tiatkuWXkZg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP45] - Tidying up - https://youtu.be/KrDMfrO7l7Q
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP46] - Operation Smackdown - https://youtu.be/PymkNqsbEiI
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP47] - Smash the greenies from distance! - https://youtu.be/_oBMjSTwylg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP48] - Supply Ships are easy right? - https://youtu.be/WAQGuweGGF4
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP49] - Harsh times - https://youtu.be/dA-zyADx70U
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP50] - Winter is indeed coming - https://youtu.be/MTLn7UUaCNQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP51] - Small ones can be a bi^ch - https://youtu.be/ZEhrFMNbLwg
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 12, 2016, 10:05:20 pm
Signing up!

Gimme a soldier with good accuracy, Sniper Rifle + Pistol :)

EDIT: Name of course "hellrazor" :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on September 12, 2016, 10:36:58 pm
Rookie Meridian ready for duty.

Reactions 50+ please and don't let me die first ;)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Starving Poet on September 12, 2016, 11:02:55 pm
Starving Poet is game!  Melee or grenades... or both please!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 12, 2016, 11:35:44 pm
Me too!
Rin Tohsaka, please!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Cerazor on September 13, 2016, 09:26:20 am
Cerazor signing up for duty!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: niculinux on September 13, 2016, 09:31:37 am
Me too!!  :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 13, 2016, 02:52:22 pm
I am looking forward for the first episodes.
You make one of my wishe come realtiy, someone is making a LP of my mod!!!!

Thanks for that in advance.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on September 13, 2016, 03:00:05 pm
Otto Hartenstein, yet another rookie to bum rush a UFO with a pistol and stun rod join in the glory!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 13, 2016, 03:14:43 pm
I am looking forward for the first episodes.
You make one of my wishe come realtiy, someone is making a LP of my mod!!!!

Thanks for that in advance.

You are very welcome. You have put a lot of work into this mod, time to see it in its full glory :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 13, 2016, 03:17:36 pm
Thanks all for the signups.

First episode and maybe the second episode will be created and uploaded later tonight. So if you want to be signed up, please let me know. Also if there is a particular way that your name should be pronounced, you may wanna mention that as well, or just don't be offended when I get it wrong haha.

Also I will be naming one of the soldiers as myself, and one as my Fiancee. That should be fun! See how that pans out. I may even have to shout at myself sometimes for missing targets etc :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on September 13, 2016, 03:46:00 pm
Also if there is a particular way that your name should be pronounced

With the worst fake German accent possible :P
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 13, 2016, 04:00:52 pm
With the worst fake German accent possible :P

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Type-and-Talk-With-a-German-Accent/
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ivandogovich on September 13, 2016, 04:44:56 pm
Ivan Dogovich reporting for duty!  Please put me first on the ramp in every deployment.  My goal is to have the highest clone count in the series! :)
Preferred weapons whenever appropriate: Pistols and Grenades (smoke and whatever else). :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 13, 2016, 04:52:02 pm
Ivan Dogovich reporting for duty!  Please put me first on the ramp in every deployment.  My goal is to have the highest clone count in the series! :)
Preferred weapons whenever appropriate: Pistols and Grenades (smoke and whatever else). :)

No problems. You have been signed up. I have seen you die many times in Meridian's LP's so whats one more eh?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on September 13, 2016, 05:00:03 pm
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Type-and-Talk-With-a-German-Accent/

https://youtu.be/yR0lWICH3rY
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 13, 2016, 06:40:08 pm
https://youtu.be/yR0lWICH3rY

Posts should be upvotable.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 14, 2016, 12:54:51 am
So first video is done and up, first UFO handled easily. Was part way through the second episode when my lady returned home and asked me why I was talking to my PC. oops.

Here is the playlist link.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmj_0cucHyuIdR8oIad69xxvONIgslxKs

Comments welcome. Next video in the next few days.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 14, 2016, 03:20:26 am
Of to a good ride i hope :)

Btw do not underestimante the Tank/Canon early on! It is very versatile especially in the first two months.
You have a free one in the base as standard equipment.


EDIT: I added the grey smoke explosion towards the scout drone mod, so it goes more inline with the rest of the animation and you have consistency, just use the version attached here.

EDIT2: I also recommend too take a look at the "Alternate Movement Methods" which allows running and strafing, i do not play without it. Scatter Lasers and Power Suits offer you "Run & Gun" with alternate Movement Methods ^^
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 14, 2016, 12:53:28 pm
Of to a good ride i hope :)

Btw do not underestimante the Tank/Canon early on! It is very versatile especially in the first two months.
You have a free one in the base as standard equipment.


EDIT: I added the grey smoke explosion towards the scout drone mod, so it goes more inline with the rest of the animation and you have consistency, just use the version attached here.

EDIT2: I also recommend too take a look at the "Alternate Movement Methods" which allows running and strafing, i do not play without it. Scatter Lasers and Power Suits offer you "Run & Gun" with alternate Movement Methods ^^

Thats some wise words, thanks mate. I will likely take a look at both :-) Managed to leave the scout outside of the smoke in the next episode and it got one shotted so maybe Tank/Cannon needs to come out and play :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 14, 2016, 01:42:24 pm
Thats some wise words, thanks mate. I will likely take a look at both :-) Managed to leave the scout outside of the smoke in the next episode and it got one shotted so maybe Tank/Cannon needs to come out and play :-)

Tank/Cannon is basically a Heavy Cannon with Autofire option and explosive Ammo, later there is also a Alien Alloy Version of it. Its totally ok vs Muton but doesn't have a good chance vs armored Targets like Cyberdiscs. If you research HWP Repair and you recover the complete Tank corpse from the mission it was destroyed on you can repair the tank for 50% of initial costs. Als works for Armor, once you researched the appropriate topic.

Getting the Scout Drone one shotted is unfortunate, especially early on. But better the drone then a soldier.
Your Skyranger can hold up to 3 drones. they do have 45 front armor and 90 HP, so Plasma Pistols and Rifles can be mostly survived easily. The main strong point of the drone is the small hitbox I gave it.

Possible loadouts for the Skyranger:
14 Soldiers
12 Soldiers, 2 Drones
10 Soldiers, 1 Tank
8 Soldiers, 1 Tank, 2 Drones
6 Soldiers, 2 Tanks
5 Soldiers, 2 Tanks, 1 Drone

Just experiment :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ivandogovich on September 14, 2016, 05:28:44 pm
Just finished the first episode.  Very nicely done on your First LP!  Congrats, Sir! 
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 14, 2016, 05:34:22 pm
Just finished the first episode.  Very nicely done on your First LP!  Congrats, Sir!

Thanks mate. Episode 2 is part way through so hoping to finish it this weekend and see what happens. I think i was a bit nervous at the start for some reason, accidentally calling the game "Openxbox" hahaha. Perhaps people didn't notice that :-) and its superhuman not superman difficulty :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 14, 2016, 06:41:22 pm
Getting the Scout Drone one shotted is unfortunate, especially early on. But better the drone then a soldier.
Your Skyranger can hold up to 3 drones. they do have 45 front armor and 90 HP, so Plasma Pistols and Rifles can be mostly survived easily. The main strong point of the drone is the small hitbox I gave it.

Aye it met a floater with a heavy plasma, thats what ended it ... :|
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 15, 2016, 10:55:51 am
Hey All,

Episode two is now up. Clicky here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RjKMjNCH2s
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 15, 2016, 01:01:37 pm
Hey All,

Episode two is now up. Clicky here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RjKMjNCH2s

Can't wait to watch, still 8h until i am home...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 15, 2016, 10:51:12 pm
Thanks Lion66six, I just enjoyed your encounter with the Medium Scout in the Urban Terrain.

One word of advise, dudes with Grenadelaunchers can stay back and eliminate enemies.
Do not be to hesitate to debark with all guys, if necessary spread out and apply more smoke, once the landing zones is enemy free.

EDIT: I do not have Google+ Profile so I can not comment on youtube, sorry for that.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 16, 2016, 03:58:20 pm
Thanks Lion66six, I just enjoyed your encounter with the Medium Scout in the Urban Terrain.

One word of advise, dudes with Grenadelaunchers can stay back and eliminate enemies.
Do not be to hesitate to debark with all guys, if necessary spread out and apply more smoke, once the landing zones is enemy free.

EDIT: I do not have Google+ Profile so I can not comment on youtube, sorry for that.

Don't worry about Google+ and comments on the youtube video, its all good. Thanks for the suggestions, will take that onboard :-) I think there is a fine balance between an action packed and interesting LP, and a long boring drawn out one full of tactical moves etc. I'm hoping to get the balance right :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 17, 2016, 12:03:25 am
The next episode is up:

"Point Rocket Launcher the correct way"

Link : https://youtu.be/yiq-utpcFms
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 17, 2016, 01:45:38 am
The next episode is up:

"Point Rocket Launcher the correct way"

Link : https://youtu.be/yiq-utpcFms

The fence is ownage. You should have used Hobbes with the Grenade launcher.

EDIT: Do not bother trying to capture alive aliens for now. Before you can do that you have to attack a alien base and kill all enemies inside and there a lot.

EDIT2: Stock up scientists... my recommedation is 100 so you can research Lasers and advanced equipment before nastier aliens show up.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 17, 2016, 01:17:38 pm
The fence is ownage. You should have used Hobbes with the Grenade launcher.

EDIT: Do not bother trying to capture alive aliens for now. Before you can do that you have to attack a alien base and kill all enemies inside and there a lot.

EDIT2: Stock up scientists... my recommedation is 100 so you can research Lasers and advanced equipment before nastier aliens show up.

Aye fence won in that exchange :(

Regarding alive aliens, I can do that before I hit the base. Corpse --> Alien Containment --> Live Aliens. Granted it won't help till I have the
slate
but still can have them :-)

For scientists, I'm doing what Meridian did in his Hawaii series. Wait until the 1st of Feb and then buy a ton, have a very cheap maintenance month for Jan and then buy all I need :-) Anyway hope to record episode 4 later today or over the weekend sometime and upload during the week :-)

Life is good!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 17, 2016, 02:24:09 pm
Alien containment has Alien Reproduction as research dependency and alien food.
The alien reproduction can only be recovered after a sucessful attacl on a alien base, killing all enemies inside it.
The floaters will build a base near your starting base. Which is a opportunity for you to attack some larger landed craft.
That will be fun and provide you with lot of loot.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 17, 2016, 07:22:08 pm
Alien containment has Alien Reproduction as research dependency and alien food.
The alien reproduction can only be recovered after a sucessful attacl on a alien base, killing all enemies inside it.
The floaters will build a base near your starting base. Which is a opportunity for you to attack some larger landed craft.
That will be fun and provide you with lot of loot.

Aye as predicted, Episode 4 is a go at the supply ship for that base. No one has died yet, albeit my tank got one shotted again already. Hopefully posting it up in the next few days.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 18, 2016, 12:54:30 am
So episode 4 is now up. Clicky here :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45EbEKevdBQ
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 18, 2016, 10:26:24 am
So episode 4 is now up. Clicky here :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45EbEKevdBQ

May i ask why you ignore the landed Very Large UFO? It's right sitting next to your base.
I would have attacked it first, turned on advanced option "Forced Craft Launched" and attacked a second and third.
The more you fight the more money you get.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 18, 2016, 05:48:13 pm
May i ask why you ignore the landed Very Large UFO? It's right sitting next to your base.
I would have attacked it first, turned on advanced option "Forced Craft Launched" and attacked a second and third.
The more you fight the more money you get.

Its a good question, I didn't feel confident enough to go up against a very large UFO straight off the bat. Perhaps after the current mission, I will have a crack at it :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 18, 2016, 06:14:27 pm
Its a good question, I didn't feel confident enough to go up against a very large UFO straight off the bat. Perhaps after the current mission, I will have a crack at it :-)

There is probably 5-6m worth of loot laying around...
Also if you encounter a Lab-Ship there will be not Terrorunits but still loads of ressources to get.
Also you need to attack a Battleship at least once, doing it now, while you only face very easy enemies is better than later. Even thou you would need to set your self up properly and maybe do not let yourself get stressed out, because of the recording. Sometimes it is better to let the enemy come to you and let him run into your fire.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 18, 2016, 07:58:16 pm
There is probably 5-6m worth of loot laying around...
Also if you encounter a Lab-Ship there will be not Terrorunits but still loads of ressources to get.
Also you need to attack a Battleship at least once, doing it now, while you only face very easy enemies is better than later. Even thou you would need to set your self up properly and maybe do not let yourself get stressed out, because of the recording. Sometimes it is better to let the enemy come to you and let him run into your fire.

Aye good point. No spoilers but yes, battleship :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 18, 2016, 11:33:17 pm
Episode 5 is now live, be released from the cliff hanger :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1GcdUGa0uQ
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on September 19, 2016, 06:39:07 am
damn missed sign ups...haven't played this for a while but will be following this play through.

 If you recruit another rookie. Sign me up as "Zyzyfer" just give me atleast +50/55 reactions (make sure you leave 80% of my TUs so i can react fire- once I get reactions to 100 i will be awesome), and keep me safe with smoke grenades.  XDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 19, 2016, 02:37:49 pm
Episode 5 is now live, be released from the cliff hanger :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1GcdUGa0uQ

Wow that Blaster Bomb failing was really lucky on your side!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 19, 2016, 03:03:52 pm
damn missed sign ups...haven't played this for a while but will be following this play through.

 If you recruit another rookie. Sign me up as "Zyzyfer" just give me atleast +50/55 reactions (make sure you leave 80% of my TUs so i can react fire- once I get reactions to 100 i will be awesome), and keep me safe with smoke grenades.  XDD

Signups are still active, you will be recruited in episode 7. (Already recorded episode 6). Any other demands, steak dinners at night, 5 star hotel? :-) Will see what I can do haha. Also how do you pronounce your name, or do you want me to just have a bash and see how we get on?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 19, 2016, 03:06:06 pm
Wow that Blaster Bomb failing was really lucky on your side!

Aye its an ever present danger with a battleship, hence not going for it first :-)
Do you like the fun cliff hanger? Will Hobbes be eaten? .....
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on September 19, 2016, 03:07:41 pm
Do you like the fun cliff hanger? Will Hobbes be eaten? .....

I did that to my viewers for a while... it certainly keeps the audience coming back.
But don't overdo it :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 19, 2016, 03:54:17 pm
I did that to my viewers for a while... it certainly keeps the audience coming back.
But don't overdo it :)

Aye thats a good point, with my current update period being about 24-48 hours its not too much of an issue :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on September 19, 2016, 04:16:42 pm
Signups are still active, you will be recruited in episode 7. (Already recorded episode 6). Any other demands, steak dinners at night, 5 star hotel? :-) Will see what I can do haha. Also how do you pronounce your name, or do you want me to just have a bash and see how we get on?
HAHA! yeah steak dinner is nice but i actually eat raw meat mixed with onion, egg, and a few spices/other ingredients graded after freezing it (then letting it warm/soften), on a toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic.- gotta preserve the proteins, and I don't do night/graveyard shifts (can't see well in the dark) XDD.

I notice your use of tank as scout v.good tactic.
The other tactic I used was dropping primed smoke grenades (not throwing but dropping as it uses far less TUs), to protect scouts exposed (i.e. no alien contact), prior to end turn.

As you probably already learned from EP5, weapons that create smoke after explosion don't create good smoke cover. Also when utilising smoke cover (by way of grenades), don't stand at edge of smoke it seems to offer little to no protection.

Also i noticed from earlier episodes when you do missions like farms you don't want go door to door (this put x-com operative far too close to aliens and is far too dangerous- and will yield you heavy casualties over some time), you want first flatten everything/buildings/fences/clustered trees etc. with rockets/HEs and then sweep the area with scouts.

Also REACTION fire is determined by % TUs, thus if  a squaddie has reaction of 100, but has only 50% TUs left his reaction will actually be reduced to 50. So in reality if you want reaction fire your best bet is to have a squaddie kneeling that hasn't moved and therefore has 100% TUs left (preferably with starting reaction stat of 50+ in reaction fire, any lower at it becomes painful to train reaction fire), here just reflecting on your poorly planned UFO assault in EP3

Also good idea to bring along an ammo mule (high strength rookie), to carry all the extra ammo/explosives/rockets, that way you wont run out of fire power.

...AND yeah just have a bash at name I was trying to come up with name that will come up last on forum member nick/username list.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 19, 2016, 05:58:49 pm
HAHA! yeah steak dinner is nice but i actually eat raw meat mixed with onion, egg, and a few spices/other ingredients graded after freezing it (then letting it warm/soften), on a toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic.- gotta preserve the proteins, and I don't do night/graveyard shifts (can't see well in the dark) XDD.

I notice your use of tank as scout v.good tactic.
The other tactic I used was dropping primed smoke grenades (not throwing but dropping as it uses far less TUs), to protect scouts exposed (i.e. no alien contact), prior to end turn.

As you probably already learned from EP5, weapons that create smoke after explosion don't create good smoke cover. Also when utilising smoke cover (by way of grenades), don't stand at edge of smoke it seems to offer little to no protection.

Also i noticed from earlier episodes when you do missions like farms you don't want go door to door (this put x-com operative far too close to aliens and is far too dangerous- and will yield you heavy casualties over some time), you want first flatten everything/buildings/fences/clustered trees etc. with rockets/HEs and then sweep the area with scouts.

Also REACTION fire is determined by % TUs, thus if  a squaddie has reaction of 100, but has only 50% TUs left his reaction will actually be reduced to 50. So in reality if you want reaction fire your best bet is to have a squaddie kneeling that hasn't moved and therefore has 100% TUs left (preferably with starting reaction stat of 50+ in reaction fire, any lower at it becomes painful to train reaction fire), here just reflecting on your poorly planned UFO assault in EP3

Also good idea to bring along an ammo mule (high strength rookie), to carry all the extra ammo/explosives/rockets, that way you wont run out of fire power.

...AND yeah just have a bash at name I was trying to come up with name that will come up last on forum member nick/username list.

Some good points, I will let the cook in the living quarters know about your dietary requirements :-)

I like the idea regarding smoking out the scouts, will try that and see how I get on with it.

I guess I could do some damage to houses etc, with an explosion height of 3 two large rockets should be enough to flatten most stuffs.

As for your name, I'm going to likely pronounce it something like cypher but with a bit of a ze at the end. Close enough and thanks for the hints and tips. Always learning :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 19, 2016, 10:38:06 pm
Btw Lion66Six, please have a good look at your scoring in the next months.
Once you get a infiltration mission you need to counter and raid the UFO's or the point penalty will get severe.
I am just mentioning this because you should get some more combat teams in the future, at least 2 or 3.
They will be needed...

Also normal Radars (Small and Large) do stack in detection chance.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 20, 2016, 01:53:12 pm
Btw Lion66Six, please have a good look at your scoring in the next months.
Once you get a infiltration mission you need to counter and raid the UFO's or the point penalty will get severe.
I am just mentioning this because you should get some more combat teams in the future, at least 2 or 3.
They will be needed...

Also normal Radars (Small and Large) do stack in detection chance.

Thanks mate, aye I need to be ready for them.
I'm starting to get to the point where I will have more men available for strike teams, slowly but surely I will beat them :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ivandogovich on September 20, 2016, 11:25:16 pm
Heh.  The mod and this LP get some nice face time in the new OpenXCOM Nightly Install Tutorial Video. :)

Installing Hardmode: https://youtu.be/L1WUpX9n7gY?t=2025

Hardmode LP: https://youtu.be/L1WUpX9n7gY?t=4741
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 21, 2016, 12:08:51 am
Heh.  The mod and this LP get some nice face time in the new OpenXCOM Nightly Install Tutorial Video. :)

Installing Hardmode: https://youtu.be/L1WUpX9n7gY?t=2025

Hardmode LP: https://youtu.be/L1WUpX9n7gY?t=4741

Many thanks mate, top stuff :-) I will try not to let your soldier die too much in the coming episodes ...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ivandogovich on September 21, 2016, 12:52:54 am
Many thanks mate, top stuff :-) I will try not to let your soldier die too much in the coming episodes ...

Just put me first on the ramp. Pistol and Grenade.  I loves me a high death count!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 21, 2016, 01:13:39 am
Episode 6 is now live, click here:

Titled this one "Small in size, not in pain!"

https://youtu.be/vFPNs4ZVKao
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 21, 2016, 03:05:52 am
Episode 6 is now live, click here:

Titled this one "Small in size, not in pain!"

https://youtu.be/vFPNs4ZVKao

Bailing out was probably the right thing todo, since you only killed ~1/3 of the Battleship crew.
Remember you errors and grow :)

EDIT: Update to BETA Version 0.99.2d (https://www.dropbox.com/s/a6jxqor5zcprtkz/Hardmode_Expansion_v0.99.2d.zip?dl=0) see changes here (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,3550.msg72196.html#msg72196) mostly bugfixes.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on September 21, 2016, 05:30:21 am
I use High Explosives (the human grenades sucks). Each scout equipped with a pistol, multiple smoke grenades, and one primed HE on belt for emergencies. I also use a dedicated grenadier and usually tagged by his side the ammo mule that carries extra HEs & rockets for my rocket launcher guy. 
I don't bother putting HEs on snipers as they are usually too far away from front.
HEs will save your butt alot, particularly in early phase of game, on terror missions its not uncommon i go through +30 HEs. Throwing also improves firing accuracy and a lot faster if you make 5 kills with one throw.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 21, 2016, 09:32:12 am
Hm.. I would recommend you one other thing Lion66six.
Get all guy out of the Skyranger, use dropped primed smoke grenades as cover.
Give some dudes some normal Rifles, they are more flexible shooting at more targets then Sniper Rifles. :D

You encountered your first alien with a Plasma Shotgun, I hope you like it :D
Their will be many of them in the alien base just to say so... *evilgrin*

TIP: Shoot from out of visual Range -> Rifles :)
Also guys with Rocketlaunchers really level quickly once you give them Pistols as sidearms and use them.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 21, 2016, 03:04:32 pm
I was laughing my ass of once i saw your reaction towards this happening (https://youtu.be/vFPNs4ZVKao?t=1206)
Deploy all mean, kill each aliens once it is spotted... or you die!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 21, 2016, 07:18:49 pm
I was laughing my ass of once i saw your reaction towards this happening (https://youtu.be/vFPNs4ZVKao?t=1206)
Deploy all mean, kill each aliens once it is spotted... or you die!

Aye that was much fun. I think.

Shotguns are lovely, apart from when they are facing you with the plasma one :-) Still enjoying!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 22, 2016, 02:36:36 pm
Aye that was much fun. I think.

Shotguns are lovely, apart from when they are facing you with the plasma one :-) Still enjoying!

I am looking forward to your next episode.
Be also advised to update to the new BETA Version 0.99.2d which i linked above, to enjoy some new Bulletsprites, some overworked maps and some other minor changes and bugfixes (mostly terrain stuff).
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 22, 2016, 05:35:30 pm
I am looking forward to your next episode.
Be also advised to update to the new BETA Version 0.99.2d which i linked above, to enjoy some new Bulletsprites, some overworked maps and some other minor changes and bugfixes (mostly terrain stuff).

I recorded the next episode a few days ago, typically when I get chance to play I actually get around an hour and a bit, so I can do a few recordings in one sitting. Likely releasing it on Friday, or maybe Saturday afternoon. Before my next recording I will do the upgrade :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on September 22, 2016, 10:45:45 pm
We demand another episode NOW!

(https://troll.me/images/victory-baby/or-else.jpg)

:D
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 23, 2016, 09:58:27 am
Btw: Solarius Scorch recommended you to use the UFO Extender Accuracy.
I do not recommend that, you will need the mid range autofire and with UFO Extender Accuracy the accuracy drop begins after 7 tiles, depending on the aim of the soldier, you can not use autofire 10 to 16 fields away, because the accuracy will be 0.

The integration of it in the mod was updated recently, but I got really annoyed with it while testing. Many enemies need to be put down with autofire at midrange and I balanced some of the units with this in mind.

We are fighting at ranges of max 48 to 120 meters, if you translate this into real world distance (40x40 mapsize to 100x100 mapsize).
The visual range is 24 meters I do not see any reason to use it and I do not recommend it for a reason.

There will be situations were only Autofire can safe your butt, it already has reduced accuracy compared to Snap Shot or Aimed Shot and to not forget UFO Extender Accuracy is a Mod, not introduced in vanilla game but later added.

My conclusion is after test playing with it, that I personally will not use anymore. When I played throu the FMP a while ago, I actually added Autoshots to some weapons, because the lack of it was just annoying too.

I developed and balanced the mod without UFO Extender Accuracy Support. The mod is not balanced for it. I added some support for it, for all the new weapons, but you actually can not overwrite the default dropoffs, unflexible.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 23, 2016, 02:45:02 pm
We demand another episode NOW!

(https://troll.me/images/victory-baby/or-else.jpg)

:D

Next one is public. Here is the link https://youtu.be/XS0LUPfyahA
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on September 23, 2016, 04:41:46 pm
Btw: Solarius Scorch recommended you to use the UFO Extender Accuracy.
I do not recommend that, you will need the mid range autofire and with UFO Extender Accuracy the accuracy drop begins after 7 tiles, depending on the aim of the soldier, you can not use autofire 10 to 16 fields away, because the accuracy will be 0.

The integration of it in the mod was updated recently, but I got really annoyed with it while testing. Many enemies need to be put down with autofire at midrange and I balanced some of the units with this in mind.

We are fighting at ranges of max 48 to 120 meters, if you translate this into real world distance (40x40 mapsize to 100x100 mapsize).
The visual range is 24 meters I do not see any reason to use it and I do not recommend it for a reason.

There will be situations were only Autofire can safe your butt, it already has reduced accuracy compared to Snap Shot or Aimed Shot and to not forget UFO Extender Accuracy is a Mod, not introduced in vanilla game but later added.

My conclusion is after test playing with it, that I personally will not use anymore. When I played throu the FMP a while ago, I actually added Autoshots to some weapons, because the lack of it was just annoying too.

I developed and balanced the mod without UFO Extender Accuracy Support. The mod is not balanced for it. I added some support for it, for all the new weapons, but you actually can not overwrite the default dropoffs, unflexible.

UFOExtender Accuracy was introduce so that autoshots doesn't trump all at all distances. The biggest offender for that is the vanilla heavy plasma where it is always better to autoshot than aim or snap.

Also, you can define the range at which dropoff starts for each shot type, as well as by how much the accuracy drops (common to all shot types, maybe you meant that you would prefer to define dropoff by shot type?), which allows to customize weapons extensively. With the proper definitions, it highly enhances the gameplay for many of us by making all shot types relevant (and also making reaction fire at long range less accurate), but it does take work.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 23, 2016, 05:27:18 pm
Also, you can define the range at which dropoff starts for each shot type, as well as by how much the accuracy drops (common to all shot types, maybe you meant that you would prefer to define dropoff by shot type?), which allows to customize weapons extensively. With the proper definitions, it highly enhances the gameplay for many of us by making all shot types relevant (and also making reaction fire at long range less accurate), but it does take work.

This.
Sorry, but I have an unusually (for me) strong opinion that X-Com in any form without UFO Extender Accuracy turns a very competent tactical game into something like tic-tac-toe. Not only it becomes more shallow, but it also feels kinda silly.
Of course I didn't mind it back in 1994... But only because I wasn't aware that there's no accuracy drop. :P
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on September 23, 2016, 05:32:08 pm
And you were.. hum.. 22 years younger plus the game was "cutting edge" of its kind. There was plenty to impress and enough innocence (I was.. not even 13 when my cousin showed it to me!) to not notice. Things are rather different now.

I'm not watching (yet) but I will as I am very curious to see what a Hardmode game looks like and even though I am reluctant to inflict such pain on myself, I quite enjoy seeing others suffer :P And I know I will enjoy watching more if it's not autoshot spam.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on September 23, 2016, 06:05:05 pm
And I know I will enjoy watching more if it's not autoshot spam.

I believe Hardmode was "balanced" to spam everything (including autoshots) and to use as much cheese as you possibly can... we'll see later in the LP I guess. I didn't play it enough to know for sure, and I am glad that Lion66six will do that for me, regardless if he proves me right or wrong.

In any case, Lion66six is doing a great job with the LP... I like when people just play and don't try to impress the audience at all costs with those "this-is-the-only-way-to-do-it-right tips & tricks" (e.g. energetic voice, constant (fake) interaction with viewers: influencing/compelling viewers emotionally, etc. etc. basically what majority of big youtubers (have to) do). Just a relaxed guy playing a great game for pure fun... you don't find many such youtubers these days!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on September 23, 2016, 06:12:11 pm
Fair enough. My apologies to Lion66six for the undue pressure. Strong beliefs are some times hard to keep in check.

In general, I enjoy Extender Accuracy when I play. In specific, play however you like (and however the mod you play was designed!) and have fun. Watching a LPer having fun is what makes LPs worth watching (well, that and hilarity when everything goes wrong! ;) ) so: Have fun, get murdered and I'm looking forward to seeing both!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 23, 2016, 06:55:49 pm
UFOExtender Accuracy was introduce so that autoshots doesn't trump all at all distances. The biggest offender for that is the vanilla heavy plasma where it is always better to autoshot than aim or snap.

Also, you can define the range at which dropoff starts for each shot type, as well as by how much the accuracy drops (common to all shot types, maybe you meant that you would prefer to define dropoff by shot type?), which allows to customize weapons extensively. With the proper definitions, it highly enhances the gameplay for many of us by making all shot types relevant (and also making reaction fire at long range less accurate), but it does take work.

I will revisit the settings I made so far, because something doesn't seem right and Heavy Plasma spamming against Lategame Enemies is actually something I recommend :)

I believe Hardmode was "balanced" to spam everything (including autoshots) and to use as much cheese as you possibly can... we'll see later in the LP I guess. I didn't play it enough to know for sure, and I am glad that Lion66six will do that for me, regardless if he proves me right or wrong.

In any case, Lion66six is doing a great job with the LP... I like when people just play and don't try to impress the audience at all costs with those "this-is-the-only-way-to-do-it-right tips & tricks" (e.g. energetic voice, constant (fake) interaction with viewers: influencing/compelling viewers emotionally, etc. etc. basically what majority of big youtubers (have to) do). Just a relaxed guy playing a great game for pure fun... you don't find many such youtubers these days!

Well Meridian it depends, I break some principles vanilla had for the lategame enemies, some of them can not be oneshotted.
Example: Muton Elite Guard Soldiers can be oneshotted with a maximum crit from a Plasma Sniper Rifle with Elerium Clip (dealing 260 damage in the process, 160 HP+100 Front Armor).
So in general it is better to attack them from behind.

I will make a special adaptation for the UFO Extender Acccuracy via dropoff and ranges for all weapons, damagetype classes in the mod. It will differentiate thou from the original settings, due to the fact of stronger and more numberous enemies.

And you were.. hum.. 22 years younger plus the game was "cutting edge" of its kind. There was plenty to impress and enough innocence (I was.. not even 13 when my cousin showed it to me!) to not notice. Things are rather different now.

I'm not watching (yet) but I will as I am very curious to see what a Hardmode game looks like and even though I am reluctant to inflict such pain on myself, I quite enjoy seeing others suffer :P And I know I will enjoy watching more if it's not autoshot spam.

Once you get Power Suits and Scatter Laser things get really nice. I recommend "Advanced Movement Methods" for a good reason, since the increased stamina from the Power Suits allows for a "Run & Gun" like attack, when storming UFO's. Run up and punish the enemy with a autoshot from the a Shotgun Class Weapon in the face, drop dead guareentied.. :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on September 23, 2016, 07:03:17 pm
I've been messing about with AWESOME GUNS MOD for a week and I must say it does a well done job with the range and accuracy drops.

Pistols, shotguns, rifles etc. seem to perform as they should- different type of firearms excel at a different distances- shotguns/auto cannons for short; pistols, rifles, assault rifles etc. for short-med; & sniper rifles for long range etc...
But at same time (even with sniper rifles), its not overdone like vanilla whereby you come to a point you can kill at any distance using auto shot; from across the map even (and the aliens on higher levels never missed from anywhere on map).
The mod does a good job at making sure there is no single firearm that is king, they all have their advantage/disadvantages, and even conventional human weapons become viable till the end of the game with the right techs...LOVING the MOD!!!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 23, 2016, 07:31:22 pm
I've been messing about with AWESOME GUNS MOD for a week and I must say it does a well done job with the range and accuracy drops.

Pistols, shotguns, rifles etc. seem to perform as they should- different type of firearms excel at a different distances- shotguns/auto cannons for short; pistols, rifles, assault rifles etc. for short-med; & sniper rifles for long range etc...
But at same time (even with sniper rifles), its not overdone like vanilla whereby you come to a point you can kill at any distance using auto shot; from across the map even (and the aliens on higher levels never missed from anywhere on map).
The mod does a good job at making sure there is no single firearm that is king, they all have their advantage/disadvantages, and even conventional human weapons become viable till the end of the game with the right techs...LOVING the MOD!!!

Thats a aspact I turned around, weapons become  obsolete over time, as soon as new Aliens are introduced which are basically immune towards their damage.
This forces the player to get new new tech, even thou he may use explosives, rockets and grenades and even melee weapons to compensate until he has the techs.
The research is forces you to make decisions and sometimes you have to postphone some research which you really wanna have, but other matters are more pressing.
Mutons and higher Enemies are nearly Immune to Conventional Weapons.
Muton Elites and other Lategame Enemies are nearly immune to Laser weaponry.
In the end everything can of course be killed of with plasma weapons.

Also each weapon has its specific role and purpose, Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, Heavy Weapons each of them are there and also of course Rocket and bomb Launchers. They are all perfectly balanced.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 23, 2016, 08:19:14 pm
I'm not watching (yet) but I will as I am very curious to see what a Hardmode game looks like and even though I am reluctant to inflict such pain on myself, I quite enjoy seeing others suffer :P And I know I will enjoy watching more if it's not autoshot spam.

Well hope you enjoy watching, I have the view that the accuracy in place via the mod is about right. Each type of shot does have its place as valid options based on situation and range.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 23, 2016, 08:20:53 pm
I believe Hardmode was "balanced" to spam everything (including autoshots) and to use as much cheese as you possibly can... we'll see later in the LP I guess. I didn't play it enough to know for sure, and I am glad that Lion66six will do that for me, regardless if he proves me right or wrong.

In any case, Lion66six is doing a great job with the LP... I like when people just play and don't try to impress the audience at all costs with those "this-is-the-only-way-to-do-it-right tips & tricks" (e.g. energetic voice, constant (fake) interaction with viewers: influencing/compelling viewers emotionally, etc. etc. basically what majority of big youtubers (have to) do). Just a relaxed guy playing a great game for pure fun... you don't find many such youtubers these days!

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 23, 2016, 08:22:38 pm
Fair enough. My apologies to Lion66six for the undue pressure. Strong beliefs are some times hard to keep in check.

In general, I enjoy Extender Accuracy when I play. In specific, play however you like (and however the mod you play was designed!) and have fun. Watching a LPer having fun is what makes LPs worth watching (well, that and hilarity when everything goes wrong! ;) ) so: Have fun, get murdered and I'm looking forward to seeing both!

No worries, everyone has a view and expressing it should never be considered as terrorism :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 24, 2016, 12:45:29 pm
And you were.. hum.. 22 years younger plus the game was "cutting edge" of its kind. There was plenty to impress and enough innocence (I was.. not even 13 when my cousin showed it to me!) to not notice. Things are rather different now.

Very true... Though I was 18 already! :P

I believe Hardmode was "balanced" to spam everything (including autoshots) and to use as much cheese as you possibly can...

Ah... In this case I take it back. :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 25, 2016, 12:19:46 am
Hobbes, you have so far died 5 times in my lets play. Do you wish to insert £1 and continue?

Only going to bring people back a few times and then check if they want to continue :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 25, 2016, 03:48:55 pm
Episode 7 and 8 are up.

7 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS0LUPfyahA
8 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3awTSvPb3k
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 29, 2016, 04:40:11 pm
Episode 9 and 10 is now up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP09] - Time to tidy up - https://youtu.be/EFuv-Gs0lkg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP10] - Could it be a clean sweep? - https://youtu.be/YX0QAtLVuoY

Double feature!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 29, 2016, 11:09:43 pm
Episode 9 and 10 is now up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP09] - Time to tidy up - https://youtu.be/EFuv-Gs0lkg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP10] - Could it be a clean sweep? - https://youtu.be/YX0QAtLVuoY

Double feature!

You wanna have repair for Scout Tanks?
Please fell free to use the attached and changed Scout Drone Mod, will only work correctly with Hardmode_Expansion, also contains updated Corpse BigOb for the Scout Drone.
Once you research "HWP Repair", you also get the Drone Repair in Manufacture :)
Just make sure the mod is loaded after Hardmode in the mods section.

EDIT: Congrats on the first casualty free mission. One word of advise do not underestimate the melee enemies, they carry alien grenades.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on September 30, 2016, 08:25:21 am
Nice use of smoke cover in last mission (ep10).
AND GO! me XDDD got a few kills there on my rookie debut XDDD (*btw try not to get me killed pls).

Also try to avoid night missions (particularly night terror missions), those usually don't end well. It's a bit cheesy but if you get a terror mission at night you can keep it targeted with interceptors/skyranger and as long as the terror site is targeted (by something), it wont disappear....then do the mission come day break.

Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 30, 2016, 12:59:23 pm
Nice use of smoke cover in last mission (ep10).
AND GO! me XDDD got a few kills there on my rookie debut XDDD (*btw try not to get me killed pls).

Also try to avoid night missions (particularly night terror missions), those usually don't end well. It's a bit cheesy but if you get a terror mission at night you can keep it targeted with interceptors/skyranger and as long as the terror site is targeted (by something), it wont disappear....then do the mission come day break.

Aye you did quite well on that mission, already recorded upto Episode 17 but just not processed or uploaded them yet (What a slacker I am hahah). I think you did quite well in some of the upcoming missions but you will just have to see :)

I do tend to try and avoid the night missions where possible, and I remembered about the targeting trick. Since i have 2 skyrangers I could likely do a bit of a sneaky. If the terror mission is currently at night, send skyranger 1 at the target, and then skyranger 2 in the opposite direction. Once skyranger1 gets close, get it to patrol, and then target it with skyranger2. Should keep it around long enough that by the time skyranger 2 has arrived at the site its daytime.

Having said that I'm not that scared of terror missions, electro flares are key, throw them everywhere to remove the night issue. Some of the urban maps also have street lights which is a major result :-) Anyway better get back to work ......
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on September 30, 2016, 01:53:41 pm
i am enthusiastic to see you storm the alien base, I am wondering how you will manage that.
Its important that you kill/stun all aliens inside it or you will not get the needed items for researching the alien containment.
Since it is only a pure Floater base, it shouldn't cause you to much of a issue, but expect casualities. Also you will be heavily outnumbered, 14 vs max 46, so prepare!

One word of Tactical advise: Conventional Shotguns loaded with Alloy Ammo at close range will kill reapers easily (45x5 damage).
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on September 30, 2016, 03:53:15 pm
Even cheesier/gamier version of the terror mission targeting trick: the check for if a craft is on the way happens only every half hour, so you can send a single Skyranger, have it patrol most of the time, then target the site for the few seconds before and after each half hour.  Super tedious and boring, but more fuel efficient, you can delay longer, and it only takes 1 craft.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on September 30, 2016, 06:26:37 pm
i am enthusiastic to see you storm the alien base, I am wondering how you will manage that.
Its important that you kill/stun all aliens inside it or you will not get the needed items for researching the alien containment.
Since it is only a pure Floater base, it shouldn't cause you to much of a issue, but expect casualities. Also you will be heavily outnumbered, 14 vs max 46, so prepare!

One word of Tactical advise: Conventional Shotguns loaded with Alloy Ammo at close range will kill reapers easily (45x5 damage).

Aye its going to be erm fun.

I have 2 strike teams ready, its around the middle of March and I have some experienced members in both teams. Gonna hit it with the first team, and if not successful the second team is going in. Also i'm not hitting the one near my main base, keeping that one around for milking the supply ships. The only issue is I'm not sure the race of the other base, if its muton or something hard then I may change my mind haha. If its a squid wipe or two, so be it, either way its going to be fun watching!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 01, 2016, 10:44:05 am
Aye its going to be erm fun.

I have 2 strike teams ready, its around the middle of March and I have some experienced members in both teams. Gonna hit it with the first team, and if not successful the second team is going in. Also i'm not hitting the one near my main base, keeping that one around for milking the supply ships. The only issue is I'm not sure the race of the other base, if its muton or something hard then I may change my mind haha. If its a squid wipe or two, so be it, either way its going to be fun watching!

If you find and locate the second base, if there is one, i would suggest to not storm it, but go for the floater base nearby your starting area.
You know the race, you know which terrorunits will occur. The second base already could be a Sectoid (PSI) one or a Floater/Sectoid Mix (No PSI) in both cases you would also face Cyberdiscs in close quarter combat, which can also by killed via Shotguns (as suicide solution), but the best way to kill those is 2 incendiary grenades. They vulnerable to fire.
The longer you wait with storming the alien base the better the alien weaponry will be, meaning the aliens in January will mostly have Plasma Pistols and Rifles, later on they will get loads of Plasma Shotguns which makes fighting them seriously unpleasant, since alien bases are a crowded space and tightly packed.

Also the aliens are earlier aware of your troops locations, the 20 turn rule only applies towards Very Small UFO's.
Small and Medium take 14 turns instead of 20. Large and Very Large only 10. And in Alien bases its only 7 turns.
I am just mentioning this because the aliens totally act different once they know your location.

Alien Bases do not only generate Supply Missions, there is also a chance for them to generate, Alien Research, Alien Abduction or Alien Harvest Mission for the region they are in. Those mission will also be from a different race.
So a Floater Base, can generate a Muton Harvest Mission in June or so, otherwise it will just pick one of the currently active races, which so far have shown up.

I seriously advise to research Laser Rifles ASAP, latest before June, because you will have Mutons in June, loads of Mutons!! July is Muton only!
And you needs Laser Weapons for Mutons, the new Terror Units they bring with them are hard to kill without them.
Muton Berserkers and Armored Cyberdiscs are no jokes.

Sorry for the spoilers :-/
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 01, 2016, 09:06:34 pm
Heh, the PSI should separate the boys from the real men (I usually dismiss the PSI weak guys)...vanilla PSI turns this game upside down.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: the_third_curry on October 01, 2016, 10:26:45 pm
I know it's a bit late, but I can join if more cannon fodder is needed. Just use my forum name.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 02, 2016, 04:39:27 pm
Demanding NEW episode NOW!! :D

Wanna see you getting your ass handed and the rookies killed once more.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 03, 2016, 12:49:34 am
Two more episodes up today.

Recorded last week I believe.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP11] - Medibay is empty for once! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-z-f2kja0w
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP12] - Use the force! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaXN9Qv_Fw
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 03, 2016, 12:50:40 am
Demanding NEW episode NOW!! :D

Wanna see you getting your ass handed and the rookies killed once more.

Ha, thanks for your confidence in me :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 03, 2016, 12:52:21 am
I know it's a bit late, but I can join if more cannon fodder is needed. Just use my forum name.

Aye no worries. I have already recorded upto Episode 17 so far, so you won't be able to join until at least episode 18. Will enlist you then :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 03, 2016, 03:44:23 pm
Kudos to you on that night mission (Ep12), & doing it without casualties. I personally would have flattened all the buildings with HEs (but I guess that is boring way), going door to door certainly makes for more suspense.
Speaking of human grenades over HEs (i use x2 dedicated grenadiers with +35 strength; reaction 50+), distance isn't really an issue  particularly after a few missions.
As my scouts gain strength I also start supplying them with HEs. The damage is well worth it for the extra strength it takes to throw over grenades.

I also use different squad setup to traditional sniper-scout setup, one major thing i do differently is I don't use tanks on missions (only leave some lying around for base defense), as 4 scouts are much more valuable (personal opinion here), over x1 tank particularity as they become universal super soldiers.

I am also very picky regarding rookies, firing/hiring happens very often within the first weeks in particular. I use x1 sniper and x1 heavy on any given team the rest are scouts and must have starting reaction +50 (even my Grenadiers must meet this prerequisite- as grenadiers get most kills their firing accuracy improves very fast and are usually the first to hit FA 100 and they do it very quickly at which point they become scouts & I rotate in new Grenadiers).
SO alot of  recruits (due to not meeting the +50 reaction stat get fired during the initial screening process).

Also it must be the mod you're playing but I am pretty sure vanilla xcom didn't stack radars; but I dunno maybe openxcom/the mod does (so I tend to use x1 of each small/large radar instead of building multiple large radars), once I get hyper=wave decoder I dismantle the large/small radars.

WOW long post...anyways looking forward to more episodes.  XDDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 03, 2016, 07:17:12 pm
Kudos to you on that night mission (Ep12), & doing it without casualties. I personally would have flattened all the buildings with HEs (but I guess that is boring way), going door to door certainly makes for more suspense.
Speaking of human grenades over HEs (i use x2 dedicated grenadiers with +35 strength; reaction 50+), distance isn't really an issue  particularly after a few missions.
As my scouts gain strength I also start supplying them with HEs. The damage is well worth it for the extra strength it takes to throw over grenades.

I also use different squad setup to traditional sniper-scout setup, one major thing i do differently is I don't use tanks on missions (only leave some lying around for base defense), as 4 scouts are much more valuable (personal opinion here), over x1 tank particularity as they become universal super soldiers.

I am also very picky regarding rookies, firing/hiring happens very often within the first weeks in particular. I use x1 sniper and x1 heavy on any given team the rest are scouts and must have starting reaction +50 (even my Grenadiers must meet this prerequisite- as grenadiers get most kills their firing accuracy improves very fast and are usually the first to hit FA 100 and they do it very quickly at which point they become scouts & I rotate in new Grenadiers).
SO alot of  recruits (due to not meeting the +50 reaction stat get fired during the initial screening process).

Also it must be the mod you're playing but I am pretty sure vanilla xcom didn't stack radars; but I dunno maybe openxcom/the mod does (so I tend to use x1 of each small/large radar instead of building multiple large radars), once I get hyper=wave decoder I dismantle the large/small radars.

WOW long post...anyways looking forward to more episodes.  XDDD

Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the video series.

Interested in seeing more of your play style, would you consider doing a recording or two when you next play so I can see that in action? Not a full series, just a mission or two.

I'm thinking in OpenXcom the radars stack, hellrazor mentioned something previously about that. I didn't really have the money at the start to be picky about the soldiers since most of them seem to die easily anyway hahaha.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 04, 2016, 08:32:49 pm
I'm thinking in OpenXcom the radars stack, hellrazor mentioned something previously about that. I didn't really have the money at the start to be picky about the soldiers since most of them seem to die easily anyway hahaha.

To be precise, you get more detection checks each 30 minutes. So they do stack, but not quite as normal people think.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 05, 2016, 02:24:58 pm
Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the video series.

Interested in seeing more of your play style, would you consider doing a recording or two when you next play so I can see that in action? Not a full series, just a mission or two.

I will try doing a mission (we will see), I am afraid it will take about a week to upload thanks to Australian upload speeds comparable to Burkina Faso.
The Australian Government should be ashamed of themselves!!!...& we call ourselves a "developed country", more like developing country.

ps. Hurry up already with your next video I am having withdrawal symptoms. XDDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 05, 2016, 02:48:38 pm
I will try doing a mission (we will see), I am afraid it will take about a week to upload thanks to Australian upload speeds comparable to Burkina Faso.
The Australian Government should be ashamed of themselves!!!...& we call ourselves a "developed country", more like developing country.

ps. Hurry up already with your next video I am having withdrawal symptoms. XDDD

Nice!

So yes the next video is up. Here is the link and its a good one!
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP13] - Easter Island Demolition Crew Arriving ..... https://youtu.be/lfIGzB7TvuU
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 06, 2016, 04:31:11 am
Nice!

So yes the next video is up. Here is the link and its a good one!
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP13] - Easter Island Demolition Crew Arriving ..... https://youtu.be/lfIGzB7TvuU

That was nice terrormission, even thou getting 9 men killed was harsh.
You made some grave errors, which led to deaths.

Replace all those Reapers with Cyberdiscs - the Horrors of a pure Sectoid Terror Mission
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 06, 2016, 01:41:10 pm
That was nice terrormission, even thou getting 9 men killed was harsh.
You made some grave errors, which led to deaths.

Replace all those Reapers with Cyberdiscs - the Horrors of a pure Sectoid Terror Mission

Yep not looking forward to Cyberdiscs .....

For the mistakes made, i can't remember them clearly since that recording was 2 weeks back. Was there particular ones that you think I could have avoided for future reference :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 06, 2016, 02:38:23 pm
Yep not looking forward to Cyberdiscs .....

For the mistakes made, i can't remember them clearly since that recording was 2 weeks back. Was there particular ones that you think I could have avoided for future reference :)

Well not really, but you should check in general that you have smoke grenades available and think about how you use your soldiers a little bit better.
As a general notice if you set smoke around the skyranger entrance, using the gears as cover is in general a good idea. It packs your soldiers together tight, thats true.
But gives you the opportunity the fire at more targets on the deployment turn. Being covered in smoke then and having terminated all visible targets makes this method pretty safe in my experience.

I really recommend using the advanced option "Save Preprimed Grenades" for smoke grenades only.
You can then equip you scouts and other members of your team with preprimed smoke grenades on base in the inventory screen.
In case someone is in a tight spot, 4 TU (same as reserve for kneeling) are needed to drop the a primed smoke from shoulder slot to the ground.
I personally use my Snipers to throw grenades at my forwards troops, once all targets are eliminated.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 06, 2016, 04:58:43 pm
I really recommend using the advanced option "Save Preprimed Grenades" for smoke grenades only.
You can then equip you scouts and other members of your team with preprimed smoke grenades on base in the inventory screen.

Thats awesome, I didn't know thats how it worked. I will be doing that :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 06, 2016, 11:02:47 pm
Thats awesome, I didn't know thats how it worked. I will be doing that :-)

Also consider to put some Armor, at least on your scouts. The Alloy Vest is really good to begin with and cheap.
It does only have some restrictions, adding 2 weight and reducing stamina by 5 and increases survive chances somewhat.

Personal Armor was not changed and is the same as vanilla.
Power Suits grant you a big boost in weight you can carry (+10) and add stamina (+30), same for Flying Suits.
You need two Alien Engineers to unlock Powers Suits, see Research Tree.
There is also a lategame Versions called "Reinforced Power Suits", and "Reinforced Flying Suits".
They both have additional armor and grant +10 TU additionally to the weight reduction and stamina increase.
Normal Power/Flying Suits can be easily upgraded into reinforced versions.

Also you can neutralize the amount of engineers early on by letting them produce Motion scanners and build up a small production force.
Depending on your playstyle aiming for a dedicated production base could also be a option. Laser Cannon production helps greatly getting your finances in check.
You were actually right to scrap the Interceptors, even thou keeping at least one with a Alloy Cannon and some Avalanches is handy to shoot down scouts. The Airgame changes greatly once you get Retaliators and Laser Cannons, enabling you to also target and shoot down Terrorships, but you need to group up at least 4 and might still loose one.

Aim to get and protect some veterans at least a handfull you will need them  8) ;D

EDIT: I am looking forward to your first Snakeman Terror Mission, even thou be ready for Chryssalids getting some Elerium Rockets might be a livesafer. Did you attempt the base attack?

EDIT2: I am looking forward to the next episode :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 06, 2016, 11:47:20 pm
Also consider to put some Armor, at least on your scouts. The Alloy Vest is really good to begin with and cheap.
It does only have some restrictions, adding 2 weight and reducing stamina by 5 and increases survive chances somewhat.

I have 2 of these now, they will come in handy I expect!

Personal Armor was not changed and is the same as vanilla.
Power Suits grant you a big boost in weight you can carry (+10) and add stamina (+30), same for Flying Suits.
You need two Alien Engineers to unlock Powers Suits, see Research Tree.
There is also a lategame Versions called "Reinforced Power Suits", and "Reinforced Flying Suits".
They both have additional armor and grant +10 TU additionally to the weight reduction and stamina increase.
Normal Power/Flying Suits can be easily upgraded into reinforced versions.

I look forward to seeing these, in my original play through I got to power armour but nothing more.

Also you can neutralize the amount of engineers early on by letting them produce Motion scanners and build up a small production force.
Depending on your playstyle aiming for a dedicated production base could also be a option. Laser Cannon production helps greatly getting your finances in check.

I have plans for the USA base to become exactly that, and as a second strike base.

You were actually right to scrap the Interceptors, even thou keeping at least one with a Alloy Cannon and some Avalanches is handy to shoot down scouts. The Airgame changes greatly once you get Retaliators and Laser Cannons, enabling you to also target and shoot down Terrorships, but you need to group up at least 4 and might still loose one.

I got that view when they got owned in my original play through. I got the idea of 2 skyrangers from Meridian's Hawaii challenge lets play. Seems to work well.

Aim to get and protect some veterans at least a handfull you will need them  8) ;D

EDIT: I am looking forward to your first Snakeman Terror Mission, even thou be ready for Chryssalids getting some Elerium Rockets might be a livesafer. Did you attempt the base attack?

EDIT2: I am looking forward to the next episode :)

Started recording Episode 19 and maybe even 20 for the alien base attack, it should be a good one!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 06, 2016, 11:54:06 pm
Bring some Autocannons if you go against the floater one.
Icendiary grenades are a convinient way to take out cyberdiscs (explosion).
Flashbangs might also work.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 07, 2016, 12:42:56 am
Bring some Autocannons if you go against the floater one.
Icendiary grenades are a convinient way to take out cyberdiscs (explosion).
Flashbangs might also work.

Its a crazy one, I can tell you that much. You will just have to wait and see!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 07, 2016, 09:38:19 pm
This evenings feature is a triple helping! Something very significant happens in an upcoming episode, so releasing a few at a time this evening.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP14] - Labship for a lobotomy? - https://youtu.be/fvaDzT-LADY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP15] - How many days in Feb again? - https://youtu.be/qmNtLjbSza0
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP16] - Is all the drama done, nope! - https://youtu.be/V8q04D0QHpY
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 07, 2016, 10:05:36 pm
This evenings feature is a triple helping! Something very significant happens in an upcoming episode, so releasing a few at a time this evening.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP14] - Labship for a lobotomy? - https://youtu.be/fvaDzT-LADY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP15] - How many days in Feb again? - https://youtu.be/qmNtLjbSza0
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP16] - Is all the drama done, nope! - https://youtu.be/V8q04D0QHpY

Really switch Shotguns to normal rifles, you need to be able to shoot at distances in open terrain. Like episode 14 open desert terrain, 4 guys with shotguns, not usefull weaponry for clearing the outside. Ignoring the Infiltration mission uhhh... thats bold.

EDIT: Tip, once a Aliens spots you or you spot him and he also sees you, kill the alien change position of the spotted soldier slightly to avoid blaster launcher fire :D
Smoke does not help with that.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 08, 2016, 10:53:48 pm
Before i forget it, use Incendiary Grenades. Especially in Alien Bases you can block pathways with fire. Really good against Reapers and Chryssalids.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 09, 2016, 07:18:12 pm
Good thinking, I will bare that in mind for future episodes. However already recorded ep17&18. Should be up soon :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 10, 2016, 11:16:06 pm
Two more episodes.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP17] - As Yet Untitled - https://youtu.be/BqcI22e2ttY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP18] - Boosh the America dream - https://youtu.be/9SjiBSplY5s

And then its a big episode :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 10, 2016, 11:39:38 pm
Two more episodes.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP17] - As Yet Untitled - https://youtu.be/BqcI22e2ttY
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP18] - Boosh the America dream - https://youtu.be/9SjiBSplY5s

And then its a big episode :-)

Just started watching and I noticed how you always check your maintenance fee's. Thats good but you will not able to finance your self with that.
Get used to a negative budget. Money comes from UFO raids.
The main cost will be personal, the base maintenance is higher then in vanilla and also eating into your budget, 10% of build price, instead of vanilla prices. Each large Radar station adds 80k maintenance per month.

EDIT: The more your progress in the research the more Scientists you will need to finish topics. Reducing your scienciest will hurt you really badly.
And sell off all those stupid alien clips, you will get plenty off supply. I do recommend to keep 1 item of each that you retrieve from the aliens for later research, even weapons. And do not sell of Blaster Launcher and Blaster bombs, you will not be able to produce them. Collecting Elerium Bombs and Stun Bombs is also a nice idea.

EDIT2: grenade launcher in a alien base? switch for Autocannon :) Taking on the alien base is a challenge, especially since you are outnumbered.
A few tips:
Use sidestepping, it saves a lot of lives.
Change your equipment layout for close combat (Shotguns, Rifles, Autocanons / Heavy Canons and some Rocket Launchers.)
Consider using incendiary grenades and proximity grenades to secure pathways or block them.
I can do the base mission with losing only 2-4 soldiers max.
Smoke always comes handy, Flares are not really useful but consider keeping one on each soldier in case you need to spot a distant alien.
Grenades and arking shot weapons (Grenade Launcher) have a limited range, standing 7 tiles, kneeling 9 or 10, so not really useful.
Be conservative you are up to a maximum spawnnumber of 46 enemies, 15 of them Terrorunits. The number of enemies will vary between 36 and 46.

EDIT 3:
I strongly advise reading this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_round_defence
Getting caught from behind in a alien base is really really bad. Proxy grenades help with that, at least against as a warning sign.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 11, 2016, 12:50:43 am
Thanks mate, plenty of interesting things to consider.

One thing to also mention is that the next mission has already been recorded. I did the recording about 5 days ago, so I can't implement anything you have mentioned. However, it will come in handy for later :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 11, 2016, 01:01:22 am
Thanks mate, plenty of interesting things to consider.

One thing to also mention is that the next mission has already been recorded. I did the recording about 5 days ago, so I can't implement anything you have mentioned. However, it will come in handy for later :-)

I will give you one more Tip, make sure you have Laser Rifles beginning of May. They are green, they like raw flesh and the love to eat x-com soldiers :D
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 11, 2016, 01:04:27 am
Thanks mate. It appears when i preloaded episode 19 onto youtube it was set as public by mistake. I have since corrected it, but i noticed 2 views on it when i changed thr privacy setting.

If you have seen episode 19 then please dont post any spoilers etc until its officially released.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 11, 2016, 01:08:18 am
Thanks mate. It appears when i preloaded episode 19 onto youtube it was set as public by mistake. I have since corrected it, but i noticed 2 views on it when i changed thr privacy setting.

If you have seen episode 19 then please dont post any spoilers etc until its officially released.

uhhh sorry :-/ I watched it already.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 11, 2016, 01:21:05 am
No worries, its gonna be released in a few days
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 12, 2016, 03:49:43 pm
You should really stop doing so many night missions (due to the 9:20 squares vision differences between xcom operatives and aliens), this puts you in extreme disadvantage.
Flares= 19 square diameter lighting, therefore you need to throw flares 19 squares apart in every direction (not counting diagonals as lighting is circular which results placing flares even closer), to cover every square (which is a bit complicated/messy and you're going to miss squares), and any square missed puts you at the significant disadvantage as mentioned.
Fort his reason I personally avoid night missions (this means ignoring UFO that has landed instead of risking night mission). All other encounters can always be done during day time.

Also be careful of the way you use smoke. After the initial smoke cover as you breach the transporter during turn 2. Smoke should be put between you and any unexplored direction- I usually go about 10 squares away- so in this way your men aren't inside the smoke taking smoke damage (if you have unexplored squares to the sides then you need to throw more smoke grenades to cover those sides.

There is exception to this rule- that is any xcom agent that for whatever reason is exposed can simply drop a smoke grenade (this only takes 6TU).
Point being DONT leave you scouts exposed (ever), this over time will result in a lot of unnecessary/cheap deaths. Sometimes (rarely), you can do everything well and an Alien will still get through and make the kill- not much can be done about that- what you don't need is a cheap deaths to add to your tally- veterans become very valuable as they become super soldiers (i usually get a few soldiers with over 100+ reaction stat as I approach end game).

Speaking of Reaction fire. Your men didn't react... neither did his backup (which got him killed), because they both didn't have enough time units left (you left them about 1/3 TU's which means the 60 or so reaction stat will be reduced by 2/3 or 20  (from memory I think the aliens have around 90 reaction stat depending on rank), so 20 reaction is not going to cut it (even if alien moves a little).

Besides smoke cover another maneuver (slow but useful particularly inside UFOs/alien bases), is leapfrogging (for this you need two high reaction men). One man is positioned in crouch position with full TUs (he hasn't moved- he is ready to react to any incoming aliens). The other guy leapfrogs past a few squares in front and scouts, if nothing is spotted returns and crouches 1-2 squares in front (slightly to the side), of the guy who hasn't moved. If alien comes in range the hope is the guy that hasn't moved will react fire and kill the alien (who had to move during ALIENS turn to come in the 20 square visual range or make that corner, so is in slight disadvantage), before the alien kills the leap frogging guy. The next turn their roles reverse.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on October 12, 2016, 04:51:14 pm
Sound advice. Leap frogging for scouts is very useful, or even just the "probing and retreating". With sniper/heavy weapon support too so your scouts keep their TUs for scouting and reacting.

Reaction fire is often misinterpreted as a random thing that is more likely the more TUs you have, but it is an entirely deterministic thing. In a given situation, the same outcome will happen 100% of the time and only the situation changes. In general, you're better off using that last 1/3 TUs to run and hide because it'll very rarely be enough to pass a reaction check and allow you to fire.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 13, 2016, 09:45:44 am
@ Lion66six: It may be a good Idea to turn on "Show Funds" in options geoscape section, to always see how much money you have.

How Reactions work:

Alien and X-Com Units will undergo a reaction check if they walk into each others cone of vision, there is one excepting the "Mutual Surprise Rule", which makes sidestepping extremely increasing the survivability of soldiers, with "Advanced Movement Methods".

The reaction check compares the following values:
Number of Reactionsstat value + Time Units current value.

E.g.: A alien walks into the visual field of 3 xcom soldiers. Soldier 1 has 80 TU and 70 reactions, Soldier 2 has 70 TU and 50 Reactions and Soldier 3 has only 20 TU (from 80) left but has 100 reactions.
In our case we just assume that all 3 soldiers see the alien at the same time, alien is a Muton with 60 TU (from 64) and reactions 70.

Reactioncheck values:
Muton: 130 (60 TU + 70 Reactions)
Soldier 1: 150 (80 TU + 70 Reactions)
Soldier 2: 120 (70 TU + 50 Reactions)
Soldier 3: 120 (20 TU + 100 Reactions)

Muton moves into sight range of soldiers, having 130 Reactioncheck value, Mutual surprise is not applied, because the soldiers are not directly facing him horizontically.

Soldier 1 will Fire a Snapshot with his Laser Rifle at the Mutons, since his Reactioncheck value is higher then the value of the Muton. The soldier spends 20 TU and reduces his Reactioncheckvalue to 130.

What will happen next?
Soldier hits the Muton, gaining his attention or the soldier misses the Muton and it will walk further. For the next reactioncheck it does not matter.
Soldier 1 and Muton have currently both a Reactioncheckvalue of 130.
As soon as the Muton does any action, Soldier 1 will fire at the Muton again (as long as he is not killed by the Muton with his next action).

We now assume that Soldier 1 is a terrible shot and misses the reactionshot. The Muton then walks further and Soldier 1 can fire again a Snapshot.
Reactioncheckvalues: Muton 126, Soldier 1: 110.

Soldier 1 misses again and the Muton continues his patrolling. The Muton spends 8 more TU, reducing his Reactioncheckvalue from 126 to 118.
What will happen now?

Soldier 2 and Soldier 3 have so far failed all the reactionchecks, because they only have a Reactioncheckvalue of 120, but now it is their time!
Due to the fact that Soldier 3 has 100 Reactions, he will fire first, Reducing his TU to 0 and his Reactioncheckvalue to 100, Soldier 3 now can no longer react -> TU: 0.
Soldier 2 with TU 70 and Reaction 50 will fire after him, spending 20 TU to fire his Laser Rifle, reducing his Reactioncheckvalue to 100 -> (TU: 50 + Reactions 50).

Soldier 2 and 3 are both bad shots and miss their Reactionshots, our Muton walks further for 2 fields spending another 8 TU reducing its Reactioncheckvalue from 118 to 110.
Soldier 1 is ready to make a Reactioncheck, he still has 40 TU left and Reaction of 70, so he could still fire twice with his Laser Rifle.

Muton stops and spots Soldier 1 both have still 110 Reactioncheckvalue, since it is the Mutons turns and he passed the Reactioncheck (same value will not fire), the Muton is now Free to fire his Heavy Plasma with a Snapshot hitting and killing Soldier 1. The Muton spends 22 TU firing the Heavy Plasma, reducing his Reactioncheckvalue from 110 to 88.

Soldier 3 can still react and fire his gun, TU: 50 and Reactions: 50. Soldier 3 passes Reactioncheck and fires Laser Rifle Snapshot at the Muton, reducing his Reactioncheckvalue to 80.
Mister Muton gets hit badly and has only 18 TU left, can not fire his weapon and decides to run away. He moves 3 more fields spending 12 TU's and gets shot in the back by Soldier 3, since the Mutons reactioncheckvalue was reduced to 76 and Soldier 3 still had 80.
Soldier 3 is left with 1 kill, 10 TU's and 50 Reactions.

Muton 2 steps on the fields and Snapshots both Soldier 2 and Soldier 3 with a Heavy Plasma killing them and runs away happily grinning ;)

I hope this explains how Reaction works and why TU and Reactions are both important.

Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on October 13, 2016, 02:45:54 pm
@hellrazor: This is a great explanation of reactions, but I have one nitpick; the reaction score used for checking is not reactions + remaining TUs, but rather reactions * remaining TUs / total TUs, or reactions multiplied by percent remaining TUs.

So, the starting reactions check values are:
Muton: 70 * 60 / 64 = 65
Soldier 1: 70 * 80 / 80 = 70
Soldier 2: 50 * 70 / 80 = 43
Soldier 3: 100 * 20 / 80 = 25
(Rounding down because Xcom hates fun)

So your reactionary super-soldier won't fire until the Muton is down to 22 TUs - well after he murders one of your mans, and Muton Buddy #2 may not even need to step in the picture.  TUs are very important for reactions!

The best assumption for getting a chance to react is that there is an alien with a heavy plasma one tile outside your vision range, so you need a higher TU percentage than that (100% remaining) for your overwatching soldier to keep your team out of body bags.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 13, 2016, 04:06:15 pm
Ok just checked the sourcecode:

Code: [Select]
double BattleUnit::getReactionScore()
{
https://(Reactions Stat) x (Current Time Units / Max TUs)
double score = ((double)getBaseStats()->reactions * (double)getTimeUnits()) / (double)getBaseStats()->tu;
}

So yes indeed what you say is right. I always just assumed it was a simple addition.
And Yes having full TU and high reaction proves best in such cases.

Thanks for the correction -:)

@ Lion66six Demanding new Episode now ;D
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 13, 2016, 08:25:27 pm
Right next 2 episodes are officially released.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP19] - Thailand Thunder - https://youtu.be/51QiAlmOl80
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP20] - Decisions to be made - https://youtu.be/NKGURD1jYgA

I have already taken onboard some of the comments and feedback in this thread. Some may have already seen EP19 when I uploaded it as it was accidentally set to public rather than private. It can now be officially discussed :-)

I'm looking at recording a fresh episode or two over the weekend, so any additional comments regarding EP19 + 20, make them in the next few days. Lets see if we can get it done!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 13, 2016, 08:43:31 pm
Use military tactics :) You are fighting a enemy that outnumbers you.

To sweep a base:
 - establish a perimeter with your men
 - expand area under your control from one map end to another, so you have one line which you systematically move forward
 - never leave a area behind you unchecked, if in doubt mine a entrance/exit with a Proximity Grenade
 - use Motion Scanners before entering some were, there might still be aliens inside not moving so caution
 - Soldiers left alone will die, teamwork prevails

Fire from Incendiary Grenades burns 2 turn even on Alloy Ground, if the fire blocks the entire pathway aliens will move around (optimally in a set reaction ambush)
Auto Cannons and or Heavy Cannons might prove very useful, Autocanons have a bigger clip size and autofire, even though i personally mostly use the Snap shot on them.
Having researched the Alien Grenade is helpful, since you can pick those up from dead aliens in case a soldier runs out of ammo.

The rest is up to you.
One last tip -> Make a "New Battle" and use the advanced option "Confirm Fire Mode", it helps a lot figuring out were your soldier can move and what he can do.

Streamline your equipment a little bit, you lost a huge pile of stuff being stored at the skyranger.

EDIT: I give you a example what i mean with streamlining, check out the Inventory of Skyranger-1 in the attached savegame.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 14, 2016, 12:04:03 am
Lion66six, there are two weapons in the following month i strongly recommend you get.
 - Elerium Rocket
 - Scatter Lasers

Or else:
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 14, 2016, 03:33:09 pm
Oh LOLLOLOLOLOL!!!!..... That Alien Base mission was disaster (wont spoil it for anyone that hasn't seen ep19).

I think you need better teamwork/gear. For example you send Zyzyfer to area around Alien control room (which probable see's most activity), by himself- pew pew... his dead :(

Teamwork, you need to work in pears as a minimum (use leap-frog tactic if needed). Speaking of teamwork you need bigger team, personally I wouldn't attack alien base without at least 14 elite troops  in power armour- but in order to get elite troops you will need to stop them from dying, did I say POWER ARMOUR!!!
This is why I don't use tanks- personally only leave tanks lying around for base defense missions, any tank in a team means you aren't getting exp. for up to 1-4 rookies who have potential to be pro one day. (later use Avenger which gives much more troop slots to attack alien bases- this is where you can employ some tanks if u want as there is plenty of room).

Did I mention PA- I don't bother attacking Alien Bases without it- I'll just make do with hunting UFO's/doing terror missions (you need to increase scientist to at least 150 by now- what are you in March/April i think!?), you need science for better equipment- You're lucky it wasn't a Muton/Ethereal base.

Your overall wearing scrubs just wont cut it, you could attack the base again but expect heavy casualties. Train up 14 elite troops get PA. Then take down Alien bases. In the mean time milk the supply ships for resources.
I personally rush PA- with PA I'd say about 2/3-3/4 shots (in front armour), wont end in a death particularly as your troops get a bit of health (any serious wounds are healed with medi-kits), the soldier is restrained to the sickbay for a few days-weeks (but is not killed and his exp. continues to grow).
Of course the whole point is not to get your guys shot in first place- but sometimes no matter how careful one plays an ailen still gets through- so its nice relief when the guy in PA survives with some wounds (even better if unscratched).
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 14, 2016, 03:46:11 pm
Power Armor needs Alien Engineers to be unlocked. Two of them need to be interrogated, to be precise.

He is forced to successfully attack the base, or his research can not approach further at a specific point.
The Alien Base holds the Alien Reproduction, which is needed for the Alien Containment.

So no Power Armor for him. Alloy Vests are available to him.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 14, 2016, 03:54:20 pm
I usually follow the very large UFO with skyranger then take it out when it lands. I seem to find everything except Commanders on the larger UFOs (but I am playing a different mod- so this could be mod specific).
Albeit, I seem to remember doing same on vanilla (the only rank that was only found in Alien Basses was Commander).
I would imagine Alien Bases being a nightmare without PA.

edit: actually now you mentioned I think i too had to attack alien base with personal Armour for the alien reproduction for alien containment. I think i found food and entertainment on larger ufos but i still had to go in without PA for the containment prereq's
Yeah... suffered a few casualties...nightmare without PA.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 14, 2016, 03:56:30 pm
Aye that mission was a bit of a disaster.

You haven't take consideration of the research tree within the mod being played. With this mod you have to raid an alien base to get a particular research item, which then will allow you to unlock armour higher than alloy vests (aka personal armour / power armour etc). As a result I have to raid their base with either standard coveralls or alloy vests (30 armour at front).

I do agree that working in pairs of soldiers is the best way forward, I didn't do that so much on that game. Will take that onboard.

I'm starting to agree about the tanks, I might attack next time without the scouts. They are quite useful but then I can only take 12 men, so i have reduced firepower.

One of the other issues regarding the research tree is that I need the base item for laser weapons. I know there will be nasties arriving in the next few months that require lasers to be effectively taken down, as a result I really need that base in this month so I have research and manufacturing time for the next wave.

I agree about the scientists however I am keeping them low until the next tier of research is available, then I will get many more of them :-)

I'm considering going for the base tonight since my lady is out drinking with friends, will have the house to myself for a few hours.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 14, 2016, 04:19:40 pm
Aye that mission was a bit of a disaster.

You haven't take consideration of the research tree within the mod being played. With this mod you have to raid an alien base to get a particular research item, which then will allow you to unlock armour higher than alloy vests (aka personal armour / power armour etc). As a result I have to raid their base with either standard coveralls or alloy vests (30 armour at front).

I do agree that working in pairs of soldiers is the best way forward, I didn't do that so much on that game. Will take that onboard.

I'm starting to agree about the tanks, I might attack next time without the scouts. They are quite useful but then I can only take 12 men, so i have reduced firepower.

One of the other issues regarding the research tree is that I need the base item for laser weapons. I know there will be nasties arriving in the next few months that require lasers to be effectively taken down, as a result I really need that base in this month so I have research and manufacturing time for the next wave.

I agree about the scientists however I am keeping them low until the next tier of research is available, then I will get many more of them :-)

I'm considering going for the base tonight since my lady is out drinking with friends, will have the house to myself for a few hours.

I'd get the alloy vests then, seems at this point pillaging an alien base is in order. Alloy vests might mean the difference that a soldier gets badly wounded or is killed. Just have some medi-kits available to heal fatal wounds and the soldier can keep fighting.
Albeit some time spend in sickbay will be needed ( from memory i think the accuracy of wounded soldiers can drop to max of 25% so you can ignore the accuracy descriptors they are inaccurate), wounded soldiers are still good to go.

I can't wait too see your second attempt at raiding the base XDDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 14, 2016, 04:47:17 pm
I can't wait too see your second attempt at raiding the base XDDD

Lets hope its less lol and more pew pew, but only time will tell.

The other thing is I have 11 days left of March, I need that time to get the vests sorted so the second alien base attack is unlikely to happen in Episode 21 as I'm guessing there will be other stuff kicking off between now and then. I highly doubt it will be quiet on the UFO front. See what happens.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 16, 2016, 08:45:43 pm
Episode 21 is now up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP21] - We March Onwards - https://youtu.be/NRZkq9HSL5s
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 17, 2016, 02:01:38 am
Episode 21 is now up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP21] - We March Onwards - https://youtu.be/NRZkq9HSL5s

Tips for Terrorsites:
 - Do not let a Alien alive which has seen any of our units during debarking or psi attacks will happen
 - Reorder Your Mens position in the craft, Sniper in the back, Shotguns Rifle in the front or whatever you prefer.
 - Streamline equipment into role specific item sets.
 - Take additional Rocket Launchers, loaded with Large Rockets, can be used as 1 Shot - Drop Off, if you have Rookie soldiers, do not equip them with them, let them pic them up for 8 TU, you also need 2 TU to drop the empty launcher, but nearly any Rookie should be able to grab the loaded RL, run outside, kneel down, fire snapshot and drop empty RL. Make sure nothing is in his way while shooting though.
 - later ingame exchange Large Rockets against stronger Versions to wreak more havoc on turn 2 :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 17, 2016, 01:20:16 pm
Tips for Terrorsites:
 - Do not let a Alien alive which has seen any of our units during debarking or psi attacks will happen
 - Reorder Your Mens position in the craft, Sniper in the back, Shotguns Rifle in the front or whatever you prefer.
 - Streamline equipment into role specific item sets.
 - Take additional Rocket Launchers, loaded with Large Rockets, can be used as 1 Shot - Drop Off, if you have Rookie soldiers, do not equip them with them, let them pic them up for 8 TU, you also need 2 TU to drop the empty launcher, but nearly any Rookie should be able to grab the loaded RL, run outside, kneel down, fire snapshot and drop empty RL. Make sure nothing is in his way while shooting though.
 - later ingame exchange Large Rockets against stronger Versions to wreak more havoc on turn 2 :)

Thanks mate, thats some useful info. Will try that on the next terror mission and hopefully not get PSI attacked in the first turn! Strangely that guy has 6 kills now, was 2 of them his own colleagues? haha.

Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 17, 2016, 05:34:52 pm
Do you not worry about killing civies with such a rocket approach?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on October 17, 2016, 05:47:47 pm
If you take the snapshot from on the ramp and aim it at the ground just in front of the target, you can worry a tiny bit less about the rocket flying off into a crowd of civvies.  Or, since cyberdisks often float off the ground, the height lessens the blast at ground zero.  Even if you do catch a civvie in the blast, a dead cyberdisk is better than a live one flying off to kill more innocent bystanders or one exploding right next to a crowd after taking it down by armor piercing rounds.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 17, 2016, 05:55:00 pm
Do you not worry about killing civies with such a rocket approach?

What is more important your soldiers or civies?

I prefer my soldiers :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on October 17, 2016, 06:03:09 pm
Who cares about soldiers or civies?

What about all the property damage?! Those destroyed buildings are not gonna rebuild themselves... :P
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 17, 2016, 06:11:46 pm
Who cares about soldiers or civies?

What about all the property damage?! Those destroyed buildings are not gonna rebuild themselves... :P

I couldn't give a bigger shit about those poor collateral damages here and there :D Right?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 17, 2016, 06:35:52 pm
Good point, its not because I'm overly fond of humans but its more the negative scores as a result of me killing them.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on October 17, 2016, 06:45:08 pm
Who cares about soldiers or civies?

What about all the property damage?! Those destroyed buildings are not gonna rebuild themselves... :P

New mod idea: you play as the leader of a coalition of farmers, outraged at the X-Com project's blatant disregard for their personal property, building rapport within the agriculture community worldwide until you can storm X-Com HQ with tractors, pitchforks, torches, and old farm dogs.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 18, 2016, 04:50:05 am
Another disaster :(  The Minister of Defense should get fired over this. XDDD

You should invest in some Heavy Explosives for taking out buildings and cyberdisks. Make sure you pre-prime the HEs also.

I basically use x2 Grenadiers that carry x8 PRE-PRIMED Heavy Explosives each (x16 in total), and can always come back to transporter for more if needed. My scouts (that's every guy except my x1 launcher & x1 sniper), also carry x1 HE (or more if they are strong enough- don't prime those in-case scout getrs killed, otherwise they'll go BOOM!!!).

HEs are way more powerful than human grenades and any alien killed or affected by blast (even if not killed), will cause the throwing soldier also to gain firing accuracy (so good way to also train FA), but that's not the point the point is to clear buildings with them and kill aliens.
If you make a hole in those 10x10 (or whatever they are), buildings and throw the 2nd HE right in the middle of the square it will clear whole building (so with just two HEs one can clear the average building), easy and safe.

I am uploading a Terror Mission I did few weeks ago, I will post it when it is done (will take a few days with my Burkina Faso connection), So you can see how I do Terror mission (from memory I think I didn't loose a single trooper, albeit I might have had a few wounded guys that needed sickbay).
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 18, 2016, 10:09:23 am
Make sure you pre-prime the HEs also.

Very unsound idea. Once one of the guys dies all the HE's go off...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 18, 2016, 01:07:27 pm
Another disaster :(  The Minister of Defense should get fired over this. XDDD

You should invest in some Heavy Explosives for taking out buildings and cyberdisks. Make sure you pre-prime the HEs also.

I basically use x2 Grenadiers that carry x8 PRE-PRIMED Heavy Explosives each (x16 in total), and can always come back to transporter for more if needed. My scouts (that's every guy except my x1 launcher & x1 sniper), also carry x1 HE (or more if they are strong enough- don't prime those in-case scout getrs killed, otherwise they'll go BOOM!!!).

HEs are way more powerful than human grenades and any alien killed or affected by blast (even if not killed), will cause the throwing soldier also to gain firing accuracy (so good way to also train FA), but that's not the point the point is to clear buildings with them and kill aliens.
If you make a hole in those 10x10 (or whatever they are), buildings and throw the 2nd HE right in the middle of the square it will clear whole building (so with just two HEs one can clear the average building), easy and safe.

I am uploading a Terror Mission I did few weeks ago, I will post it when it is done (will take a few days with my Burkina Faso connection), So you can see how I do Terror mission (from memory I think I didn't loose a single trooper, albeit I might have had a few wounded guys that needed sickbay).

Hahah I agree, the Minister of Defense should be shot for that action!

Interesting idea about the HE's but I would be concerned about them getting killed and then as you mention, quite a bang! I would rather prime as I need them I think. Or perhaps I will try it with one of my men, and then make sure he is physically quite distant from the others. But then he will need a significant amount of strength to effectively get the HE where I need it. I would think strength of 50 ish would be needed for this role.

May experiment when / if I get the chance :-)

The other option is getting the alien grenades, as they have around the same power as HE's last time I checked but seem light weight in comparison. FA gained as a result of an HE is nice, if a bit strange.

Look forward to watching your terror mission, see this tactic as an example. Hope you continue to enjoy the series :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 18, 2016, 01:08:56 pm
Very unsound idea. Once one of the guys dies all the HE's go off...

Considering just isolating, the blast range is what about 8 or 9 squares? Also concerned about if they get panicked and have one in their hands. :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 18, 2016, 02:34:19 pm
Only your grenadiers have primed HEs (for scouts you never prime them). Grenadiers having good starting strength (basically your strongest guys are your launcher and grenadier), can throw well behind smoke screen so they should never be getting downed (I am currently playing campaign on ultra-violence difficulty using Awesome Gun mod, I think its around September and both of my original grenadiers (one now a scout), still are alive never been shot/wounded.

It is clear the defense Minister has been recruiting from Major League Baseball (when it comes to throwing and XCOM recruits). I prefer my x2 grenadiers to be 4 & 5 (or there abouts), out the transporter (in this way the first x3 scouts usually have spotted some targets for them), and the area near transported visually cleared. It also comes handy having them near front if some heavy's appear like cyberdiscs etc.

I did have the unfortunate incident when my new grenadier got panicked by psi Alien. He dropped his HE's (from hands), but dropping explosives doesn't make then explode till next turn.
My team scattered, and the poor chap blew himself up :(
MEH...would have got dishonorably discharged for being mentally weak anyways so no biggie.

As for alien grenades they are about 15% weaker and just don't seem to have the punch to clear buildings quite as well and one obviously has to research that tech prior to being able to use them. But yeah you could carry more of them so i guess it depends on preference (but 15% power is 15%).
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on October 18, 2016, 02:39:39 pm
Another option for terror units is the auto-cannon with incendiary rounds - assuming no extra resistance, each direct hit does an average of 28 armor-ignoring damage (7 for each tile), and won't trigger the disk's self-destruct, making it ideal for engaging at close range through smoke.  You won't have to worry as much about collateral damage, but you probably need two soldiers wielding them to ensure the 4-5 direct impacts necessary to fry the disk.  Kill it with fire!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 19, 2016, 01:27:03 pm
Next episode is up at :

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP22] - Cant think of a title - https://youtu.be/nVl26CKm1OY

:-) Enjoy!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 20, 2016, 09:17:48 am
Look forward to watching your terror mission, see this tactic as an example. Hope you continue to enjoy the series :-)
Here is that terror mission vs Mutons ->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTXeRspLgEc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTXeRspLgEc)
You can skip the first 4:30mins of video as i am equipping. Only thing worth noting is that I pre-prime all my smoke grenades and all the HEs on Grenadiers are pe-primed (this saves a lot of TUs during tactical play and makes your Grenadiers much more deadlier).

You can see how effective HEs are (particularly in clearing obstacles/buildings). Throwing distance isn't really a problems -> those Grenadiers are also new as my old Grenadiers leveled their FA fast, & I have just prior to this mission rotated them into scouts as they also both had near 60 reaction stat (as I favour reaction for all troopers apart from dedicated sniper/heavy gunner).

Old Grenadiers could pretty much throw across whole map (well to the point where you suffer the 4 square height clipping).


p.s. slow start for Xcom in Ep22 but I good ending when you took out that large cluster of Foaters. Heh was that your Missus shouting in background DINNER IS READY !!! XDDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 20, 2016, 12:28:32 pm
Thanks for the upload mate, I will have a watch later today (Lunch time!) and see what your style is all about.

Aye it was my fiancee shouting up to say tea is ready, which was great at the time as I was ravenous!

Next video should be up in a bit :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 20, 2016, 12:34:55 pm
Next episode is up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP23] - Bring it on! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJYZGltCM3s
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 21, 2016, 01:06:46 pm
Next episode is up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP23] - Bring it on! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJYZGltCM3s

I really enjoyed that you finally got some teamwork with your men going, keep up this good pace and the immenent death of X-Com will be postphoned :)

Fight for the Glory!
Fight for your Pride!
Fight for Humanity so that we will survive! :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 21, 2016, 02:47:39 pm
Ha thanks Hellrazor.

Trying my best, its just the world at stake haha!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 21, 2016, 02:56:22 pm
Enjoying this.
...I guess the blaster launcher guy (when you get one), ought to have poor reaction stat cause that was LOL. :(
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 21, 2016, 03:15:49 pm
Enjoying this.
...I guess the blaster launcher guy (when you get one), ought to have poor reaction stat cause that was LOL. :(

Haha aye. Was a bit annoyed with myself as I did actually think about that happening, and moved them back.

Gonna start using more proximity grenades I think for that kind of UFO :-)

Glad you are still enjoying the series mate.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 21, 2016, 04:02:50 pm
Set the mood a little bit with listing to: To this Playlist for good war music! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hcEuijXtDw&list=RD5hcEuijXtDw)
That will give you the mindset of those poor X-Com Soldiers dying for humankinds freedom.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 21, 2016, 04:18:23 pm
I try not to get too emotionally attached to my soldiers. They are just pixels after all. Puppets for my actions!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 21, 2016, 05:18:04 pm
Set the mood a little bit with listing to: To this Playlist for good war music! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hcEuijXtDw&list=RD5hcEuijXtDw)
That will give you the mindset of those poor X-Com Soldiers dying for humankinds freedom.
I always liked this -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5-JxQ4Qs_w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5-JxQ4Qs_w)


edit: Where is the next video its been a few days; having withdrawal symptoms. XXDDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 24, 2016, 09:41:23 pm
The next three episodes are now available for this lets play, links below:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP24] - Lets turn this around - https://youtu.be/hiaiBtXgbOE
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP25] - Action Stations - https://youtu.be/4weX1REHOr4
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP26] - Born in the USA - https://youtu.be/aoF-OK8HWX8
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 24, 2016, 09:41:43 pm
edit: Where is the next video its been a few days; having withdrawal symptoms. XXDDD

Ha, sorry mate :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 27, 2016, 06:34:09 pm
Way to go, enjoyed all 3 new parts.

Its time you go for the base ;)

Or else...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 27, 2016, 06:52:18 pm
Thanks mate, that might have already happened :-)

Will release it in a few days, or sooner if there is demand!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on October 27, 2016, 07:19:44 pm
I've started watching now that I don't have bandwidth issues anymore and great job so far (EP09)!

I just realized I never requested a soldier!  :-[ So Rookie Arthanor reporting for duty! (Ideally mid-field rifleman/SAW) but whatever you need most is fine too!

Thanks for the LP! I never got myself to submit to the punishment of Hardmode so it's great to see someone else's experience.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 27, 2016, 11:23:29 pm
I've started watching now that I don't have bandwidth issues anymore and great job so far (EP09)!

I just realized I never requested a soldier!  :-[ So Rookie Arthanor reporting for duty! (Ideally mid-field rifleman/SAW) but whatever you need most is fine too!

Thanks for the LP! I never got myself to submit to the punishment of Hardmode so it's great to see someone else's experience.

Glad you are enjoying it. I will get you in as a soldier around episode 29 as that is the next one to be recorded :-) Let me know how you find the rest of the series.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 28, 2016, 07:46:40 pm
Can't wait until you start interogating some alive Alien Engineers and Navigators. The next Month will then be a funny one to deal with :P
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 29, 2016, 11:48:16 pm
Next episode is up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP27] - Who is the commander - https://youtu.be/PAf12tqRrdU

Episode 28 is the base assault :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on October 30, 2016, 01:48:49 pm
Next episode is up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP27] - Who is the commander - https://youtu.be/PAf12tqRrdU

Episode 28 is the base assault :-)
Its nice to see you starting to use HEs, how ironic my guy equipped with them. It was a bit disappointing that I was overlooked for the promotion to Captain after I saved the day against that Chryssalid.

...anyways looking forward to you base raid (Alien bases tend to be LOL a lot of the time). :D
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 31, 2016, 10:14:04 am
Its nice to see you starting to use HEs, how ironic my guy equipped with them. It was a bit disappointing that I was overlooked for the promotion to Captain after I saved the day against that Chryssalid.

...anyways looking forward to you base raid (Alien bases tend to be LOL a lot of the time). :D

Jeah i am also looking forward to it, since he now has better equipment, better teamplay between his soldiers and experience in screwing up :P
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on October 31, 2016, 11:39:10 am
Jeah i am also looking forward to it, since he now has better equipment, better teamplay between his soldiers and experience in screwing up :P

Haha thanks mate :-)

Always good when you have people supporting you :-)

Very experienced at the last bit. Anyway, who wants the next episode? Only 13 views of episode 27 :(
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on October 31, 2016, 01:36:42 pm
Haha thanks mate :-)

Always good when you have people supporting you :-)

Very experienced at the last bit. Anyway, who wants the next episode? Only 13 views of episode 27 :(

How to improve your LP'ing:
 - Read out the research Topic (the UFOpaedia screens)
 - Proper Intro/Outro
 - Swearing :D

Watching a LP takes time, also it helps to set the right tags on the videos. So they are included to other videos over openxcom.

For the Screwups you so far had you are doing okish.
Get Lasers before June or you will really be in trouble!
But you already are Your next Terror Mission will probably a Snakemen one and you know what that means rights?
It would be a good idea to grab some incendiary grenades for blocking doorsways, pathways and such.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 03, 2016, 10:22:29 pm
Right, next episode is up:

Please find it right here.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP28] - Smack that base again - https://youtu.be/yCtsDPcyuNc

I'm sure much discussion will be had on this one after its been watched. Its a good one!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on November 04, 2016, 05:01:16 am
Oh man, what a rollercoaster of a base assault.  Establishing a great beachhead with rockets and proximity grenades, pushing out to eliminate resistance only to be slowly picked off, and then the desperate retreat.  Damn that was rough.

Alright, the tactical advice:
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on November 05, 2016, 10:50:57 am
LOL!!! Well as I said alien base raids are always LOL.  But was exiting episode nevertheless.

To add to what was already said:

1. Teamwork- stick together as already said- linking up the two x-com groups should be your first priority.

2. You should get in the habit of finishing your turn with any trooper on the front in smoke cover (this means all troopers excluding perhaps the sniper(s) and launcher/heavies should have minimum- one-to-two smoke grenade in his inventory). Too many times you end your turn with guys totally exposed & at times from multiple directions.

3. Vanilla its 20 turns (but your mod might be different), before aliens know your position. Albeit from my assaults on large ufos- whereby I tend to wait outside till most of the aliens come out after turn 20, i still get aliens not shooting when smoke between trooper and alien (albeit i might have to test this more but still good idea to get into habit of not leaving any trooper on front without smoke cover).

4. Never stand in front of elevators/lifts (even more when not under smoke protection- but just don't do it period), elevators are good locations for proximity grenades/HEs (you might want to prime your HEs to explode on turn 1 (instead of turn 0 ),  throw HEs then hide behind corner wait till alien turn, once the HE explodes rinse-repeat this way you can cover the lift indefinitely/until you run out of HEs- or just use prox grenades.

5. Don't rely on reaction fire- if you moved your guy- you can be he/she wont react (if he has poor reaction stats under 50 then forget about it). So really no point in leaving just enough time units for x1 snap shot in the hope of reaction fire because 99 out of 100 when that alien comes through your trooper's gonna get shot at first- albeit thing start turning to your favour somewhat once your reaction stats hit 100+.

Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 06, 2016, 11:27:40 pm
Thanks all for the comments. I'm starting to wonder if I can actually get this base, if it was even possible for me to get it.

With that in mind, i would like to set a challenge.

If anyone can beat that base using the men available from this saved game, then I will donate £20 to the openxcom fund.

Saved Game Link : https://pastebin.com/XpTb9vtE

Rules:
1) It has to be the next mission, no playing for another month and then going for it with better men.
2) It has to be recorded and uploaded to youtube. No breaks or splits etc during the mission. No save scrumming etc.
3) Hellrazor can't do it, since he is the beast at this mod. Or if he does, thats cool but won't trigger the donation.

This gives me a few things. A better understanding of how I could beat this base. The confidence to continue this lets play. Hellrazor some balancing consideration. As I see it at the moment, you have around 10 turns to kill all aliens before you get wiped out. Its turn 7 or 8 they became aware of where all my men where located, and started hammering me. Then downhill from there really!

Let me know if anyone accepts this challenge!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 07, 2016, 01:13:24 am
Thanks all for the comments. I'm starting to wonder if I can actually get this base, if it was even possible for me to get it.

It is totally doable. You need to be aggressive, the more enemies you kill, the faster they panic.

With that in mind, i would like to set a challenge.

If anyone can beat that base using the men available from this saved game, then I will donate £20 to the openxcom fund.

Saved Game Link : https://pastebin.com/XpTb9vtE

Rules:
1) It has to be the next mission, no playing for another month and then going for it with better men.
2) It has to be recorded and uploaded to youtube. No breaks or splits etc during the mission. No save scrumming etc.
3) Hellrazor can't do it, since he is the beast at this mod. Or if he does, thats cool but won't trigger the donation.

I could do that, but i just moved into my new apartment yesterday, still lacking proper internet and here are a lot of things todo. as you surely understand.

This gives me a few things. A better understanding of how I could beat this base. The confidence to continue this lets play. Hellrazor some balancing consideration. As I see it at the moment, you have around 10 turns to kill all aliens before you get wiped out. Its turn 7 or 8 they became aware of where all my men where located, and started hammering me. Then downhill from there really!

Let me know if anyone accepts this challenge!

I changed the cheatTurn for alien bases to 7 from 20. Cydonia is even funnier, since there cheatTurn is 0.
There have already been a lot of tips given to you, especially leaving your men exposed/visible to the enemy.
Loosing a couple of men isn't that big of a issue. You can always recover from that.

In close quarters rifles, shotguns supported be heavy canons or Autocannons are very good.
Reapers can be taken out by 3 shotgun shots with alloy ammo max, or 2 or 3 auto fires from rifles.
or proximity mines, incendiary grenades can safely blocks path for up to 2 turns. I wouldn't bother that much with explosives, like normal grenades or high explosives, your throwing is range is limited indoors anyway.

A good tactic, for example is to have firelines for your rocketeers, thats even possible in alien bases.
Your troop movements needs to be organic, X-com is like chess. At least i see it that way.
It is not only important how you move your troops in the current turn, but also what kind of option they will have in the next turn.

Why not wait a turn before storming a room until soldier 2 or 3 has arrived?
Pop into the room together, secure unmanned paths with proxies. Grenade relay helps a lot with that, but you are using instant grenades.

You also have motions scanners, you can gather a lot of information with 2 correctly positioned motion scans at the beginning of turn. knowing a reaper/cyberdisc approach is useful.

I might consider changing the cheatturn setting in the future, if people find it really to unbearable. On the other side its "Hardmode" for a reason :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 12, 2016, 04:14:40 pm
So anyone else other than Hellrazor taking up the challenge?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on November 12, 2016, 04:22:10 pm
So anyone else other than Hellrazor taking up the challenge?

I would, but I really can't at the moment. Maybe in 3-4 weeks.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 12, 2016, 04:23:18 pm
I would, but I really can't at the moment. Maybe in 3-4 weeks.

No worries :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Drasnighta on November 13, 2016, 12:20:01 am
I have no ability to record/upload to YouTube to verify, unfortunately... 

But with long nights with my toddler not sleeping, I've been playing it off and on...

...  I did managed to do it (3 survivors)...  But I doubt you'd be much comforted by the 18 failures that took on the way...  >.>
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 13, 2016, 01:27:24 am
Would anyone mind if i switched some equipment around for my try?
Mainly switching in some Rifles and Autocannons...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Dioxine on November 13, 2016, 08:59:35 am
I'll give it a shot. Won't record it, just for the hell of it - the supposedly "unbeatable" mission got my interest. It's Alien Base 2, right? I messed a bit with loadout, but only used what was already on the Skyranger (dropped some useless rifles in favour of OP shotguns). We'll see how it goes :)

EDIT: What a mission! In short, I failed. Got some turn 1-3 setbacks (Just 3 guys spawning on the second elevator - and thus getting wiped, Kjotleik first; Warboy mis-throwing a grenade and killing 2 guys), then it was a slow, slow grind, killed 23 enemies, it was going OK till like turn 16, when my numbers dwindled below 8 and I couldn't operate two squads to full capacity. The biggest problem was the lack of flares onboard, which meant a lot of cheap shots from the dark (I lost at least 6 people to that).

I cleared about half of the map. Secured extreme corners with my 2 thin 3-men squads, but had no one left to cover the middle (than unfortunate spawn of 3 men separated + warboy killing Niculinux and Riemaia). That wasn't the biggest problem - once I was down to 3, it's only a matter of a single mistake. Meridian, Lion and Max Damage fought well in the NE corner, with HC, shotgun and launcher. They died about turn 20, after Lion mishandled a security tower. Then Max died, but took assailant with him - had a primed HE charge. Meridian launchered another from point blank and was killed last, when trying to run. Lion avenged his death few turns later, when yet another Floater triggered his proxy trap.

About the same time the second group lost SupSuper to a Cyberdisc and was down to Warboy, Ivan and Maltloaf. They fought on for several turns more, before being blastered all at once.

Highlights included Ivan tanking a Cyberdisc salvo and Warboy dodging another from point-blank. But Ivan earlier face-tanked a Reaper attack :) And of course a ton of good work killing aliens, but that's rarely remembered :)

About enemies, yeah, Cyberediscs have a ton of HP and furry friends are reeel fast; but handling both is a matter of a proper formation. Also the aliens all have insane Reactions, never once did my soldiers react, even with half their TUs. But that's just Hardmode lore you need to learn before adjusting tactics. Out of 14, 1 dead from reaper, 1 from cyberdisc, 2 from Warboy, 3 from BLaster, 6 shots from the dark and one from a Floater actually outplaying me.

About weapons, autocannons, that I didn't have, maybe? Tons of raw damage, but I didn't need that kind of firepower. The one HC I had was pretty solid, the shotguns were great and the main weapon I used were grenades - Alien and proxies (no instant grenade bullshit ofc). Rocket launchers were quite useful, especially dispatching furry friends and clearing rooms; the fact that they're too weak to one-shot Cyberdiscs limits their usefulness. Rifles were completely useless, but it is to be expected when fighting in close quarters; I could use powerful SMGs instead. Autocannons would also be great if they had buckshot shells.

Armor is a joke, but at least it doesn't incur much penalties, so I guess it's fine.

Big problem was severe lack of trained personnel. Except for Warboy and Meridian, most of these men shouldn't be sent into a combat zone, much less on such a tough mission. Suprisingly lack of medkits wasn't an issue (only 3 wounded: Warboy, Meridian and Ivan, and only Ivan from enemy fire).

Oh yeah and it was my first time ever playing Hardmode :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 13, 2016, 12:51:54 pm
Would anyone mind if i switched some equipment around for my try?
Mainly switching in some Rifles and Autocannons...

Of course, go for it!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 13, 2016, 12:53:25 pm
I have no ability to record/upload to YouTube to verify, unfortunately... 

But with long nights with my toddler not sleeping, I've been playing it off and on...

...  I did managed to do it (3 survivors)...  But I doubt you'd be much comforted by the 18 failures that took on the way...  >.>

Jesus Christ.

So just to confirm, that was 18 mission attempts and they all failed. Then #19 and you won with 3 men left? Thats crazy stuff mate. Good job!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 13, 2016, 01:05:50 pm
I'll give it a shot. Won't record it, just for the hell of it - the supposedly "unbeatable" mission got my interest. It's Alien Base 2, right? I messed a bit with loadout, but only used what was already on the Skyranger (dropped some useless rifles in favour of OP shotguns). We'll see how it goes :)

EDIT: What a mission! In short, I failed. Got some turn 1-3 setbacks (Just 3 guys spawning on the second elevator - and thus getting wiped, Kjotleik first; Warboy mis-throwing a grenade and killing 2 guys), then it was a slow, slow grind, killed 23 enemies, it was going OK till like turn 16, when my numbers dwindled below 8 and I couldn't operate two squads to full capacity. The biggest problem was the lack of flares onboard, which meant a lot of cheap shots from the dark (I lost at least 6 people to that).

I cleared about half of the map. Secured extreme corners with my 2 thin 3-men squads, but had no one left to cover the middle (than unfortunate spawn of 3 men separated + warboy killing Niculinux and Riemaia). That wasn't the biggest problem - once I was down to 3, it's only a matter of a single mistake. Meridian, Lion and Max Damage fought well in the NE corner, with HC, shotgun and launcher. They died about turn 20, after Lion mishandled a security tower. Then Max died, but took assailant with him - had a primed HE charge. Meridian launchered another from point blank and was killed last, when trying to run. Lion avenged his death few turns later, when yet another Floater triggered his proxy trap.

About the same time the second group lost SupSuper to a Cyberdisc and was down to Warboy, Ivan and Maltloaf. They fought on for several turns more, before being blastered all at once.

Highlights included Ivan tanking a Cyberdisc salvo and Warboy dodging another from point-blank. But Ivan earlier face-tanked a Reaper attack :) And of course a ton of good work killing aliens, but that's rarely remembered :)

About enemies, yeah, Cyberediscs have a ton of HP and furry friends are reeel fast; but handling both is a matter of a proper formation. Also the aliens all have insane Reactions, never once did my soldiers react, even with half their TUs. But that's just Hardmode lore you need to learn before adjusting tactics. Out of 14, 1 dead from reaper, 1 from cyberdisc, 2 from Warboy, 3 from BLaster, 6 shots from the dark and one from a Floater actually outplaying me.

About weapons, autocannons, that I didn't have, maybe? Tons of raw damage, but I didn't need that kind of firepower. The one HC I had was pretty solid, the shotguns were great and the main weapon I used were grenades - Alien and proxies (no instant grenade bullshit ofc). Rocket launchers were quite useful, especially dispatching furry friends and clearing rooms; the fact that they're too weak to one-shot Cyberdiscs limits their usefulness. Rifles were completely useless, but it is to be expected when fighting in close quarters; I could use powerful SMGs instead. Autocannons would also be great if they had buckshot shells.

Armor is a joke, but at least it doesn't incur much penalties, so I guess it's fine.

Big problem was severe lack of trained personnel. Except for Warboy and Meridian, most of these men shouldn't be sent into a combat zone, much less on such a tough mission. Suprisingly lack of medkits wasn't an issue (only 3 wounded: Warboy, Meridian and Ivan, and only Ivan from enemy fire).

Oh yeah and it was my first time ever playing Hardmode :)

Wow, what a write up. Thanks for taking the time to have a crack and attack the base and see what happens. Shame it wasn't recorded as that would have made for one hell of a video.

Yes it was Base #2. No issues about swapping equipment out. If people want to order some Auto Cannons for the mission and then use them, go for it!

It sounds like you survived longer than my attempt (i think i was about turn 9!). Very interested in the tactics you used, so thanks for the detail on that. Its a shame I didn't have an experienced team for the assault, Operation Thailand Thunder in episode 19 took care of that haha!

Will use more electro flares if I attempt the base again. It seems a bit more key than i had expected. On the plus side, it looks like you enjoyed playing Hardmode :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 14, 2016, 09:37:16 am
Of course, go for it!

OK - Done, need to record it when i have time.
I switched in some Autocannons, produced some more Alloy Rifle Clips.
Current team configuration looks like this:
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 14, 2016, 09:39:21 am
More TeamLayout, i tried uploading to dropbox and link towards it, but it didn't work, so excuse the spam...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 14, 2016, 09:41:00 am
More Layout...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 14, 2016, 09:44:19 am
The last one.
As you can see I dropped all normal Large Rockets and only loaded up 10 Elerium Rockets.
The configuration may seem ankward but was the best i could come up with...
I will play it once i have time and also make a video for proof
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on November 15, 2016, 02:01:57 am
I dunno about this particular mod, but in other mods I've played rifles tend to be garbage. Is it viable to drop them altogether for auto cannons/shotguns!?  You'll be fighting in close quarters anyways.
I personally wouldn't bother with pistols/medkits (well maybe just limit it to x1 medikit), in this situation- you ain't got the armour & probably also lack the health since all you got left is a bunch of rookies. Instead use the room for auto cannons/shotguns, HEs. etc.
 
I'd also would personally take some Heavy Explosives (at least x1 per trooper for those that can carry the extra load), as you can still throw them a fair 10-15 squares (and further in those dark garden areas). Use them it tight spots- personally HEs always seem to get me out of tight spots & I tend to use them even on Base assaults.

Anyways looking forward to this (albeit personally I wouldn't dare assault alien bases until i got at least a semi-pro team)...this should be FUN XDDD
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 15, 2016, 02:29:07 am
The Rifles basically are a round about weapon in general. Do not forget that they have a damage upgrade and do 40 dam instead of the vanilla base damage. Very good for staying back and sniping, especially in close quarters.

I usually use Incendiary Grenades to block passages I can not somehow protect otherwise, the AI usually avoids the fire.
HE explosives do have more Power indeed, but alien grenades are lighter. I will record probably next weekend, even the Audio will be out of sync ( i only have a core 2 duo for recording   :-( ).
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on November 20, 2016, 08:19:55 pm
In general, rifles are a good skirmishing weapon, with decent close up damage but also the ability to reach out and hurt something further. In bases though, the distance over which you might need to reach something is severely limited so shotguns are generally better. You could use the soldiers who are usually snipers with rifles, so their retain their "sniper" role, but indoors sniper with more mobility and close range power with the autoshot.

Some HE is always good to have, it's kind of a FU card to play on the AI for many things. Cyberdisc gonna kill you, why not take him with you instead and kamikaze yourself with a high explosive. If you didn't use instant grenades, you could also throw it and retreat immediately around the corner, allowing your soldier to survive because the wall shields him from the explosion. You do need something to take care of cyberdiscs and it looks like rockets are not particularly good at it, on top of being rather difficult to move.

One thing I'm wondering though, having pretty much caught up on the LP, is why are you trying to assault Alien Base 2, which has floaters, reapers and cyberdiscs, when you could assault Alien Base 1 which only has floaters and reapers? That would get rid of the worst enemy, allow you to grab the tech and progress, then you could eventually go back in Alien Base 2 with more tech to kick their asses. Or did I misunderstand about the first base?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 20, 2016, 11:00:59 pm
One thing I'm wondering though, having pretty much caught up on the LP, is why are you trying to assault Alien Base 2, which has floaters, reapers and cyberdiscs, when you could assault Alien Base 1 which only has floaters and reapers? That would get rid of the worst enemy, allow you to grab the tech and progress, then you could eventually go back in Alien Base 2 with more tech to kick their asses. Or did I misunderstand about the first base?

Its a good question, I think I mentioned it once or twice during the LP. I wanted to leave base #1 around as its near my main base and real easy for milking the supply ships, whereas if you see where base #2 is, miles from any of my bases. That was the plan, but having said that if base #1 is easier .....
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on November 20, 2016, 11:14:06 pm
Ah! Yes, I remember you saying that. But given that base #2 is significantly harder (cyberdiscs in close quarter are a pain), I think the advantages are outweighed by the risks (If you don't get the tech, you'll eventually get sunk by harder aliens, and it seems like you need the tech to take out this base, so it's a bit of a catch 22: Need the base for tech, need tech for the base.

I'd suggest you just build a farming base real close to base #2 soon (with the money from looting base #1?). It'll be good to have something in Oceania any ways.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 20, 2016, 11:39:08 pm
Interesting observation, perhaps there is a difference between the two bases. Hellrazor would know for sure
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 20, 2016, 11:54:14 pm
Interesting observation, perhaps there is a difference between the two bases. Hellrazor would know for sure

Yes there is one. Base 1 is 100% Floaters, Reapers and some Silacoids.
Base 2 is a mix of Floaters, Sectoids, Reapers and Cyberdiscs.
The choice is obvious right?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 21, 2016, 01:04:11 am
So i've been an idiot and been going for the wrong base. Damn.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: R1dO on November 21, 2016, 01:26:56 am
No .. no ... not an idiot.

An entertaining LetsPlay commander who just needs to sack his intelligence officer ;)

Hope you will continue the LP.

and if you do ... i hereby want to enlist as the new battlefield intelligence rookie :)
If my forum name isn't suitable "silent R" will do (although the forum name gives a nice opportunity for incremental clone names)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on November 21, 2016, 05:27:33 am
So i've been an idiot and been going for the wrong base. Damn.

Or a dashingly brave officer with little regard for his men? Sounds rather British to me :P

Also I wholeheartedly agree with:
No .. no ... not an idiot.

An entertaining LetsPlay commander who just needs to sack his intelligence officer ;)

Hope you will continue the LP.

Especially the last part! You need to continue!

Quote
and if you do ... i hereby want to enlist as the new battlefield intelligence rookie :)

But unfortunately I just stepped up for this role :P There's plenty of other openings though! And I'm sure the next base assault will create a few more! (Might evendors be one to replace me.. ;) )

So, Lion66Six, have at it man! Don't let them aliens get the last word!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Kjotleik on November 21, 2016, 09:18:32 am
With that in mind, i would like to set a challenge.
If anyone can beat that base using the men available from this saved game, then I will donate £20 to the openxcom fund.

Rules:
1) It has to be the next mission, no playing for another month and then going for it with better men.
2) It has to be recorded and uploaded to youtube. No breaks or splits etc during the mission. No save scrumming etc.
3) Hellrazor can't do it, since he is the beast at this mod. Or if he does, thats cool but won't trigger the donation.

Let me know if anyone accepts this challenge!


I must admit I haven't had time to watch all the latest episodes of this playthrough (shame on me, I know). But I find it interesting that you made this a challenge. I'll accept (but don't expect me to actually win it...). If I can get my recording-software to function properly, I'll even try to record the attempt. If I do, I'll upload it to my currently dead youtube-channel (it's been neglected far too long, but at least nobody misses it).

Expecting a heavy loss, but I'll try to do my best to win it. I need to familiarize myself with the Hardmode Expansion first, though. I've just now downloaded and installed it. I re-named and opened your savegame (just to check if it worked at all). It did. I mean; it does. I went to Alien Base-2 (the one in Oceania) and played a couple of turns (just to see what it was like). I never got myself past the rooms below the elevators... Next time I go for Smoke and Explosives!

This week I'll start a new game on the mod to get a feel for how it plays. Then I'll return to your savegame (probably next Saturday/Sunday) and go on the mission. I'll upload my attempt during next week (when I can get myself around to do it). I'll make a new reply here to tell you when it's done.

I'll wait for the ship to get fully re-fueled, and then I'll take the mission straight away. I'll go watch your episode today (to see what you did when you tried).



Sincerely
Kjotleik
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 21, 2016, 10:14:52 am
In general, rifles are a good skirmishing weapon, with decent close up damage but also the ability to reach out and hurt something further. In bases though, the distance over which you might need to reach something is severely limited so shotguns are generally better. You could use the soldiers who are usually snipers with rifles, so their retain their "sniper" role, but indoors sniper with more mobility and close range power with the autoshot.

I would usually go dual, giving the guys Shotguns+Rifles. But since the team is not that experienced the roles need to be splitted.

Some HE is always good to have, it's kind of a FU card to play on the AI for many things. Cyberdisc gonna kill you, why not take him with you instead and kamikaze yourself with a high explosive. If you didn't use instant grenades, you could also throw it and retreat immediately around the corner, allowing your soldier to survive because the wall shields him from the explosion. You do need something to take care of cyberdiscs and it looks like rockets are not particularly good at it, on top of being rather difficult to move.

The Elerium Rocket (140 HE Damage) is basically a guaranteed 1 hit kill on normal Cyberdiscs and in my eyes a little more flexible then a HE, especially in the Range department. If you need to kamikaze, you already play the game wrong.
A Battlefield is a equilibrium, which you need to distort in a way a tsunami unfolds washing away your enemies, without you lifting your fingers.

One thing I'm wondering though, having pretty much caught up on the LP, is why are you trying to assault Alien Base 2, which has floaters, reapers and cyberdiscs, when you could assault Alien Base 1 which only has floaters and reapers? That would get rid of the worst enemy, allow you to grab the tech and progress, then you could eventually go back in Alien Base 2 with more tech to kick their asses. Or did I misunderstand about the first base?

I told him like a few times go for the initial base, because it is easier, but he insisted to slam his head against cyberdiscs in close quarter. Funny to watch, I am seriously doubting that at the current state he will be able to turn the game in general around. But we will see.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 21, 2016, 10:19:55 am
So, Lion66Six, have at it man! Don't let them aliens get the last word!

The last word the aliens will speak to him is the green plasma bolt cloud from the Mutons storming his command center and blasting him to shreds with a Plasma Shotgun.
They will hunt him, literally.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on November 21, 2016, 09:17:38 pm
I would usually go dual, giving the guys Shotguns+Rifles. But since the team is not that experienced the roles need to be splitted.
Yeah, that works, with the XAE I do something similar, but shotgun + pistol. A 25 range aim shot with pistols is usually far enough and having it in the quickslot/belt makes it a faster draw than from a backpack. But you buffed rifle damage so it might be worth it. It's good to have versatility, if your soldiers are strong enough.

Quote
The Elerium Rocket (140 HE Damage) is basically a guaranteed 1 hit kill on normal Cyberdiscs and in my eyes a little more flexible then a HE, especially in the Range department. If you need to kamikaze, you already play the game wrong.
A Battlefield is a equilibrium, which you need to distort in a way a tsunami unfolds washing away your enemies, without you lifting your fingers.
Didn't know about the elerium rockets, all I've seen in the LP so far are the large ones. If they are reliable, then yeah, superior to HE for sure. As for the poetry, it sounds nice, and indeed usually if you can start gathering momentum then things keep on going better, but XCom, and it seems especially true in this mod, has a way to suddenly throw you some curveball that takes that momentum away.

Quote
I told him like a few times go for the initial base, because it is easier, but he insisted to slam his head against cyberdiscs in close quarter. Funny to watch, I am seriously doubting that at the current state he will be able to turn the game in general around. But we will see.
Well, got some further prodding and now we'll see a change in strategy. I'm very much looking forward to more!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on November 23, 2016, 01:17:05 am
Quote
The Elerium Rocket (140 HE Damage)...
Nice :)
I already abuse the vanilla launcher in the current mod I am playing, only if I had this XDDDD.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 23, 2016, 08:26:34 pm
Thanks all,

Some very interesting comments made on this thread. Glad to see a few people have taken up the challenge. I look forward to seeing some youtube videos showing how well it went.

In terms of moving forward with the lets play, I have been doing some off camera stuff including DIY around the house and some wedding preparation stuff so not been actively playing. I do intend on playing some more base attack missions off camera to see if I can get some better skills at it, and then intend on having another attack at the base. This time I will be attacking base #1 instead and likely using the team from the USA. However they aren't very experienced, so will have to see how that pans out. It might be a few weeks before that happens.

In the meantime thanks for the extra comments, nice to hear others have enjoyed the series so far. Watch this space for more!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Kjotleik on November 26, 2016, 10:21:28 pm
Technical issues with editing, I'm afraid.

I did play the mission (and recorded it), but whenever I try to export the thing from my editing software (the free version of Lightworks) I only get an "Format Unsupported" error message.

I know I've exported from the program before, but now something apparantly has changed.
This means I won't be able to make any videos at all. Just uploading the raw footage without fixing the sound is not an option.

Will try to figure out what is wrong. But no promises.

Oh, and I lost the mission   :-[
It went reasonably well until around turn 10. I think the aliens can spot you at that point in Hardmode Expansion. That was a bit too much for the squad to handle, as it turned out.


Sincerely
Kjotleik
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 27, 2016, 12:36:26 am
Technical issues with editing, I'm afraid.

I did play the mission (and recorded it), but whenever I try to export the thing from my editing software (the free version of Lightworks) I only get an "Format Unsupported" error message.

I know I've exported from the program before, but now something apparantly has changed.
This means I won't be able to make any videos at all. Just uploading the raw footage without fixing the sound is not an option.

Will try to figure out what is wrong. But no promises.

Oh, and I lost the mission   :-[
It went reasonably well until around turn 10. I think the aliens can spot you at that point in Hardmode Expansion. That was a bit too much for the squad to handle, as it turned out.


Sincerely
Kjotleik

No worries, thanks for the info. Just released the next episode, might be of interest :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 27, 2016, 12:36:50 am
Next episode is out folks, a bit earlier than expected. Link below!

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP29] - Team Two Goes in, what comes out? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvLMTAv0oPA
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 27, 2016, 01:55:25 am
Next episode is out folks, a bit earlier than expected. Link below!

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP29] - Team Two Goes in, what comes out? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvLMTAv0oPA

Congratulations! A well deserved success, kinda. I hope you will manage the upcoming onslaught.
Some Field Medikits could really have helped, to reduce the wounded.

I must say that was a very nice tactic, to at last kill all the aliens in the base.
The loot will give you some nice and needed financial boost.
Just remember to keep at least 1 of each item for research.

The second alien base you have will generate you some incoming missions in the future, so having a team in that region can give some great financial benefits. Producing Laser Cannons is also a option to get some more money.

This will not be your last visit to a alien base in this game. Sometimes you just have to take them out.
I am just testing the turned map sets i made for them, so there will be a lot of more different map modules to fight in.
Hadn't had time to fix the so far found errors on them.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Kjotleik on November 27, 2016, 07:53:26 pm
No worries, thanks for the info. Just released the next episode, might be of interest :-)

Yes, that episode was interesting. A victory at an Alien Base is always welcome.

I look forward to your next adventure in Hardmode!
Go get those aliens! Save the Earth!


PS!
I did feel a bit embarrassed by my editing failure, though. So I spent the whole night up fixing the problem.
In the end I had to download another editor. This time I used the free version of DaVinci Resolve.

Since I have had no previous experience with this program, I had some difficulties in making the video the way I wanted it.
But I think I got it almost ok-ish in the end.

If anyone is interested in an hour long attempt, where I make a fool of myself by horrible tactics and bad command decisions... here is the video:

Because of the fact it is almost a year since I last tried to record anything, I had to re-familiarize myself with OBS Studio. I had a quarter of my brain occupied by technical issues, a half with trying to do commentary, and just a quarter left for gameplay decision-making. As we all know, men are not too capable of multi-tasking. I had several facepalm-moments in there, that I discovered when I watched the rendered video after making it...

But I had a blast making it, so I just uploaded it to YouTube anyways. If you watch it, I recommend jumping to about nine minutes in (prior to that there is just small-talk and equipping the squad).


EDIT: Reason: Removed info about mission-result to keep the suspense up until the end (thanks for the tip, Lion)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 27, 2016, 10:21:30 pm
Yes, that episode was interesting. A victory at an Alien Base is always welcome.

I look forward to your next adventure in Hardmode!
Go get those aliens! Save the Earth!


PS!
I did feel a bit embarrassed by my editing failure, though. So I spent the whole night up fixing the problem.
In the end I had to download another editor. This time I used the free version of DaVinci Resolve.

Since I have had no previous experience with this program, I had some difficulties in making the video the way I wanted it.
But I think I got it almost ok-ish in the end.

If anyone is interested in an hour long battle, where I make a fool of myself by horrible tactics and bad command decisions... here is the video:

Because of the fact it is almost a year since I last tried to record anything, I had to re-familiarize myself with OBS Studio. I had a quarter of my brain occupied by technical issues, a half with trying to do commentary, and just a quarter left for gameplay decision-making. As we all know, men are not too capable of multi-tasking. So it went the way it had to go. I had several facepalm-moments in there, that I discovered when I watched the rendered video after making it...

But I had a blast making it, so I just uploaded it to YouTube anyways. If you watch it, I recommend jumping to about nine minutes in (prior to that there is just small-talk and equipping the squad).

Thanks, as mentioned on your youtube video:

A very interesting attempt, entertaining to see and your commentary is quite fun to listen to. There was a few moments when you sounded a bit like father christmas with your hohoho! Glad you enjoyed recording it. Its quite a new experience to both play a video game and comment it on it at the same time. Perhaps in the future you will do a full lets play etc.

Look forward to some other entries for the above mentioned challenge. I'm happy to leave the challenge up for a few more months to see what happens :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Kjotleik on November 28, 2016, 07:54:29 am
I would suggest that you edit your post ...

Thanks for the tip.
Post edited to remove info about mission-result.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 28, 2016, 07:56:28 pm
Thanks for the tip.
Post edited to remove info about mission-result.

I so far didn't had the time to download and watch the your video. I hope that Lion66six will be able to finish the game.
I had a spare hour today so i made a small testsetup trying to win the Cydonia Mission. Oh Boy Oh Boy...Need to change CheatTurn to more reasonable value, since 0 is basically total death...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 28, 2016, 08:10:24 pm
I so far didn't had the time to download and watch the your video. I hope that Lion66six will be able to finish the game.
I had a spare hour today so i made a small testsetup trying to win the Cydonia Mission. Oh Boy Oh Boy...Need to change CheatTurn to more reasonable value, since 0 is basically total death...

Sounds like fun! I think? Perhaps some more tuning is in order haha
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Arthanor on November 28, 2016, 09:39:16 pm
Fun to watch maybe?

*LPer spends 30 minutes setting up the perfect team, you fast forward that, starts mission, everything gets MC'd and/or blows up T1, LPer swearing and watcher ROFL'ing ensues*

LP watchers are sadistic, you know? This makes it the perfect LP to watch :D Ivan's Piratez one was great for that too.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Kjotleik on November 29, 2016, 08:55:26 am
...Need to change CheatTurn to more reasonable value, since 0 is basically total death...

With psionics involved cheatTurn: 0 may be a bit too early.

I don't know how much work (coding etc) that would be involved, but if the aliens had two different psi-weapons at their disposal we could perhaps have it so weapon one had LOS requirement and weapon two has not (but with a new useFromTurn setting).

Perhaps the above is not possible. But it would solve the psionic problem with cheatTurn zero at Cydonia. I suppose.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 29, 2016, 11:05:26 am
Sounds like fun! I think? Perhaps some more tuning is in order haha

Yapp adjustments, especially for the Armor and Health values of Muton Elites and Muton Elite Guards.
The only reliable way to kill the Muton Elite Guards was Plasma Shotgun in the Face, which is kinda overpowered. Also makes most other weapons useless.

I changed those drastically, giving them all 125 HP as vanilla Mutons do have and adjusted Armor and Damage reduction. So they have now:
Code: [Select]
    frontArmor: 70
    sideArmor: 60
    rearArmor: 50
    underArmor: 50

For Soldiers and for Leaders:
Code: [Select]
    frontArmor: 80
    sideArmor: 70
    rearArmor: 60
    underArmor: 60
Plasma Damagereduction is 15%.

So they can now be all killed at least with all full Heavy Plasma Autofire.
They will still represent a challenge to fight against no doubt, but before that those were simply enemies you really could not fight against effectively, overpowered and overengineered :D
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 29, 2016, 04:09:47 pm
With psionics involved cheatTurn: 0 may be a bit too early.

I don't know how much work (coding etc) that would be involved, but if the aliens had two different psi-weapons at their disposal we could perhaps have it so weapon one had LOS requirement and weapon two has not (but with a new useFromTurn setting).

Perhaps the above is not possible. But it would solve the psionic problem with cheatTurn zero at Cydonia. I suppose.

You want to PSI Screen your troops before you go to cydonia.
I will probably set the cheatTurn to 2 or 3, so you can at least leave the entrances.
As soon as a alien see's your team you are suspectable to psi attacks anyway, cheatTurn doesn't take a place in this.
If you start with a alien seeing you on turn 1 you are also fucked :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 29, 2016, 08:01:48 pm
Next episode is out:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP30] - Time to decode that Data Slate! -  https://youtu.be/7E0pZiZlrpw
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 30, 2016, 11:01:08 am
Next episode is out:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP30] - Time to decode that Data Slate! -  https://youtu.be/7E0pZiZlrpw

You need to research and built the Alien Containment First :P
And capture at least 1 alive alien and interrogate it.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on November 30, 2016, 02:16:41 pm
Yep, its going to take a while. Lets hope the mutons don't arrive too soon!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on November 30, 2016, 02:20:37 pm
Yep, its going to take a while. Lets hope the mutons don't arrive too soon!

You should see occasional Mutons soon and after the occassional comes the wall :P The green Muton Wall.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 01, 2016, 09:06:04 am
Sounds like fun. Bring it on!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 01, 2016, 01:38:49 pm
Sounds like fun. Bring it on!

I was not able to watch the newest episode, since it do not have internet at home. But I am really looking forward to it.

Expect a new Version of the mod with a lot of Bugfixes within the next 3 weeks. You can check the so far applied fixes and changes here: https://github.com/hellrazor4223/hardmode-expansion/blob/master/CHANGELOG.TXT
I will not change any research related stuff for now, just fix some more minor bugs and probably update to the new globe model from the terrain pack (which will also include more Civilians and Armed Civilians on some Terrormission Terrains :) ).
The new Alien Base Map Modules will also be definitely in the new version, they have so far been tested successfully and the only thing left is to turn the asymmetric large alien gardens, which is a pain todo.
In the end Alien Bases will have a map pool of 91 maps including vanilla maps.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 01, 2016, 07:15:32 pm
Christ, a lot of changes over the last major release!

Thanks for this, keep it up mate. Its shaping upto being an awesome mod :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 03, 2016, 09:21:35 pm
Christ, a lot of changes over the last major release!

Thanks for this, keep it up mate. Its shaping upto being an awesome mod :-)

I noticed you kinda sounded a little bit frustrated at the end of the Video.
Is the mod creeping into you :D?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 04, 2016, 12:10:07 pm
Nah it was just a lot of admin work on that episode, thats all :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 05, 2016, 03:45:03 pm
Two new episodes are now live.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP31] - Into the darkness - https://youtu.be/WCK6anUfHwg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP32] - USA Team on top! - https://youtu.be/OntONjHggEw

Double Feature!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on December 05, 2016, 05:59:18 pm
Man, all those pre-primed proximity mines makes me nervous.  One soldier goes down from smoke inhalation or another panics with one in hand and you're in for a fun time!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 05, 2016, 07:04:36 pm
Man, all those pre-primed proximity mines makes me nervous.  One soldier goes down from smoke inhalation or another panics with one in hand and you're in for a fun time!

I'm just a man that likes a bit of drama!
I don't want to depend on them too much but they are very useful :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on December 05, 2016, 07:16:25 pm
I just started a new standard X-Com campaign, and boy is it fun to incorporate all the high-explosive fun.  I understand why pre-primed can make it much quicker, but I've been reminding myself to have patience when high-ex'ing farms :P  Also, I love your tactic of proxy mining the ufo door as soon as you see it, I've started doing that too to make breaching a easier.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 05, 2016, 07:37:44 pm
Aye that can work out quite well. The way I'm now seeing the proximity grenades now is that they can easily protect your troops from nasty surprises. A normal nasty surprise is an alien coming out of a door and shooting you if your reactions don't help. I've stopped depending on reactions wherever possible.

I do have a concern when I'm up against stronger aliens. You have alien grenades for the harder ones, or bigger rockets but not stronger proximity grenades. Perhaps a chance here for that, using alien alloys to make alloy proximity grenades, or Elerium for Elerium Proximity Grenades.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on December 05, 2016, 07:57:16 pm
Well, then proxy mines are just a warning that something's coming, and is probably a bit wounded.  Hide far enough around the corner of the UFO door or in deep enough cover it doesn't come looking for you, so you can pop it on your next turn!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 05, 2016, 08:39:43 pm
Two new episodes are now live.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP31] - Into the darkness - https://youtu.be/WCK6anUfHwg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP32] - USA Team on top! - https://youtu.be/OntONjHggEw

Double Feature!

Uhhhh looking forward to that!!! Just got my new Internet access at my new apartment today. Finally i am back online =)
The pre-primed proxy mines can backfire in a bad way.

Are there any suggestions so far what could be changed for future release?
I am still working on the new version, so everything I get now as feedback will probably be implemented.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 05, 2016, 11:06:23 pm
Uhhhh looking forward to that!!! Just got my new Internet access at my new apartment today. Finally i am back online =)
The pre-primed proxy mines can backfire in a bad way.

Are there any suggestions so far what could be changed for future release?
I am still working on the new version, so everything I get now as feedback will probably be implemented.

Welcome back. Life without proper internet sucks.

Feedback :
I do have a concern when I'm up against stronger aliens. You have alien grenades for the harder ones, or bigger rockets but not stronger proximity grenades. Perhaps a chance here for that, using alien alloys to make alloy proximity grenades, or Elerium for Elerium Proximity Grenades.

I will think about some others and let you know :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Drasnighta on December 06, 2016, 05:06:37 am
I have always been a fan of the "Pull-and-Run" Nuclear landmine....
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Starving Poet on December 06, 2016, 08:00:09 am
Just want to add I'm a fan of your proxies as well - I found myself using them in my last TFTD campaign as doorbells - they were unlikely to damage a lobsterman, but they let me know there was someone nearby.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 06, 2016, 04:50:23 pm
Welcome back. Life without proper internet sucks.

Feedback :
I do have a concern when I'm up against stronger aliens. You have alien grenades for the harder ones, or bigger rockets but not stronger proximity grenades. Perhaps a chance here for that, using alien alloys to make alloy proximity grenades, or Elerium for Elerium Proximity Grenades.

I will think about some others and let you know :-)

Well you also loose a lot of loot due to how you use the grenades.
Use a spotter, let your men still in smoke let shoot the spotted (with Rifle Snap or Autofire or Sniper Rifle), with draw the spotter back into the smoke screen to keep him save.

Using proxies works for now, but you need real teamplay within your team to survive Mutons and especially their Terrorunits.

I think you should turn of "Instant Grenades" and play normal :) Grenade relay is often very useful, it also limits the usefulness of grenades a little bit since you do not get direct results.
I usually use grenades as a weakening option on enemies I can not kill in the current turn. As I told you before, X-Com is like chess.

Also I really recommend burning turn 1 and debark completely on turn 2, your soldiers can run! (Alternate Movments Methods) They still can exit the Skyranger and can fire use this to your advantage.
My troops usually get clustered around the landing gear, thats a grenade magnet of course, but with smoke and killing all visible aliens nearby the chance of getting grenaded is really really low.
And you start turn 3 with all your men ready to shot (probably kneeled also), so your TU potential for killing is much much higher (more TU to shot).
I always do it like this and in 99% of cases it works and having a cleared landing zone free of enemies on your turn 2, will let you scout quicker on turn 3 and kill more.
Even on 60x60 maps with Drones/Tanks you can mostly clear the outside within maximum of 7 turns, you just need to see the aliens, know were they are, artillery can take care of them.

You really should at least try to repair the tanks at base, the can still be used for base defense (as long as they have ammo!).
I will add some upgrade options for Tanks, so a Tank Canon can be made in a tank Laser Cannon and then be equipped with HWP Alloy Armor and becoming a Alloy Tank/Laser Cannon (which can fire 2 3 shot bursts of a powerful Laserbeam (doing 100 Damage).
Currently you have to build a completely new Tank, but upgrading them seems the better and more cost effective way i think. I always ended up selling the initial tanks once ig got the Alloy Armored ones.

Ok long post :D
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 11, 2016, 06:58:10 pm
Next two episodes are up, links below:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP33] - Average deaths per mission is - https://youtu.be/_TZRv83vdiQ
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP34] - Green Wall time soon yes? - https://youtu.be/XemfJ937FH4

Let me know what you think :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 12, 2016, 03:06:01 pm
I really enjoyed the new episodes you uploaded yesterday evening.

And i noticed that you are going to run out of research, probably.
I will address this in next release and changing the dependencies of early game research.
The only research contained in the Alien Data Slate will then be the Laser Weapons and the Medikits.
I am thinking of making the Armor research totally independent, but being built on top of each other.
Possible Research Order:
 - Alien Alloys:
          - Alloy Ammo
          - Alloy Vest:
                   - Improved Interceptor:
                                   - Alloy HWP Armor:
                                            - Personal Armor

The idea behind this approach is that you start with big and clunky stuff like a craft and move to finer structures like Armor for Tanks and then to personal Armor.
Would be reasonable right?

So you could switch to full Alien Alloy Equipment, without the alien Data Slate.
Retaliators would also be earlier available and you could actually go and attempt to shoot down some Terrorships, even thou Retaliators need a Interceptor for Production.
So you can get better Equipment and have more Research available, Laser Weapons and Medikits would still require the Alien Data Slate.

I advise you to research the corpses of Snakeman and Chryssalids, you will need them to get access to medikits.
And yes a green wall is incoming, you will experience it this month, even thou it is not Mutons, you will see Mutons beginning of June.
So get the Lasers going!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 12, 2016, 04:11:48 pm
Glad you are enjoying the latest videos, particularly with the flash back to the previous episodes :-)

Aye research is becoming a bit of a problem, which i think isn't helping by the slow start on getting the alien data slate. The current delay is the alien containment, and then capturing some aliens, getting the language learnt, then decode the slate, get lasers, make the damn things and see where we go from there. I am concerned that its just not in time for the month of muton, and that I will have to adjust my tactics somewhat to handle them.

I like your updated research tree, it makes quite a bit of sense. At the moment I'm avoiding interceptors since they aren't effective for what I need, even small UFO's can take it out. Perhaps the improved one will be useful, will have to see. At 600k a month, its still pricey and has to bring in some benefit for it to be worth it. For now my tactic of taking them out even when its a night mission is being quite effective. I'm also enjoying being able to run 2 teams at the same time, might try and invest in a 3rd team. More loot = More money = Better / Faster Development = Save the world faster.

I didn't bother with an outro for the videos for now.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 12, 2016, 05:37:50 pm
Glad you are enjoying the latest videos, particularly with the flash back to the previous episodes :-)

Finally you made a proper intro, now also add a short good outro! Also reading the research articles is a good idea, some provide hints.

Aye research is becoming a bit of a problem, which i think isn't helping by the slow start on getting the alien data slate. The current delay is the alien containment, and then capturing some aliens, getting the language learnt, then decode the slate, get lasers, make the damn things and see where we go from there. I am concerned that its just not in time for the month of muton, and that I will have to adjust my tactics somewhat to handle them.

You will have to deal now with it somehow, but currently you have a lot of Snakeman incoming and I am assuming you now what they will have with them right?
The original UFOpaedia text for Chryssalids did state that they are slightly more vulnerable to explosives, which in vanilla was not the case, in Hardmode they actually are.
Ramp up Elerium Rockets, they can take care easily of some Claw and Charging problems ^^.

I like your updated research tree, it makes quite a bit of sense. At the moment I'm avoiding interceptors since they aren't effective for what I need, even small UFO's can take it out. Perhaps the improved one will be useful, will have to see. At 600k a month, its still pricey and has to bring in some benefit for it to be worth it. For now my tactic of taking them out even when its a night mission is being quite effective. I'm also enjoying being able to run 2 teams at the same time, might try and invest in a 3rd team. More loot = More money = Better / Faster Development = Save the world faster.

Retaliators (the Improved Interceptor) are pretty durable, they can go 1vs1 against all Very Small and Small UFO's.
Medium Sized ones will require two of them to safely shoot them down.
Large Ones need 3 or 4 of them.
Well Very Large Ones, you know the drill avoid shooting them down :D

A Retaliator only costs 300k per month in Rent, instead of the 600k.

I didn't bother with an outro for the videos for now.
You should! Definitely!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Cooper on December 15, 2016, 06:27:28 am
Is it still possible to sign up as a soldier?
I'm way behind, but I'll catch up!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 15, 2016, 12:31:39 pm
Is it still possible to sign up as a soldier?
I'm way behind, but I'll catch up!

Aye thats no problem. I'm only in May in game and the timescale could be upto about 15 months or so.
Do you want your forum name or another name?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Cooper on December 16, 2016, 06:19:55 pm
Aye thats no problem. I'm only in May in game and the timescale could be upto about 15 months or so.
Do you want your forum name or another name?
Nice! Just call me Cooper :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 16, 2016, 06:27:06 pm
Will do. I have some recordings planned this evening :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 17, 2016, 08:40:22 pm
Next episode is up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP35] - USA Flyby! - https://youtu.be/bo8nqKHY73Q

Cooper, you will be joining the team in episode 37. (EP36 is already recorded)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 20, 2016, 11:55:54 am
Next episode is up.

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP35] - USA Flyby! - https://youtu.be/bo8nqKHY73Q

Cooper, you will be joining the team in episode 37. (EP36 is already recorded)

Uhh that was a harsh experience, loosing nearly your complete team on that kinda easy mission, Abductor with Snakeman. Jeah its Snakeman Time!!
I will try to finish the last turned versions of the Alien Base AMps and then release a new Version before Christmas, mainly bugfixes and the early game research changes i mentioned before.
Maybe using the drones would help to have expendable units?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 20, 2016, 03:42:57 pm
Uhh that was a harsh experience, loosing nearly your complete team on that kinda easy mission, Abductor with Snakeman. Jeah its Snakeman Time!!
I will try to finish the last turned versions of the Alien Base AMps and then release a new Version before Christmas, mainly bugfixes and the early game research changes i mentioned before.
Maybe using the drones would help to have expendable units?

Erm, it was sectoids? Did you watch the right video mate :-) They cracked out their magic brain powers, which I haven't really experienced much yet (Thankfully!). Anyway I'm considering using a drone again, but the price point is quite high. 250k for it, or 75k for a recruit that can do about the same job and seems to survive around the same amount of time.

Either way, I agree losing most of the team wasn't really ideal :|
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 20, 2016, 04:43:04 pm
Erm, it was sectoids? Did you watch the right video mate :-) They cracked out their magic brain powers, which I haven't really experienced much yet (Thankfully!). Anyway I'm considering using a drone again, but the price point is quite high. 250k for it, or 75k for a recruit that can do about the same job and seems to survive around the same amount of time.

Either way, I agree losing most of the team wasn't really ideal :|

Oh right, it was Sectoids, my bad wasn't fully awake when watching. Brain Magic on the way.
If you replace your current Version of the Scout drone Mod with the one located here (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,4980.0.html), you will also have the option to repair the drones.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 21, 2016, 12:34:41 am
Oh right, it was Sectoids, my bad wasn't fully awake when watching. Brain Magic on the way.
If you replace your current Version of the Scout drone Mod with the one located here (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,4980.0.html), you will also have the option to repair the drones.

Thanks mate, have done :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 21, 2016, 12:34:59 am
Next episode is up. Episode 36!

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP36] - Playing in the dark forest! - https://youtu.be/f7y1beSuV-g
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 25, 2016, 07:29:37 pm
Happy Christmas you all!

Next episode is up :

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP37] - Polar Explorer! - https://youtu.be/X9WwkeHersE
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 25, 2016, 10:15:17 pm
Hallo, thanks for the new episodes.
I really enjoyed your sucessful mission against the sectoid labship. remember to keep an eye on the soldiers not being submitting to alien psi attacks. those will be really valuable. And this was not a infiltration mission, but a abduction mission.

Abduction missions offer you a great opportunity to capture Alien Medics, which are needed to unlock the psi amp later. which will be a great weapon against early and mid game enemies in the lategame.
lategame enemies have a very low weakness against psi attacks. ethereals will be totally immun against them, even thou ethereal soldier do have a very low suspectability against psi panic.

the lategame mutons can be mindcontrolled but you need 90+ psi str and skill, going for panic is a much safer option.

i am sorry to not have released the new version as i promised, i just had to many things to do (got caught up playing some stellaris, but got frustrated about the slowlyness)

one word of advise store up some small launcher and both ammo types, elerium bombs and stun bombs. small launcher does have a arcing shot in the mod and will replace your grenade launcher. it is actually one of the first alien weapons you will be able to unlock and use. great artillery support.

elerium bombs can also later be used to easily adept them for a hovertank as ammo. having a excellent terrainclearing weapon. and really research corpses or you do not get medikits.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 28, 2016, 07:33:32 pm
Hey Hellrazor,

No worries about the next version of the mod, quite enjoying the current version :-)

Just do in life what makes you happy, thats the key to being happy! If it takes you longer to release the new version, then so be it.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 28, 2016, 07:36:08 pm
Next episode is up :-)

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP38] - Plane Graveyard Action - https://youtu.be/EMBWSTTuS7c
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 29, 2016, 12:36:40 am
Double feature!

Had quite a bit of free time over the Christmas period, here is episode 39:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP39] - Another labship to my collection - https://youtu.be/XlNR7daFghQ
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 30, 2016, 07:17:02 pm
It seems that you finally managed to get a hold on your deadcount, at least you are now getting some veterans!
Thats very good, I am looking forward to the next Terrormission - next Squadwipe is incoming :D

Or maybe look up in the UFOpaedia on how to deal with Chryssalids.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 31, 2016, 08:57:24 pm
Hello Lion66six,

i finally managed to get OBS running properly.
I made a recording of a groundbattle, maybe worth a watch: https://youtu.be/Ybbmzqz0UVU
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on December 31, 2016, 09:33:11 pm
Hello Lion66six,

i finally managed to get OBS running properly.
I made a recording of a groundbattle, maybe worth a watch: https://youtu.be/Ybbmzqz0UVU

Will take a look in a bit, seems youtube is still processing the video at that link.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on December 31, 2016, 11:08:17 pm
Will take a look in a bit, seems youtube is still processing the video at that link.

Works now.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 01, 2017, 04:03:12 pm
Aye will take a look in a bit, doing some new year cleaning for once!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 01, 2017, 06:24:55 pm
Hello Lion66six,

i finally managed to get OBS running properly.
I made a recording of a groundbattle, maybe worth a watch: https://youtu.be/Ybbmzqz0UVU

Thanks mate, some interesting tactics used.

I particularly liked the use of fire to block the alien exits, meaning they couldn't get out of the top of the UFO and rain any damage down to your men.
Never really used medikits in the way you did there. Interesting use for them and I guess thats why you have been less than subtle mentioning about researching alien corpses. Its works well with your game style.

A good watch. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 02, 2017, 10:03:02 am
Thanks mate, some interesting tactics used.

I particularly liked the use of fire to block the alien exits, meaning they couldn't get out of the top of the UFO and rain any damage down to your men.
Never really used medikits in the way you did there. Interesting use for them and I guess thats why you have been less than subtle mentioning about researching alien corpses. Its works well with your game style.

A good watch. Thanks for sharing.

The medikits are used to refill the squaddie stamina. A soldier with 60 TU can normally move 15 tiles (for each tile 4 TU. 2 stamina), with running from alternate movement methods, its 20 tiles (for each tiles 3 TU and 3 stamina). So after 3 turns of constant running I actually move as far as 4 turns and am still able run & gun :D
Wearing Power Suits or Flying Suits supports such tactics, since they grant additional stamina.

The fire tactics is basically to prevent enemies from using exits or passageways, obviously it will also burn enemies on these tiles. Can also be used with great success even in close combat with melee only alien terror units, like reapers, chryssalids, muton Berserkers. It may lead to the alien having to run a big delay way around the fire, ending up with not enough TU's to attack you, which basically wastes his turn. Had a mission, were i had to do this to prevent two chryssalids charging and zombifying my snipers.

EDIT: I created my own thread for videos, and also maybe more future videos who knows: https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,5181.0.html
Sorry for intruding here. :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 02, 2017, 08:27:02 pm
EDIT: I created my own thread for videos, and also maybe more future videos who knows: https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,5181.0.html
Sorry for intruding here. :)

No worries :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 02, 2017, 08:27:15 pm
Next 2 episodes are up:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP40] - Bring on the artic circle fun! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nriiQVO0tCA
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP41] - Fun - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD3dWZ79JjU
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 02, 2017, 09:36:15 pm
Are you sure you wanna do a dustoff on a snakeman terrormission?
You need a Chryssalid corpse for Medikit research :P

Otherwise you are forever stuck on the crappy field medikits :P

EDIT: You know that Alien Base Three contains Snakeman?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on January 05, 2017, 08:22:44 am
Quote
i finally managed to get OBS running properly.
I made a recording of a groundbattle, maybe worth a watch: https://youtu.be/Ybbmzqz0UVU
Nice.
It's good to see how others do it. Man I just wished I had smoke machines available for the mod I am currently playing XDDD
I also never thought about using stims in that way- good idea.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 06, 2017, 03:35:05 am
Nice.
It's good to see how others do it. Man I just wished I had smoke machines available for the mod I am currently playing XDDD
I also never thought about using stims in that way- good idea.

I hope Lion66six will see this as a creative input to his so far used tactics. :)
Meanwhile i am adding more new stuff towards the Mod :)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 06, 2017, 03:43:32 pm
Aye it did help, quite interesting. Tonight is Friday, so should be able to get some new episodes out :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 06, 2017, 03:59:53 pm
Aye it did help, quite interesting. Tonight is Friday, so should be able to get some new episodes out :-)

Looking forward to it. Just testing the latest early game research changes.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 10, 2017, 08:14:15 pm
Next episode is online:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP42] - Muton for breakie! - https://youtu.be/MoOO6lp5xIE
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 11, 2017, 07:52:10 pm
Next episode is online:

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP42] - Muton for breakie! - https://youtu.be/MoOO6lp5xIE

Uhhhhh, really enjoyed how you smashed those Mutons, with a good exploding smack ^^.
Maybe Lasers would help.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 11, 2017, 08:12:04 pm
Thanks mate. They aren't to be messed with :-)

Next episode should be up tonight. Uploaded it a few days ago to find I put the wrong into on it hahaha. Ooops. Had to redo the intro, re-encode and then will upload again tonight.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 13, 2017, 12:17:19 am
New Episode is up :

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP43] - Africa Oasis - https://youtu.be/Y7-OTAdMDnQ
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 13, 2017, 01:30:25 am
New Episode is up :

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP43] - Africa Oasis - https://youtu.be/Y7-OTAdMDnQ

The video seems tobe the same as last one.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 13, 2017, 09:45:10 am
Damn you aren't wrong. Correct into, but didn't put the right files in. Damn.

Will remove and fix it :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 15, 2017, 07:36:15 pm
Fixed episode is up :-)

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP43] - Gotta catch them all - https://youtu.be/A6mnV0M1eFU
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 19, 2017, 04:05:47 pm
Fixed episode is up :-)

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP43] - Gotta catch them all - https://youtu.be/A6mnV0M1eFU

Finally found time to watch the new episode. It seems Lasers are in your reach, thats very good for you.
I advise to quickly research them, they will be needed.
For normal Medikits, you need also a Chryssalids Corpse. The only way to get it is to enter the Snakeman Base in North America.
Some small Tip, if you click on a Alien base, then on the Name of the Alien Base, you can rename it. Thats a OpenXcom feature, so you can better remind what race is in the alien base, it is always the same race as you encounter on supply ships.

For the Advanced Medikits, you will need Muton, Celatid and Muton Berserker Corpses researched and the Alien Data Core.
Alien Data Core, can be found on the biggest Ships the aliens have, the Battleships (no spoiler here), its a Item, pretty heavy in weight, but can be picked up by your soldier (Hit and Run possible)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Testbox360 on January 19, 2017, 06:48:29 pm
I'm here to enlist, Commander!

Rookie Testbox360 here, I will use any weapon, but I won't wear armor unless needed.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 21, 2017, 08:11:20 pm
Next 2 episodes are out :-)

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP44] - Rob the supply line! - https://youtu.be/tiatkuWXkZg
[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP45] - Tidying up - https://youtu.be/KrDMfrO7l7Q
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 21, 2017, 08:14:03 pm
I'm here to enlist, Commander!

Rookie Testbox360 here, I will use any weapon, but I won't wear armor unless needed.

Great stuff. You will be enlisted soon, but I have already recorded upto about episode 58 ... just late on my publishing!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 21, 2017, 08:14:41 pm
Some small Tip, if you click on a Alien base, then on the Name of the Alien Base, you can rename it. Thats a OpenXcom feature, so you can better remind what race is in the alien base, it is always the same race as you encounter on supply ships.

Awesome, thanks mate :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 21, 2017, 08:35:55 pm
A small tip who to stun.
In general all aliens outside UFO's can be killed because 95% of them will be soldiers.
You only need ranked alien, engineers, navigators, medics (leaders and commanders of course also) to unlock researches. Alien soldiers are worthless and can be used for shooting practice =).

Stunned aliens can wake up, walk around, pick up weapons and go and shoot you from behind.
I recommend researching mindprobes, to identify stunning targets.

EDIT: shame on you to let me die so pointlessly! I wanna die taking enemies with me in a glorious and big explosion!

EDIT2: No dustoffs anymore! You are missing the beauty of being mangled by Muton Berserkers!! Also you need Celatid corpses!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 21, 2017, 11:18:59 pm
EDIT: shame on you to let me die so pointlessly! I wanna die taking enemies with me in a glorious and big explosion!

Ha, aye. I was as disappointed as you when that happened. I'm always sad when I lose a man, but in that situation it was extra harsh.

EDIT2: No dustoffs anymore! You are missing the beauty of being mangled by Muton Berserkers!! Also you need Celatid corpses!

Maybe its a bit of an anti-climax but you have to admit. Even with lasers, that would have been painful! I have to think of the full war not just trying to win every possible battle.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 22, 2017, 03:57:22 am
Maybe its a bit of an anti-climax but you have to admit. Even with lasers, that would have been painful! I have to think of the full war not just trying to win every possible battle.

Indeed, even thou Scatter Lasers do kill them pretty reliable. Heavy Laser Sniper is also good.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on January 29, 2017, 09:25:23 am
No more new episodes?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 29, 2017, 06:59:34 pm
No more new episodes?

Aye sorry mate. What a slacker. Been enjoying playing them game too much and forgetting to process and then upload them. Essh.
Episode 45 is uploading, episode 46 is processing. Should have links in about 3 maybe 4 hours time :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on January 30, 2017, 09:32:15 am
Next episode is up :

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP46] - Operation Smackdown - https://youtu.be/PymkNqsbEiI

Hope you all enjoy :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 03, 2017, 03:01:03 am
Next episode is up :-)

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP47] - Smash the greenies from distance! - https://youtu.be/_oBMjSTwylg
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: ohartenstein23 on February 03, 2017, 04:48:01 pm
Damnit Meridian, watch your fire with that rocket launcher!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on February 03, 2017, 05:22:45 pm
Damnit Meridian, watch your fire with that rocket launcher!

Not again : (
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 03, 2017, 09:59:58 pm
Next episode is up :

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP48] - Supply Ships are easy right? - https://youtu.be/WAQGuweGGF4
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Wimples on February 05, 2017, 10:51:40 pm
Ouch.

Do you need new soldiers? You can add me. If I get to choose, a shotgun would be nice.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on February 07, 2017, 10:33:15 am
Dammit didn't had the time to watch the new episodes so far.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on February 07, 2017, 06:22:37 pm
Btw Lion66six, did you get your occasional green Base visit already? =)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on February 08, 2017, 11:15:43 am
I just noticed I haven't seen any base defense missions in your LP. In fact I have been playing xcom for about 2 years & having the same issue in my games. Which is a bit annoying since I have my bases set up for base defense. Do they actually work in openxcom!?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on February 08, 2017, 04:02:59 pm
I just noticed I haven't seen any base defense missions in your LP. In fact I have been playing xcom for about 2 years & having the same issue in my games. Which is a bit annoying since I have my bases set up for base defense. Do they actually work in openxcom!?

The with Base Attack missions from the Aliens is, they need to find your base first.
Once they do, they will send in a crew to attack you, usually the crew of a battleship.
So yes they do work.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Zyzyfer on February 09, 2017, 08:37:34 am
The with Base Attack missions from the Aliens is, they need to find your base first.
Once they do, they will send in a crew to attack you, usually the crew of a battleship.
So yes they do work.
Yeah I think it was like that in vanilla. With that said, I seem to remember having multiple base defense missions playing vanilla xcom even during a single campaign. Yet after multiple campaigns roughly 2 years of play since i discovered openxcom not a single base defense mission- and I am playing on the highest difficulty. 
Could be just dumb luck, hopefully not a bug with openxcom. Albeit there is the 'aggressive retaliation' option, might try it during next campaign & see what it does.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Wimples on February 09, 2017, 02:29:18 pm
It's probably dumb luck. I had one particularly nasty campaign where the Sectoids wanted to capture all of Asia and Europe in a year (4 infiltrations/bases in 8 months). I had loads of base attacks during that time. I pretty much fought nothing but Sectoids for 8 months. Lots of them. It was ugly.

I've also gone 12 months without a single one in other campaigns.

What aggressive retaliation does is randomly sends the aliens searching different places for your base. They may not get your main, but I've had several unfinished bases destroyed. One particular mission I had a general store with 4 laser HWPS vs a reptoid army in the lift next door. Hangars hadn't even finished. It forces you to change the way you build bases.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Kjotleik on February 09, 2017, 06:06:42 pm
...Yet after multiple campaigns roughly 2 years of play since i discovered openxcom not a single base defense mission- and I am playing on the highest difficulty. 
Could be just dumb luck, hopefully not a bug with openxcom.

My experience is the opposite: Shoot down UFOs in January, get Base Defence in February.
I don't remember getting one in January, so I don't know if that is even possible. But first week of February? Sure. Been there, done that, lost game... who can defend against Sectoids with mind-control in February?    >:( ;D   

Oh, I forgot about Meridian. He can defend against Sectoids with mind-control on January 1st...
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 11, 2017, 12:48:01 am
Ouch.

Do you need new soldiers? You can add me. If I get to choose, a shotgun would be nice.

Yep no worries. I have already recorded a few more episodes, so it might be a while before you join the active ranks of my soldiers.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 11, 2017, 12:50:34 am
No base visit yet, which is nice.

I have seen some UFO's doing what appears to be a search of my base, but so far they haven't found it or attacked it. I say they were doing a search, but as I don't have a HyperWave Decoder, they could have just been out for a slow sunday afternoon drive.

I don't know if it makes much difference but I don't actively attack UFO's and shoot them down, infact in my LP I haven't shot down a single UFO. I let them land naturally and take them from there. Perhaps my tactics are reducing the chance of retaliation.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 11, 2017, 12:52:16 am
Also finally, I haven't been able to get anymore episodes up for a while. Busy work schedule, a number of overnight trips away around the UK, some illness, now my fiancee is ill and I have a lot of wedding related stuff coming up soon, followed by the actual wedding and stuff.
Might be another few days before I can get some more episodes up.

On the plus side I'm off work all of next week, so should have time to process and upload some good ones. Thanks all for being patient :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on February 11, 2017, 07:01:57 am
No issue there =)
Everyone needs his time for normal live.

I hope you managed to get some Laser Canon production going, it will help with your finances greatly.
It requires a few Engineers thou, at least 200. Its best to higher a big number at the beginning of a month and let them run Laser Canons for the entire month.
Then you can focus on getting some Retaliators, they are able to even shoot down Terrorships, once you send 4 of them against one it is relatively save.

Also try to get a Sectoid Leader alive, you can easily research Psi Labs for screening. Helps a lot with recruiting.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 12, 2017, 08:40:36 pm
Next episode is up :-)

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP49] - Harsh times - https://youtu.be/dA-zyADx70U
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on February 12, 2017, 09:58:43 pm
Doesn't work for me... anyone else having problems?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 13, 2017, 12:14:34 am
Another one is up :-) [LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP50] - Winter is indeed coming - https://youtu.be/MTLn7UUaCNQ
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 13, 2017, 12:15:10 am
Doesn't work for me... anyone else having problems?

Just tried it again, and it seemed to work fine. What happens if you load the playlist and then goto that episode, does it work that way?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on February 13, 2017, 12:24:26 am
Just tried it again, and it seemed to work fine. What happens if you load the playlist and then goto that episode, does it work that way?

No, doesn't work that way either, just loading for a long time, eventually error (attached).
How long is it supposed to be? 23:53?
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 13, 2017, 12:29:40 am
No, doesn't work that way either, just loading for a long time, eventually error (attached).
How long is it supposed to be? 23:53?

Yep, try a different browser. Uploaded it the same as every other video. Really strange.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on February 13, 2017, 12:37:24 am
Yep, try a different browser. Uploaded it the same as every other video. Really strange.

Tried a different browser, and a different PC, not working for me... ep #50 works fine tho, so going to watch that instead.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Solarius Scorch on February 13, 2017, 12:50:17 am
Just checked, doesn't work for me either.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 13, 2017, 09:06:07 pm
Just checked, doesn't work for me either.

Damn, sorry lads. No idea why that is the case.

Try this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA-zyADx70U&feature=youtu.be

In the meantime, I will reloaded it again and see if that works.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on February 13, 2017, 09:29:25 pm
It works now.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on February 13, 2017, 10:24:05 pm
It works now.

Original link or new link?

If original great, if new then I need to update the main list.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Meridian on February 13, 2017, 11:20:21 pm
Both work.

https://youtu.be/dA-zyADx70U
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA-zyADx70U&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on February 14, 2017, 08:38:42 am
Confirming, links are working.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on March 15, 2017, 01:43:45 pm
Morning All,

Its nearly 30 days until my wedding, followed by a number of weeks in the sun afterwards. As a result I'm going to be putting this LP on hold until around the start of June. I already have a number of episodes recorded, but not edited up with intros and the like so I should be able to hit the ground running again in the summer :-)

Thanks all for your patience on this matter! In the meantime if anyone else wants to sign up for a solider, you got some time to do so haha :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: hellrazor on April 14, 2017, 09:12:40 pm
Congrats on your wedding!

Enjoy your honeymoon!

I was finally able to catch up with all your episodes on youtube some awesome fights there!
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: long6oarder on April 29, 2017, 01:17:14 am
Hello Richard!

I have been listening to your Let's Play for the past few months while I am at work. It's nice to have on in the background while I am doing the more menial tasks that are part of a desk job. :) Plus if something crazy happens I typically alt-tab and rewind.

Congratulations on getting married! I am also getting married in three weeks! I mentioned to my fiance that I was listening to another LP (since I went through Meridian's twice now), and she said, "MORE X-com?" Uhh, yes. MORE X-COM!

I had quite a good laugh at around 24 minutes into EP03 of your LP when WarBoy accidentally shot a rocket basically at his own feet and killed himself and three others.  LOL! The poor bastards!

If you are still recruiting, I'd love to join the ranks. If I may make requests, I would like a sniper, and if I somehow make it to the late game, I would like to wield a Plasma Blaster or a Scatter Laser. Those things are hot shit! My name is Long Boarder, and it can also be spelled "long6oarder" with a 6 instead of a 'b'.

I hope you are enjoying your new house and new marriage. Tell Socks and Apollo I said "Hi!".
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on August 06, 2017, 07:02:11 pm
Its been a while. Sorry about that, but EP51 is now up!

[LP]Hardmode Expansion [EP51] - Small ones can be a bi^ch - https://youtu.be/ZEhrFMNbLwg
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: Lion66six on August 06, 2017, 07:06:44 pm
Hello Richard!

I have been listening to your Let's Play for the past few months while I am at work. It's nice to have on in the background while I am doing the more menial tasks that are part of a desk job. :) Plus if something crazy happens I typically alt-tab and rewind.

Congratulations on getting married! I am also getting married in three weeks! I mentioned to my fiance that I was listening to another LP (since I went through Meridian's twice now), and she said, "MORE X-com?" Uhh, yes. MORE X-COM!

I had quite a good laugh at around 24 minutes into EP03 of your LP when WarBoy accidentally shot a rocket basically at his own feet and killed himself and three others.  LOL! The poor bastards!

If you are still recruiting, I'd love to join the ranks. If I may make requests, I would like a sniper, and if I somehow make it to the late game, I would like to wield a Plasma Blaster or a Scatter Laser. Those things are hot shit! My name is Long Boarder, and it can also be spelled "long6oarder" with a 6 instead of a 'b'.

I hope you are enjoying your new house and new marriage. Tell Socks and Apollo I said "Hi!".

Sorry for the late reply. Great to hear you are also getting married. Remember happy wife, happy life!

I told my cats you said hello, they looked and meowed as per standard so I think thats message understood. The recordings are into mid game now, so you will be joining the ranks in a while. Will see what i can do regarding a sniper position coming up :-)
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: The Reaver of Darkness on August 07, 2017, 06:44:24 pm
You can hire me on to recover your losses. I won't promise I'm a good soldier, but you can stick me on the front lines.
Title: Re: [LP]Hardmode Expansion - Glory or death! (Likely much of both)
Post by: long6oarder on August 08, 2017, 10:42:24 pm
Sorry for the late reply. Great to hear you are also getting married. Remember happy wife, happy life!

I told my cats you said hello, they looked and meowed as per standard so I think thats message understood. The recordings are into mid game now, so you will be joining the ranks in a while. Will see what i can do regarding a sniper position coming up :-)

No worries on the long reply. :) Glad to see that you're back! Thanks for accepting my enlistment application!