OpenXcom Forum

OpenXcom => Playthroughs => Topic started by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:41:20 am

Title: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:41:20 am
I am going to play X-Com Files on superhuman and somewhat ironmanish. I will have backups and revert if I manage to missclick or do something very stupid.

Starting off: I have built my first base in Svalbard, but I will pretend they are on Franz Josef Land. According to our good soldier Ċ vejk Austro-Hungary wanted to have some colonies too, but somebody had already taken all the good spots, so they started a colony there that freezes next winter. In reality the archipelago was found by an Austrian polar expedition.

Anyway, it should give me good range to most of the North Hemisphere and (hopefully) Osprey range to the Church of Dagon HQ, and all others. Second base will probably be in South Africa, or South America, or some Antarctica spot. Third will be somewhere in the Far East.

EDIT: Lets add some house rules. Number 1 is from the beginning, next ones will be noted from when they take effect. Number 2 and 3 are introduced in https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg146973.html#msg146973 (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg146973.html#msg146973), but also are in effect since the beginning.

House Rules:
1. No armed grenades in inventory, except in hand. Does not apply to flares, flashlights and similar stuff that doesn't go boom. (EDIT: I know that there is an options to make grenades still go boom in inventory, but I prefer to have a little room for mistakes.)
2. Also all "Fuck it" last minute before leaving shots are mandatory. Unless the ammo is extremely expensive or other lame reason.
3. All missions  that can be attempted must be attempted unless there are serious reasons not to. Like lack of agents or no egress available on a tough mission. Being horribly outnumbered and having no chance of success are not serious reasons. At least most of the time. Doesn't apply to suicide interceptions of course.

EDIT: Let's add some trivia too.
1. The superman in the title IS a typo, I wanted to write superhuman, but oh well, I will not change it.

EDIT: Let's add some description of the starting weapons. And lets do it just as they get thrown out.
https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130961.html#msg130961 (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130961.html#msg130961)

EDIT: Notes:
1. The X-COM turn number x will usually be mixed with the Enemy turn x-1. I.e. the first half of the picture is enemy turn then x-1 we start X-COM turn x. That will not be the case all the time, but I made a habit of doing it that way.

EDIT: I will divide the story in BOOKS and Chapters. These will be determined by some huge upgrade to our equipment or stage of the game. My perspective, not just the promotions.

BOOK I : Newborn-COM (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130171.html#msg130171)
Chapter 1: The Age of the Pump-action Shotgun and some pistols. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130171.html#msg130171)
Chapter 2. The Epoch of the Kevlar Vest. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130306.html#msg130306)

BOOK II: Toddler-COM (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130962.html#msg130962)
Chapter 3: The age of the Shotgun shotgun, Magnum and Desert Eagle (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130962.html#msg130962)
Chapter 4: The Age of the Double Barreled Shotgun (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg131281.html#msg131281)
Chapter 5: The age of HUMVEES and Beaches! (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg131486.html#msg131486)
Chapter 6: The age of DA HELIKOPTA! (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg131691.html#msg131691)
Chapter 7: The age of the DOG! (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg131880.html#msg131880)
Chapter 8: The age of the Smoke Grenade, PSG snipers and M-14. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg132205.html#msg132205)

BOOK III: Childhood (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg132439.html#msg132439)
Chapter 9: The epoch of the Armored Vest. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg132439.html#msg132439)
Chapter 10. Terminator 1. The rise of the Scout Drones. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg132460.html#msg132460)
Chapter 11. Terminator 1. The rise of the Scout Drones. Cancelled. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg132973.html#msg132973)
Chapter 12. The age of the Knockout Grenade, Dart rifles and pistols, THE HEAVY TASER and Dog Durathread vests. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg133553.html#msg133553)
Chapter 13. The age of the BlackOps stuff. Well some of it. BlackOps Sniper Rifle and maybe pistol too. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg133841.html#msg133841)
Chapter 14: Terminator 1. The terror of the Scout Drones. Relaunched! (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg134028.html#msg134028)
Chapter 15: The Long Silence when nothing happened. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg134387.html#msg134387)
Chapter 16: The Return of the Playthrough. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg146031.html#msg146031)
Chapter 17: The age of the Dragonfly. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg146277.html#msg146277)
First UFO Catch of the day, uhm, year or two (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg146390.html#msg146390)
Chapter 18: The Age of the UAC Pistol and UAC Rocket Launcher. Some UAC Rifles too. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg146782.html#msg146782)
Chapter 19: The Age of the 007. Spypistols and CAWS too. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg147174.html#msg147174)

BOOK IV: Adolescence (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg147344.html#msg147344)
Chapter 20: The Epoch of the Osprey. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg147344.html#msg147344)



EDIT: The list of Ironmanish moments. (I.e. cases where I did reload for some reason.) TBD

The list of outright outrageous cheatings.
1. Giving Survivor Commendation for a failed mission. I felt that it was in the spirit of the commendation. link (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg132618.html#msg132618). Aaand, she died on the next missions. Survivors do not survive for long here.

EDIT:
This playthrough isn't intended to be a full blown tutorial, but here are some tips and tricks:
1. Running and Strafing. Pressing Ctrl while moving will move the Agent faster at the expense of more Energy. If you move just one tile, though it will be treated as strafing, i.e. the agent will move without changing direction, but it will take more TUs.
You may need to enable the option Alternative Move methods in the settings.
2. Pressing Alt will show the direction in which all known units are facing. Any unit detected by Mottion Scanner only will be shown with a smaller arrow pointing down.
This is useful in night combat as well or if a unit is vissible, but his tile is not explored.
3. The game has Night vision for the night missions. Press and hold Space to show it or press Scroll Lock to toggle it. It is purely cosmetic and allows you to see better what is going on in night missions.
I have found that the default key bindings are not good and have changed it such that Spacebar toggles between normal and night vission. You can also change the color of night vision.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:58:14 am
BOOK I: Newborn-COM
Chapter 1: The Age of the Pump-action Shotgun and some pistols.


For starting weapons I will use the Pump Action Shotgun until I get the normal one and for pistols it will be Colt (for 30 dmg) and Glocks (for training and good fire rate, might replace it with Beretta though.). And of course we research Logistics. And I decide to build a second gym to train more agents for the future.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 12:09:43 pm
And our first mission pops up, I haven't even got my guns yet.

A few moments later ...

And here is our team. Armed to the teeth. Very small teeth.
Also if Mulder or Scully gets killed I will rename some other agents. They are like Persian immortals in 300.

EDIT:Or the 300s themselves, since they were the Spartan Kings bodyguards and replaced as needed..
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 01:02:46 pm
How to do Strange Creature deer hunt.

Follow these 3 steps and you too can impress the ladies with your mad X-Com-poth skillz.

Step 1. Clear the landing zone.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 01:20:17 pm
OK, we will show these Shamblers a trick or two next time, M'KEY.

Score: 0
Rating: Sufficient

Even the council feels moderately indifferent about our performance.

In other news this is sufficient for our agents to jump rank to Senior Agent.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 01:29:19 pm
We finally get that vaunted Logistics, so we can concentrate on getting some Bio Labs maybe.

And we get agents Number 7-10, so they could too start training.

And Murder decides to impress us with his majestic designated drunk driver skillz so we had to quietly dispose of his car. Next episode he is driving a Van.

EDIT: Murder is misspelled Mulder. Let's hope he justifies it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 01:34:28 pm
Somebody else gets to the crops. Damn, they smoked all the pot too. The council is unhappy, they just used their last reefer.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 pm
Belay that. Scully's gonna drive the Van, Mulder will show mad shooting skillz instead.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 02:49:09 pm
Ahem.

How to do Strange Creature deer hunt.

Follow these 3 steps and you too can impress the ladies with your mad X-Com-poth skillz.

Step 1. Clear the landing zone.

Step 2. Meet superior force.
Step 2. (and a half) Get a rookie killed. MANDATORY

Step 3. GTFO, GTFO, GTFO!

Like a PRO!  8)

1 goes before 2, so -52 should be a legendary score. X-Com:Aliens 0:2. We will settle it in the second half.

EDIT: It would have been cool to keep a picture before Kozan got killed with a little speech bubble "Watch this!" near his head. Aaah, missed opportunities.
EDIT2: These monsters are modelled after the spikeboar from Diablo and have ranged attacks. They are amongst the few enemies on this type of missions to actually be dangerous.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 06:41:08 pm
Forget about Medicine and Bio Labs, we need Kevlar, pronto.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 06:49:44 pm
In other news, some wild UFO appears over Europe. The B team decides to go cracking. Red Shirts at ready.

EDIT: And as I was typing the above, they decide to come visit Franz Joseph land for some polar bear shots. What a coincidence.

I decide to chicken out and wait for the dawn. Then I realized, that it is winter so the dawn wlll come in a few months. They slip this time. Ha, what is the matter aliens, chicken?

But next time, ooooh next time, we will have Ospreys and MIG-31s and Rookies galore. They don't stand a chance.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 07:02:42 pm
UFO-2 Shows up. So Franz Joseph Land counts as Arctic and all the first month aliens will show up in the Arctic. In winter. In the dark. We might have a chance if the Van is near the edge of the map.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 07:03:43 pm
Yeah, run from Berettas.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:24:44 pm
Two mission pop up at the same time.

Dagonist Aprihension and Cattle Mutilation. Coincidence!? I don't think so.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:35:13 pm
So I took pictures of the crew, but I forgot what mission it is. I think it is the aprihension.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:41:20 pm
OK, I forgot it is night too, so we will have to pick up some flares and toss them around.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 31, 2020, 11:45:16 pm
First victim, nobody has TU to shoot yet though. He is armed with Crossbow too, and that is reasonably accurate weapon, so he will get smoked. We will ask some questions to his buddies though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 12:06:47 am
Our very first pet cultist. The agents stop by to phone the Intelligence officer to prep the interrogation room.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 12:21:45 am
Some reaction fire later. The last enemy has a light pistol so may be I will not even try to capture him. Some more reaction fire training for the boys.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 12:29:07 am
And he died from the next shot :(

Can't they live longer, our agents are like cats, they need to play with them a bit.

Dana is now a captain.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 12:41:06 am
We arrive at the cattle mutilation site in India (or Pakistan) and immediately find out that they had butchered their cow for some beef.

Aliens!

Also these farmers have pump action shotguns that could easily kill us.

Who said Kevlar, and where could I get some? Asking for a friend.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 12:57:49 am
One down, thousands to go! (Well actually only 2.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 01:09:24 am
Well, we handled them.

NOTE This also involves the first Ironman-ish moment. I forgot to place the rookie in front of Dana, so she bit the shotgun instead. In the replay the farmer forgot to shoot though. Sad. No rookie blood for the rookie blood god.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 01:16:21 am
The last farmer managed to punch Dana though. Bad manners.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 01:18:38 am
And the MiBs steal the pot again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 01:22:03 am
Stay tuned for another Cult Apprehension, this time the Red Dawn in Istanbul.

But it is already 1:30.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 11:15:59 am
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 11:31:37 am
And the greeting comitee is here. Lets fill them with shotgun and electricity.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 11:44:41 am
JUST AS PLANNED !!!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 12:02:03 pm
The mission was a resounding success!

BLOOD FOR THE ROOKIE BLOOD GOD!

Not shown: How the upper agent got batted in the face and I did redo some of it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 01, 2020, 11:57:43 pm
Next episode, another Cult Aprihension.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 02, 2020, 12:55:45 pm
This is fun, please continue. :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 01:06:58 am
This is fun, please continue. :)

Yeah, I will try. :)

We interrupt the X-com files for a regularly scheduled ad. Visit this site for nice cheap Leather Coats, only slightly worn. No returns. Those are not bullet holes, it is the latest fashion.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 01:23:04 am
Back to the team. The 0 at the end denotes original member.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 07:55:02 am
Looks clear to me.

The only thing I miss from Windows is Paint. GIMP also works, but everything takes like 5 clicks more and it doesn't have that cheap stylish Paint look.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 08:47:47 am
Lets approach slowly and fill them with taser. Those kids make nice buck on the organ market.

Edit: The Avatar below should have been Advent. I might fix it one day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 08:54:24 am
Piotrowski has a solid polish head and can take more than that. I won't even need the Van medikit. The other enemy has throwing knifes though and will probably bite the bullet shotgun pellet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:01:06 am
Let's do some reaction fire training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:06:26 am
OK, two reaction fire shotgun shots, then a wild Karate kid with a gun shows up.

Bagheri stops a bullet with his head for no wounds. Even Piotrowski is impressed.

Aren't these illegal or out of fashion for Black Lotusians?
We shall teach him a lesson he will never remember (bullets tend to do that)!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:11:03 am
Another Black Lotusian down. I might get no captives here.

I leave the back line for reaction fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:15:46 am
Mop up. Let's hope the bleeding one will not die at the end of turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:21:28 am
The mission is a resounding failure. No rookies were sacrificed at the altar of the rookie blood god.  ;)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:31:17 am
A wild UFO appears in Novaya Zemlya. Sadly UFO Hunter Van is returning from a non-UFO mission, Sculy's Van should suffice. She is currently on vacation trying various Leather Coats and Mulder has a mild hangover from Mr. Baseball Bat.

4 Rokkies with the best accuracy will try to catch the UFO in vain, it will probably fly off before they get to it.

EDIT: Yep.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:43:05 am
Relative prices for organ "donation". As you can see Farmers are the best, because of ecological life and regular exercise in the garden local pub. Blacklotusians come next with regular exercise with the stun baton. Red Dawnies and Dagonists take too much drugs to be of use to anyone but the poorest and most desperate.

Sadly, the Intelligence Officer is way too enthusiastic and interogated subjects expire before we could extract their spleens. Saves on catering, though.

If you wander why those Wads of Cash are still in inventory, none of our researchers had the time to open one and check what is inside. The "Wad of Cash" labels gives us some ideas but we haven't scientifically proven anything yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:49:42 am
It is our Pot, don't touch it MiBs, grow your own weed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:58:43 am
The team rides on.

Mr. Skandalis looks impressive. Ready for a "skandaw", we hired him from some yellow newspaper.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:04:59 am
Knocked 1.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:09:36 am
How to be a world class flare thrower. Follow these 3 steps and you too can impress the ladies with your impressive misses.

Note to self: throw grenades before exhausting anyone's time units.

Skandalis also takes notes. Says will post them on Agentbook.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:17:37 am
JUST AS PLANNED!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:23:07 am
Not pictured: The farmer took a reaction fire from a Glock. No effect. Rookie gets punched in face. No effect either.

The girls will catch up and only the guy with axe is left. Good organ material. We will be out of prison cells, I need to build a new prison.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:27:30 am
And Scully finishes him off. What scull!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:30:15 am
The new prison starts up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:33:04 am
Let's fail to catch this one, too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:36:13 am
Wait, aren't we a United Nations something. Why would a government not know about us? They throw money at us.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:40:34 am
They slip away, but only momentarily. We will drive through the north pole.

Off to the races.

In other news another Cult Aprihension pops up in Belo Horizonte.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:53:47 am
Crap, they slip away. We only needed a few weeks more and we would have caught them. I blame the snowvan.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 10:57:09 am
And the first month is off. Our rating is only poor, but we still impress Russia and India, and that is good. Brazil is unhappy with our inability to drive to there. May be I should by a Car for there, since it is marginally faster than a Van and 2 agents can still deal with some stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 11:00:08 am
Next episode, the third installment of how to hunt deer by X-Comfiles.

Looks like chupacbras to me.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 12:31:03 pm
And another one. Again in Jungle.

For anyone reading this: any comments, suggestions, etc. are welcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: humbe on August 03, 2020, 01:31:10 pm
What mods are you using? This looks like far from vanilla...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 02:03:22 pm
What mods are you using? This looks like far from vanilla...

X-com files and that is all. It comes with Dark Geoscope, but it is only visuals. X-com files is a mega mod that includes all of Final Mod Pack and many other mods, that I am mostly unfamiliar with. It starts in 1996, with catching of cultist and other low level threats. Pretty much starts as X-Files and later becomes vanilla X-Com with pieces from TFTD, Apocalypse and whatever catches Solaruis Scorch's attention (he is the autor).

If you squint your eyes it is like watching the X-files with all sorts of wacky alien cults, criminals trading alien tech, occasional UFOs, prehistoric monsters, deep sea creatures and what not. It also starts slower with less powerful enemies, weaker weapons and fewer agents.

Axial Tilt (having seasonal lightning) is OXCE option.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 02:09:43 pm
The team comes to Nigeria.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 02:38:33 pm
Am I forgetting something. Let's do that milk run tutorial. Attempt 3.

How to do Strange Creature deer hunt.

Follow these 3 steps and you too can impress the ladies with your mad X-Com-poth skillz.

Step 1. Clear the landing zone.

Looks clear.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 02:43:17 pm
Step 2. Pull out the training pistols for some hot Reaction fire training. Light pistols would have been ideal if they had 11 instead of 10 rounds per clip. We will use whatever I gave to the agents. In the future we will shift to Spypistols.

11 shots are optimal, so both the Beretta and the Glock doesn't need to reload. When they are empty the agents is done.

What could possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 02:58:50 pm
A few turns later ...

Step 3. Switch to shotguns and clear up the level. Also hitting the tile with a stunned enemy will hurt him. Just don't let them close.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 06:18:54 pm
And the boring part is done. If you wonder why a carry so many shotgun reloads in the craft, it is for those same missions with 100+ zombies.

EDIT: These sort of missions are usually straight forward and rarely exciting. I will report them in short in the future even if I end up with 100+ enemies. If I manage to screw up, or get some interesting situation I will use more details.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 08:42:14 pm
Some giant beetles decide to take a walk, while we wait for the dawn on Magadascar.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 08:46:47 pm
And the Madagacsar mission disappears while we wait for daylight. The strange animals just aren't there anymore. Strange, huh.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 08:54:37 pm
Finally a new age beckons us. No, an Epoch.

We were living in the Epoch 0 The time of no Armor, but now we enter

Chapter 2. The Epoch of the Kevlar Vest.

This is a huge improvement. We get 20 front armor and 80% modifier for kinetic (firearms). Most early guns are between 20 and 30 damage, so my agents will likely survive a shot or two now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 08:58:45 pm
I switch to medicine in hope of getting to the easier Lab to get to - the Bio Lab, which will give me another 5 scientists to play with.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 03, 2020, 09:04:45 pm
Let's hunt polish peasants this time. We can even take a shotgun to the face and may be, not drop down on our face.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 09:20:10 am
The team. This time they looked out the window to see if it is night or day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 09:30:18 am
Target acquired.

... aaaand Scully downs him.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 09:45:12 am
Lets try some punchie, punchie.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 09:56:24 am
We knock down the last one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 10:03:39 am
The case is closed. Polish peasants beaten, the aliens shouldn't be much tougher.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 10:45:47 am
And we get to the Black Lotus Cult Apprihension in Australia. This is the team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 11:27:45 am
Nobody jumps to greet us here.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 12:40:24 pm
We stun the closer ninja without problem and hit the other guy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 12:50:47 pm
Shotguns are a fascinating weapon for our agents. May be because it is the biggest they have.

They are also very effective friendly fire weapon. Those Kevlar Vest are awesome. With the Suit or Leather Coat that would have been a friendly kill.

The way shotguns fire is - the first pellet uses the X-Com aim formula (whatever that is), and the rest hit near it (regardless of accuracy).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 01:05:12 pm
And we get a fatality. And in a pretty weird way that I wasn't able to catch very well, so I will try to explain it.

1. That Cultist walked out of the garage and tried to shoot Robbe Mertens point blank.
2. Point blank shots triger the close quarters combat logic, meaning that Robbe rolls his melee skill to deflect the shot and rotate the cultist to shoot elsewhere.
3. The cultist shoots Pietrowski who is hapily sleeping on the ground and kills him instantly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 01:07:19 pm
Revenge!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 01:14:16 pm
The starting Medikits in the mod are pretty lackluster. There is 5 Weight one for 1 heal, 8 weight one for 2 and 15 weight one for 3 heals and equal number of painkiller and stimulants. The current missions are too short and I have time to go back and pick up one when I need it.

I don't really need to use it, the agent will not bleed out, but medikits train bravery.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 01:18:24 pm
Lets reform and finish them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 01:26:54 pm
I found both.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 08:09:42 pm
I decided not to try to capture this guy. An aimed shot with a shotgun was enough.

Now we wait for the next guy to show up. He is somewhere in the building below.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 08:19:23 pm
Lets train some reaction fire, shall we?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 08:26:45 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 08:48:41 pm
Next target,  Belgic redneck party.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 09:04:32 pm
The crew.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 10:02:25 pm
Somebody misses. Then hits Scully for almost nothing. Yep, Kevlar works.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 10:26:55 pm
And it doesn't even leave a scratch after patching.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 10:41:04 pm
And the rest are knocked out after some chasing around.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 10:44:51 pm
Results. I could have left the shotgun guy alive and tried to knock him too, but he can still kill an agent with a side armor shot.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 04, 2020, 11:43:54 pm
I get medicine researched, and that gives me a nice long report. Next is advanced medicine and then Bio Lab.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 09:12:56 am
Dangerous Lunatic detected. Call X-Com immediately.
This is a mission with a single heavily armed enemy and lots of civilians. Often there will be policemen that will kill him before the agents get a go.

I almost caught this one, but it is too far for public transport. I should either add a base near there (expensive) or research something faster.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 09:59:08 am
Let's go kick some Exalt ass instead.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 10:28:11 am
The greeting committee is here.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 10:33:10 am
Robbe shows mad shooting skillz.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 10:40:19 am
End of turn. I could waste the TUs shooting, but accuracy will be abysmal, so let's do some reaction training instead.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 10:48:06 am
Urmo takes a reaction shot from that guy and kills him back.

I didn't check the lower part, so Robbe eats some SMG from the side. Ouch.

If any of these cultists survive, we will apply the Lonely Island on the way back to base. Look at 2:10 if the timed link doesn't go there.

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 11:44:57 am
I got him wounded but we will have to weather some shots.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 11:50:22 am
Went well. Now lets find the forth guy and taser him up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 11:59:25 am
A few turns later...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 12:04:51 pm
We found him. Lets miss with tasers.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 12:11:13 pm
And we have made our stright. At least one cultist per cult. I should start investigating them for the next tier missions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 12:13:58 pm
A success.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 05, 2020, 06:37:10 pm
I get advanced medicine and the Healing spray. It is a consumable (it disapears after 1 use). It is the lightest (per) heal medikit, but is way too expensive for what it does. Still sometimes it is useful.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 01:23:09 pm
And another month is over.

I have both a strange creature and a cultist, so I should start advancing the plot after the Bio Lab. And I am a bit tired of minmaxing research.

Australia is unhappy because I shot a farmer there I think. May be we should have risked it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 01:27:47 pm
And Moar cultists show up. I need to interogate one and get the [Cult] Network research to unlock the next tier missions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 01:45:15 pm
And I am done with the Bio Lab.

Let's do some less minmaxing and advance the plot some.

Also the scientists are very interested in what that "Wad of cash" is.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 02:48:24 pm
The team for the Red Dawn Cult Apprihension.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 02:49:43 pm
And the first Mafiot wannabe is right next to us. May be hi is a butcher with that billhook.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 06, 2020, 03:03:41 pm
More scientists, eh? The campaign is going to pick up the pace from now on! :)

BTW are you using the GitHub version (https://github.com/SolariusScorch/XComFiles/archive/master.zip)? I recommend it, there are no known bugs and I did some rebalancing there. (And some new stuff for later game.) I will release it after I make some more meaningful content.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 03:06:05 pm
More scientists, eh? The campaign is going to pick up the pace from now on! :)

BTW are you using the GitHub version (https://github.com/SolariusScorch/XComFiles/archive/master.zip)? I recommend it, there are no known bugs and I did some rebalancing there. (And some new stuff for later game.) I will release it after I make some more meaningful content.

I am not sure that rushing the Bio Lab was such a good idea. Some other research would have made up some more points for me.

I am with 1.4a. Well the save tells me it is 1.4a, but the game says 1.4. I will update it after this mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 03:26:47 pm
Another one bites the ... Grrrr.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 03:34:48 pm
The Batman Mafiot decided to Bat Scully, but missed. Then Daniel Murphy filled him with SMG from point blank.

Does the CQC algorithm work for reaction fire?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 04:03:40 pm
The Mafiot shot Scully but she shot hum back. Another one bites the dust.

Scully threw a medikit at Murphy who heals two of her wounds. She is almost at full health.

The last Red Dawnie has only a Makarov so I will let Mulder practice some reaction fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 04:22:25 pm
Scully isn't allergic to bullets.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 04:24:38 pm
Mulder finishes him up. That is enough reaction fire training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 06, 2020, 04:25:06 pm
Does the CQC algorithm work for reaction fire?

Yes, it definitely should.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 04:51:30 pm
Yes, it definitely should.
Hmm, than the cultist failed it 3 times.


In other news, we have a new mission.
A Japanese boy's tamagochi died yesterday. He wants just ice.
 
Sounds like our kind of fun.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 05:11:37 pm
And a Zombie infestation. Let's see if any interesting specimment shows up.

A Van (4 agents) will deal with the zombies, while our newly rebought car will deal with the Madman (2 agents). Hopefully before either disappears.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 06, 2020, 05:26:03 pm
After long deliberations our resident scientist from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences opens the "Wad of Cash" and positively determines that this action has exponentially increased the amount of money he had ever seen in one place. Something like a decade of his regular salary.

Next, we are researching that crossbow shaped object, aptly named "Crossbow". Is it a real crossbow or a fancy-mancy sharpened metal rod dispenser? We shall find out in some next episode.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 07, 2020, 10:32:23 pm
Damn those MiBs, we were going to smoke that.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 07, 2020, 11:36:48 pm
And the Crazed Maniac Car team goes in first.
Note to self: I should rename their car to Crazed Maniac Car.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 07, 2020, 11:50:27 pm
No one near the start.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 07, 2020, 11:58:20 pm
We saw the maniac shoot. Couldn't he be a regular exhibitionist instead?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 12:02:24 am
Let's start researching civilians. The civilians will drop their belongings only if stunned or killed. Except for medicits carried by doctors, the rest is cheap trivia stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 12:06:34 am
And the big baby is here. Lets fill him up with taser.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 03:21:58 pm
His gun reads Desert Eagle, ours replica.


I can't run to him and shoot taser. I could either get closer for the taser or shoot shotgun and hope that he only bleeds out.

If he dies, I won't shed a tear though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 03:28:47 pm
Ooops I missed.

In other news Daniel Kelly sees a civilian with a Baseball Bat. It's electric club time, we are allergic to bats, even in civilians.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 03:30:31 pm
Desert eagle is solid, our Do Truong Thien Ly as knocked down in the previous turn and will die if she can't kill him this turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 03:35:31 pm
Yep, he finishes her. Sadly she was a promising Agent.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 03:40:14 pm
Hit with a colt, no effect. Then missed. He will hide behind a wall for a while.

This guy wears armor I think.
The colt has 30 base damage, so is best at hitting things with armor at this stage.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 03:42:18 pm
He is gone.

Now it is a man versus man. The price is the Car. One X-Com agent, one Madman.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 05:53:14 pm
Next turn I decide to wait near the corner. The madman did hit, but no wound. Daniel Kelly wounds him in return. Now, to hide again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 08, 2020, 08:26:34 pm
The tension was unbearable...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 10:33:07 pm
Even the colt has that tiny theater props marker on it.

I reloaded and I don't have enough time units to shoot this turn. Oh, and this is the last clip that the agent carries so it is back to the car for more soon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 10:41:24 pm
And 4 misses in a raw. Two of the shots actually hit the wall right next to my agent. Good shooting Tex.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 10:46:29 pm
And finally. This time the Madman isn't behind cover (people that say there is no cover in old x-com doesn't know how it works) and my agent figures out how to use the sights.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 08, 2020, 10:54:41 pm
Outcome. Judging by the Survivor picture Kelly should have died and Ly should have lived. *shrug* Mistakes happen.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 13, 2020, 09:58:19 am
I have been playing with the following house rule, so I added it to the first post.

House Rules:
1. No armed grenades in inventory, except in hand. Does not apply to flares, flashlights and similar stuff that doesn't go boom.

It doesn't matter right now, because I have no grenades, but it doesn't make sense to pull the ring and put a few grams of boom in your pocket.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 14, 2020, 10:40:02 am
Just as I watch the other team approach that Zombie Infestation in Africa, we are interrupted by the regularly scheduled Cultist interogation summary. The Dagonnist has spoken.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 14, 2020, 10:45:00 am
We stop by to get some salami.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 14, 2020, 10:52:21 am
Due to a tragic incident with some zombie parasites, the regular episode of Resident Evil will be played by the X-Com Files cast. Stay tuned for some man to zombie action.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: WaldoTheRanger on August 14, 2020, 09:33:54 pm
Dang. that must be a lot of zombies.

Your sense of humor is sublime. Please don't quit this playthrough.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:02:44 am
Dang. that must be a lot of zombies.

Your sense of humor is sublime. Please don't quit this playthrough.

Lot's of zombies isn't very hard, just a chore.

Thank you, one of the first AARs I read was this one:
https://www.matrixgames.com/FORUMS/tm.asp?m=3577887&mpage=1&key= (https://www.matrixgames.com/FORUMS/tm.asp?m=3577887&mpage=1&key=)

And that somewhat set me up. I don't plan to stop, but eventually I will have less free time and/or get bored and slow it down.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:16:10 am
Disappointingly not a huge wave of zombies. 5x5 sized map with only 4 visible from the start and none are compromising the landing zone. We switch straight to step 2 - Reaction fire training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:32:50 am
Training goes well. An infector zombie should show up on the larger infestations, but I doubt there will be one here. It is needed for some later progress and I couldn't capture one in my other campaign up to mid 1998.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:53:07 am
One of them strolls nearby. Two shotgun shots solved it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 11:02:19 am
OK, switch to toy shotguns and clean up.

By the way, zombies do not cause close quarters combat, so are perfectly fine to shoot at point blanc.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 11:07:06 am
I should capture one of the fats, but kind of can't bother.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 11:20:03 am
OK, the prisoner comes along.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 12:01:02 pm
Tutorial time:

How to cheat Ironman with style and gusto.
Did you notice that you did something extremely dumb this turn?
Like not pressing Shift when moving with the last 4 TUs to let somebody else carry this sleeping Fatty.

Step 1. Open your save with an ordinary text editor. gedit works fine, even though I am a follower of vi.
Step 2. Copy paste the whole text.
Step 3. Alt-tab to X-Com and Save and exit. Say yes whet it asks if you are sure.
Step 4. Alt-tab to your favorite text editor and either tell it not to reload the save with it's new state or simply Select all and paste on top of it.
Step 5. Save the save file.
Step 6. Load the save in X-com.

Congratulate yourself on cheating the system and do the same stupid error again, or even better, make a new one. MANDATORY
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 09:55:10 pm
And after the whole procedure above I found out that handcuffs do not work on Fat Zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 09:59:59 pm
And the outcome is ...

Without Kevlar that friendly fire incident could have been a killed agent. Remember kids stay out of the line between an X_COM agent and whatever else is on the map, and put on some armor just in case.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:10:33 pm
After putting the above picture I am greeted with a friendly picture.

EDIT: That *scientiosts* below was totally meant to be there, definitely not a typo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:20:07 pm
Some completely unaffiliated, totally random guys with sexy gas mask, that we totally, I repeat totally, do not know nothing about, dropped some wrapped boxes with Land Survey signs around. They said that they are council salvagers and that they bring us gifts after each mission.

Huh, I always thought that the loot valuable artefacts (like wallets) just teleport in our stores.

But this time they saw this crap lying near a dumpster, so they thought,

ALIENS

and decided to drop by and yell surprise and Merry Christmas (who the fuck is Merry).

Unfortunately they left before unwrapping so we will need an official engineer to open the *gifts*.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 10:46:00 pm
And we finally figured out, that the object labelled crossbow, is indeed a fancy sharpened rod thrower. And yes that it is also a crossbow.

Pretty good, but slow. Still it does cutting damage that is not lowered by Kevlar, but armor values still apply.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 11:21:27 pm
We also figure out what kitchen knifes are for.

What is next you ask, an wooden club? Yes.

I wish we get a spoon as a melee weapon too. May be for the Ghost ark.

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 16, 2020, 11:30:45 pm
The next target. A Cult Aprihension. I should upgrade to safe houses soon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 12:35:04 am
We got the in the Club too :)

All of these are very cheap researches, so I just power through them for the points and because we get some of theme from interrogations and that would be a waste of an interrogation. I mean it is so fun when one abducted farmer talks about his obsession with the rectal probe, the second about his relationship with his favorite pitchfork, or the next one tells us about the heavy hand of his wife and we get her full combat analysis.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 12:38:30 am
Let's unpack those garbage bags gifts, I mean gifts.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 12:47:05 am
And we finally get to the mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 09:41:26 am
Huh this was supposed to be a day mission. No moon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 09:46:50 am
And we found the first one. Two agents hide, two agents wait for Reaction fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 09:56:12 am
And reaction fire does it's job this time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 10:03:55 am
And Scully found the last one. I like how they are all clustered together. Must be a new feature.

Why did I bring the other agents along, anyway?

And when will Mulder show Mad Shooting Skillz as promised on page 1?

We may never know.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 10:11:00 am
Outcome.

Somewhat unexpected. Apparently Colts are still theather props.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 10:22:03 am
A new mission pops up. This time the Black Lotus is about to get kicked.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 10:26:51 am
And we research the Zombie. Oooops, I needed an autopsy for Promotion I.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 10:40:32 am
Some research done, while en route.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 17, 2020, 01:38:50 pm
So, what's in the garbage gift box?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 17, 2020, 06:44:42 pm
Crap, my dog (you have no dog) computer ate that reply, I swear. I blame MATLAB for eating all the random access memory.

Just the usual, 4 dead beetles and a pack of smelly cigarettes.

EDIT: Thanks for reminding me, I had the collage made, but didn't made the post.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 17, 2020, 10:03:54 pm
Oh joy.

I feel like you should get money for processing this garbage. But it was explicitly said to be garbage, what did I expect?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: WaldoTheRanger on August 18, 2020, 07:21:04 am
I think I've gotten some cool stuff from land surveys before. Don't remember if it was worth 50k, but I was satisfied enough to do it a couple times.

Also, an easier way to cheat ironman like you were showing is to just kill the program with task manager. At least it works that way for my linux build. Haven't had any problems with that so far.
If you're quick enough with the pause menu you can also catch it during the enemy turn, though at that point I guess you might as well just edit the save to "ironman = true" on your last turn on mars. for screenshot purposes.

I'm also wondering when you pros build your third base. I borked my last playthrough pretty quickly by building a third base before august. I guess at the time (likely 4:00 am) I thought that being within an hour of Australia was our greatest security concern.

Dang.  just gave the crossbow stats a second look. I didn't realize it had a +damage for firing accuracy.  That almost makes it better than the hunting rifle except for range. Good to know.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 18, 2020, 12:22:29 pm
Oh joy.

I feel like you should get money for processing this garbage. But it was explicitly said to be garbage, what did I expect?

I wrote that before opening it. I like jinxing things. It makes a good narrative though. :)
If it was something good, I would have written that we are surprised what aliens throw in the dumpster, or something like that.

I am not sure what is the range of the stuff you get from expeditions, and I usually need the money for something else, like fresh, unscarred rookies for the shield wall.

I think I've gotten some cool stuff from land surveys before. Don't remember if it was worth 50k, but I was satisfied enough to do it a couple times.

Also, an easier way to cheat ironman like you were showing is to just kill the program with task manager. At least it works that way for my linux build. Haven't had any problems with that so far.
If you're quick enough with the pause menu you can also catch it during the enemy turn, though at that point I guess you might as well just edit the save to "ironman = true" on your last turn on mars. for screenshot purposes.

I'm also wondering when you pros build your third base. I borked my last playthrough pretty quickly by building a third base before august. I guess at the time (likely 4:00 am) I thought that being within an hour of Australia was our greatest security concern.

Dang.  just gave the crossbow stats a second look. I didn't realize it had a +damage for firing accuracy.  That almost makes it better than the hunting rifle except for range. Good to know.

Killing the program might break your save, if the game is saving at that exact moment. Copy-pasting text is safer and I don't need to restart X-Com. I also use that to have a backup in case something breaks up unrepairably. Using Ironman is just a way to make savescuming more labourous, so I don't use it as often. And also the moral view point "I have ironman so no cheating", everytime it comes to my mind.

I will build my third base for Helicopter/Dragonfly/Osprey coverage of the entire globe. Or if I have tons of money (you wish) to need the extra research space. So probably in late 1997 - early 1998. There are very few early missions, that expire fast enough to necessitate more bases.

I never got good mileage from the crossbow, even snap shot is above 50% TU, so it has poor damage per turn and, if you miss, it is a waste of a turn. It's only saving grace is the Beach missions. I have nothing better at the moment.

Weapons that I liked in my other campaign are:
Shotgun shotgun (for low aim soldiers and monster hunts),
BlackOps CAWS (better shotgun, but very expensive),
SKS (great early non-automatic rifle),
FN-FAL (rivals the Magnum damage with better accuracy),
G-11 (only for the Brave)
and the BlackOps Auto Sniper (It adds 0.5 Reaction to accuracy more than other sniper rifles).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 18, 2020, 02:22:36 pm
I wrote that before opening it. I like jinxing things. It makes a good narrative though. :)
If it was something good, I would have written that we are surprised what aliens throw in the dumpster, or something like that.

Sure, I got that straight away. You're very good at presentation. :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: WaldoTheRanger on August 18, 2020, 05:18:59 pm
It could break the save, that's why I make sure to have the pause menu open first, because from what I've seen you can't open it when it's saving. but yes your way is much safer.

So basically just whenever you have money. Cool stuff.

Oh shoot, I didn't see the tu cost. I had no idea it worked on the beach though, that'll be a lifesaver next time.
I'll definitely keep those other weapon recommendations in mind. thanks.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 18, 2020, 09:42:10 pm
It could break the save, that's why I make sure to have the pause menu open first, because from what I've seen you can't open it when it's saving. but yes your way is much safer.

So basically just whenever you have money. Cool stuff.

Oh shoot, I didn't see the tu cost. I had no idea it worked on the beach though, that'll be a lifesaver next time.
I'll definitely keep those other weapon recommendations in mind. thanks.

The Crossbow is for the beach and the Spypistol for all other covert missions. It took me a very long time to figure out why such a crappy gun (Spypistol) is so expensive. It also excels as a training pistol because it is 1x1, has 11 shots, weights only 5 and has both crappy accuracy and crappy damage. A bit like the dart pistol in TFTD.

Sure, I got that straight away. You're very good at presentation. :)

Thanks. You make good mods.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 11:55:42 am
And the team finally gets to the mission site.
The van takes a few days to get them on target and Skandalis never shuts up.

Radoslav: "Any friendly fire incident aimed at him will be declared purely accidental and the perpetrator will not be investigated. Now, who volunteers? Don't make me pick! Shut up Skandalis!!!"
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 12:08:24 pm
First steps on the map.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 12:23:03 pm
All of them showed up. Three of them have throwing knifes and these are dangerous. One has only an electric club and is harmless.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 12:32:42 pm
Next turn. None of the Black Lotusians brought a gun. I can't just walk to them and stun them though because of their throwing knives.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 12:53:42 pm
OK, the three dangerous ninjas are down. What a shame. 30000 24000 in organs is lost. Lets catch the last one alive though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 01:09:40 pm
Outcome. I should bring Skandalis more often. I hope some other fun name crops up from the random number generator.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 19, 2020, 02:04:54 pm
Next one is a monster hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 20, 2020, 12:40:50 pm
...
I'll definitely keep those other weapon recommendations in mind. thanks.

You should do your homework and compare their statistics yourself. Other people have recommended weapons, like MP5, that I don't really like, or that work well, but I don't like using a lot (miniguns).

In other news I found out a new armor type NONE. I wonder what that is, may be we should try it in the Jungle monster hunt. The crew of Naked and Afraid was abducted by aliens, so they asked X-Com to substitute.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 23, 2020, 10:21:02 am
*** VIEWER REGRESSION IS ADVISED ***

The following post contain a mild amounts of pixelated nudity and unholy amounts of chest hair. The posts after that might contain even more, albeit even more pixelated, nudity. A link to the end of this insanity will be provided for people who strictly adhere to the "Boobs NO, bloody gruesome violence YES" philosophy of entertainment.

EDIT: Here is link. https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130836.html#msg130836 (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130836.html#msg130836)

 :) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(

The team prepares for their daily episode of X-Com Files Naked and Afraid.

I wonder who will we need to interrogate to get the NONE armor's Combat Analysis? Nonist covert mission?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 23, 2020, 10:56:00 am
Let's see what naked fate has in store for us.

By the way, the agents found some swimwear. Literally "by the way", by the way. It was left lying on the road, near a bus stop.

HINT:
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 23, 2020, 11:02:44 am
A very short mission indeed. I was hoping for chupacabras or something else without ranged attacks.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 23, 2020, 12:23:35 pm
It was a bug, I swear! The OXCE underwent some changes regarding how armours work and what was hidden is now known. (Well, not any more...)
But let's be honest, what's the point making an armour if it is never seen?

And yes, that's how frog missions usually go for me. Beware the frog.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 23, 2020, 03:27:20 pm
It was a bug, I swear! The OXCE underwent some changes regarding how armours work and what was hidden is now known. (Well, not any more...)
But let's be honest, what's the point making an armour if it is never seen?

And yes, that's how frog missions usually go for me. Beware the frog.

Hidden!? I assume someone is ashamed that they forgot to add the sprites for the battlescape.

Maybe it should be available for Beach missions. Or may be an entire nude beach infiltration mission. I almost made it an all male mission so readers could feel like they are on a real nude beach.

This is the first time bullfrogs have defeated me. I guess I never started near them before.

Also, weren't bullfrogs a bit bigger?
It is a 2x2 monster, but the sprite looks like 1x1 unit.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 23, 2020, 06:58:37 pm
I've never seen a logical reason to introduce the nude armour, so it's unused now. Adding it just for the lulz doesn't seem appropriate.

I have never changed the frog, it's the same size as always.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 24, 2020, 10:47:12 am
I've never seen a logical reason to introduce the nude armour, so it's unused now. Adding it just for the lulz doesn't seem appropriate.

I have never changed the frog, it's the same size as always.

Yeah, it doesn't fit.

I guess my memory retrofitted it to the 2x2 box.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 25, 2020, 03:32:31 pm
Well, it is 2x2! Always has been.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 11:37:54 am
Well, it is 2x2! Always has been.

Yes, but the sprite is smaller than most 2x2 units, so my brain remembered it as bigger frog sprite.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 10:09:36 pm
And now returning to our regular Monster Hunt mission in Canada (or thereabout).

Also I upgraded to 1.5. It is a shot in the Dark, I know.

The None armor has been removed (again, I think I saw it before once in some let's play). And it is not possible to change away from it in the "Agents" tab. But the "Equip Craft" worked. I guess the agents just needed some privacy in the craft, rather than the mess hall.

No more Nudist Alien Scammers (https://futurama.fandom.com/wiki/Nudist_Alien_Scammers").

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 10:35:00 pm
Shamblers show up. Let's remember the last time we saw these guys ...

[sound effect of film projector starting up]

Shamblers first day out. (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,8430.msg130174.html#msg130174)

OK, we will show these Shamblers a trick or two next time, M'KEY.

It is NEXT TIME, M'KEY!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 11:21:50 pm
Let's roll.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 11:27:23 pm
OK, I can either run away or try to shoot some more into that shambler. Let's choose option 2 this time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 11:47:30 pm
Let's hope they don't catch us, but one of them will catch up and miss. I guess that is our cue to leave.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 11:49:47 pm
Well, they are too close for comfort and we couldn't kill any other.

I also did redo the first turn to get the agents better hiding places behind the car, but we don't have the firepower to deal with the Shamblers yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 26, 2020, 11:53:47 pm
Outcome. We did some firing, we killed one, 18 points in the bag.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 12:41:17 am
And we get to research that Red Dawnie Gangsta. We also have the Logistician officer complain. Just a regular Wednesday.

I also found out that the Bio Lab is only 1 day from completion and I buy 2 scientists and sell 1 Electric Club. I have onle a few zombies to sell other than that and almost no other loot.

I know that the scientists will only work about 7-8 days this month for a full salary, but I still need that work.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 10:55:36 am
Let's buy another one. We only had to sell 7 farmers on the organ market.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 10:59:56 am
Another Strange Life Form crops up.

EDIT: And immediately after that a Crop Circles crop up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 11:40:08 am
And a new research was finished.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 11:53:16 am
And now that we are close to the start of a new Chapter, nah a whole new book of the saga, let's talk about the starting guns. It is not like I should have done that at the beginning.

Pump-Action Shotgun - a nice shotgun with 5x15 pellets. It isn't that bad, but the real deal has 7x15, solid slugs for 40 and even some 25 damage stun ammo. Also the pump-action has 8 shells per carriage and I like the ammo sprite more than the later version. It is effective against unarmored enemies, but fails miserably if they have something like 15 armor or more. I don't remember how much the Shamblers had, but that is why it is ineffective against them.

Small Shotgun - has the standard 7x15 shotgun damage and is small and concealable, but it's range is only 3 with fall off 6. I never use it.

Glock - has good low damage and fast firing. Also has a two shot auto. I don't use it much, because I think the beretta does better damage per turn and the auto is worst than using a shotgun.

Beretta - A light accurate and fast handgun. Lacks power like all in it's class, but I kind of like it and used it as a training gun even later on.

Light Pistol - Weak and inaccurate. Takes only 1x1 in inventory though. Terrible pistol. It's only saving graces are using it for reaction fire training (it is very small and light) and ski resort infiltrations.

Snubnose Pistol - Has good power and small size, but inaccurate (It's range is bellow the 20 for other pistols) and a small magazine. Practically useless.

Colt - Has the best damage of the starting pistols. Good (in the lack of a better) at shooting things with a little armor. Has a small 7 shot carriage so needs a lot of reloads.

All of the above, except for the Light pistol will be rendered obsolete very, very soon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 12:47:58 pm
A new age opens it's door for X-COM

Book II: Toddler-COM
Chapter 3: The age of the Shotgun shotgun, Magnum and Desert Eagle


And now ... we interrupt X-Com Files for a very important advertisement.
[music and advertiser's voice, you know which one]

Do you suffer from erectile dysfunction? A little floppy down there? Lacking in the trouser department?
Did you try everything that internet scammers shoved into your mailbox? To no avail?

Smith & Wesson has a cure for you.
It will not actually cure you but will treat all the bad symptoms like people laughing at you *BLAM*, annoying racoons *BLAM*, your ex telling all the girls to avoid you *BLAM* or your own lack of self esteem *BLAM*.

Take the new Magnum pistol. With whooping 38 points of kinetic damage this pistol will kick all other pistols butts and shove their barrels where the sun doesn't shine. It also packs a nice, loud and family friendly *BANG* to warm your soul and chill everyone you just missed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 01:00:48 pm
On a more sober note, the Desert eagle has 1 less damage than the Magnum, but has better accuracy at range and 1 more bullet in the clip. I will use the Desert eagle this game, even though the Magnum is the traditional choice.

MAGNUM: Damage 38
Aimed 90, range 16, falloff 3, TU 35% - 2 per turn
Snap   70, range 13, falloff 3, TU 21% - 4 per turn

Desert Eagle: Damage 37
Aimed 92, range 20,   falloff 3, TU 35% - 2 per turn
Snap   65, range 151, falloff 3, TU 23% - 4 per turn

Who has the toy guns now, punkheads?

1 15 is the default snap range.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 01:09:15 pm
Future research concentrates on getting the Networks for next month.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 01:15:10 pm
And let's do another mission before getting the shotgun shotgun.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 01:23:38 pm
And we face Megascorpions. Or more specificaly a Megascorpion. One.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 01:32:20 pm
And a few reactions сhots later it is down. I didn't get to see if any of the civilians was carrying a Wad of Cash, what shame.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 27, 2020, 01:49:39 pm
Outcome: Satisfactory.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 12:32:28 pm
And I finally research the other component of Book II. The shotgun aptly named SHOTGUN. The real one, not the toy version we were using so far.

Note: I will add Books as well as chapters to mark my imaginary progress.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 12:54:49 pm
We begin the Crop circles mission in Brasil, or thereabout.

X-COM's motto "Speak softly and carry a big gun." has not been activated yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 01:03:52 pm
We see one nearby.
One down, 2 more to go.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 01:07:39 pm
Another one shows up as we throw flares and look around. I can't quite get in position though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 01:21:44 pm
Let's continue to rock and roll.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 01:25:40 pm
Mission successful. The ganja is secured. That is why the Council gives us so much points for this mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 07:58:14 pm
And on the return trip they see a Very Small UFO. Nothing special, just a speck on the binoculars.

These never land I think, and even if it did I have no nearby team to lock onto it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 08:03:12 pm
So basically just whenever you have money. Cool stuff.

The above was about when I will buy bases, but I forgot to answer.
No, not when I have money, when I feel that I actually need a new base.

In the early game you can send a van to camp a spot on the other side of the world with no problems. They *will* still train in the gym, so there is no reason not to do so.

So, either when I have the money to staff another lab or when I get the flying crafts with finite range, whichever happens first.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 08:15:02 pm
We found out about the Red Dawnies safe houses on the 30th of March. I will get another network (Dagonnists I think) and the Exaltee Infiltrator tomorrow, but I don't think I will be able to research Exalt Network in time for next month.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 08:24:57 pm
And that Cult Aprihension ran away.
We get some research done though.

Exalt Network is the only one missing, and I am pretty sure 8 scientists will not be enough to research it in 1 day.

Note: We also get the cure for cancer, but who cares for such trivial things!? There are pitchforks to research and farmers to interrogate about irrigation.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 08:38:27 pm
Well, End of month. I am only 157000 dollars above. This is because I have way too many agents, but I want to train a lot up for what is to come.

Also I did get the Exalt Network on 00:00 of the 1st of April. Will that trigger the Exalt Safehouses?
We shall find out this game month.

EDIT: And I either forgot to put the scientists on Basic Operations, or I scrolled in the wrong place, I hate that feature.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 08:50:15 pm
1st of April passes without incident, what a joke!
Oh, wait, I forgot to sell the old stuff, buy the new one and get a Scientist. The joke is on me.

Then we got another Crop Circles in Pakistan.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 08:59:44 pm
And I get the Kludge, a.k.a. the most useless pistol in the game. It is ugly, worst than Magnum at the same research level and, worst of all, none of our enemies ever use it. It has 5x12 shotgun ammo, but it is way too weak. Oh, and it has worst range (15) and drop off (4) than other pistols.

Needless to say, Mulder wants it and nothing else. May be a Magnum.

Also we get the Agricultural Flamer, which is our first incendiary. I will carry it in case we face something immune to bullets, but it isn't super useful.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:17:13 pm
Those new tasers we bought look surprisingly like Shotguns. Let's see if they are worth it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:18:27 pm
This must be the first farm map that I find without any house in it. Only fields.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:24:56 pm
First one in the bag.

By the way, where was "Wowzers!" from, I remember the phrase but not where it was from. It was some kids show, that couldn't use appropriate curses.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:40:52 pm
Oh, shit. Those peasants mean business.

He just heard about this incident (https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1nnmxg/til_two_bulgarian_alfalfa_farmers_captured_5/) in Bulgaria where two peasants mistook french spies for Romani thieves.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:43:45 pm
Medical Training applied, and the Peasant took a stun shotgun and normal taser to go down.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:48:56 pm
Let's try some reaction fire on the last guy. They only agent without a shotgun will look on the stunned farmers.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:52:42 pm
It actually worked very well with 6-7 shots. Sadly only one agent registered it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 09:56:27 pm
The jig is up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 10:00:57 pm
And we also researched Uzi Aqcuisition.

I am not a huge fan of SMGs in this game. I only used one in this play through so far. I am somewhat liking the MAC 10 SMG and will probably use it when it shows up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 10:03:42 pm
I get 2 more scientists and I put them on a strange alien artefact that strangely resembles an Axe and on the Sawn Off Shotgun, so they could get up to speed. I think that these are faster to research this way than with Farmers.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 10:11:14 pm
Scientists at X-COM headcuarters figure out that smoking is bad for your health, but helps your sanity.
Ah, decisions.

We could also start researching Nobelon immediatelly, but it is a slow research and I don't really have any issues with sanity at the moment. None at all. I swear. They let me walk out of the sanatorium on Friday. At least I could look out the window for free.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 10:20:10 pm
We figure out that Axes are Axes and are sometimes used to chop up wood and humans.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 10:25:50 pm
One of the scientists turns up the volume and gets stunned by the BOOM BOX.

I will bring it on missions for some much needed recreational music for the team while traveling.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 28, 2020, 10:28:58 pm
I get another Crop Circle after a week of waiting. No other missions yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 10:16:33 pm
We figure out what happens when you saw-off the business end of a shotgun.
It was an accident, I swear.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 10:32:26 pm
OK, team. Load up the stun rounds and ...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 10:54:12 pm
... and, crap, that is the wrong ammo. Let's see if Dessert Eagles can eat a zombie for desert.

Meet Steve, the polite Zombie.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 11:01:03 pm
Steve, the polite zombie, is so polite, that he even didn't start eating before giving us a moment to contemplate the cruelty of this world.
(He didn't had enough TUs to attack.)

But the rookie kept his cool, picked up an electric rod off the ground and knocked it off in one hit. Hmmm, may be that is what I should do with the rest of the Zombies for Melee training?

Bah, I already do Reaction training and that takes about two turns of clicking next turn after equipping toy pistols.
Another on the job training is too much, and who brings a knife to a gunfight?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 11:16:44 pm
I spent the rest of the turn reloading buckshot.

Next Turn:
Mulder and Scully found their tiny Electric rods and decided to play with them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 11:22:49 pm
Meanwhile, far, far away from the action.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 11:28:46 pm
I can't handcuff zombies, sadly. Scully goes ahead and shoots a zombie without killing him. Thankfully there is no time limit on this mission, and I will have to watch my back for the stunned zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 11:41:41 pm
Another polite Zombie walks next to Scully without attacking. Some more melee training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 29, 2020, 11:49:29 pm
Uhm, those farmers fall like flies. We must start the Farmer Punching Association.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 12:06:16 am
Let's still train some reaction fire on this guy.
Below, Princess charming woke up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 12:09:53 am
We finish them up.
Finally.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 12:14:06 am
Outcome: Noticeable.

Wait aren't we supposed to be hidden, unnoticeable?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 10:33:11 am
Another Strange Life form crops up. An easy mission. I think I only failed, like 60% of these so far.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 11:23:11 am
We interrogated that Farmer. No matter how much the Intelligence Officer tried the only sound he made was cock-a-doodle-do, a complete recitation of "How to grow chicken for complete idiots. With pictures." and, worst of all, he sings Chicken attack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miomuSGoPzI). What a waste of a good organ donor.

Also we figure out that Hunting rifles are good, but we need a promotion to buy them. Seems that all the Monster hunts we did so far were poaching. We need an approval from the council for a Hunting License.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 11:38:35 am
I get another illegal poaching mission. This time in Siberia, near a gulag. Let's hope we don't end up in the wrong place.

In other news I bought a third van again. I am going to start planting one of these on the other end of the world, or thereabout.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 11:51:13 am
Some research later. I could now research the other early Lab, the Intelligence Center. I hope I will get the $$$ to open it next month, but it will probably be later.

I should also do the Dogs, but I will not use them until I get more spacious transports, so later.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 11:02:40 pm
Another mission starts up. With a little luck I might try the Boom box.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 30, 2020, 11:07:38 pm
No luck. We have a lone fenrir wolf. I could only hope that it doesn't bleed out.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:12:19 am
We shoot a lot but didn't kill it. Still, the Desert eagle did hit well with aimed shot.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:40:17 am
That would have looked better if I had taken a shot of the act.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:52:41 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:57:53 am
We learn everything there is to know about sheep.

EDIT: Also crowbar, that we will never use, but hey let's research it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 01:04:53 am
The autopsy of that megascorpion is done.

In other news we manage to write our first summary report. It's time for promotion, baby.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:33:27 pm
Yeah, my first Safehouse, this shit just got rea...

Wait, it is an Outpost?

Didn't these come after another research?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:44:37 pm
I get a promotion after doing a performance review. Like a BAUSS!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 12:53:25 pm
And a hunting riffle license. These are our first longer range weapon, if you don't count the Crossbow.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 31, 2020, 11:28:25 pm
The team versus some random russian Tugs. Lets make them die "za rodinu".

Mulder proposed playing russian roulette with Magnum with the cultists.
House rules: no empty rounds and only pointing it at their heads.

It's a shame I gave him a Desert Eagle instead.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 08:42:09 am
A promising start of the mission. We start an audition for new Mulder and Scully back in base.

This mission has about 20 enemies so I am not sure I will be able to do it with the current team size and weaponry.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 08:46:47 am
Somebody lobbed us a grenade, that missed thankfully.

Mulder got wounded a little, but he healed 3 out of 4 wounds on Svetla.

I couldn't find the culprit. He is hiding in the forest to the northwest.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 09:27:50 am
Enemy turn. I get a reaction fire with shotgun from Svetla (which does nothing I think), several enemies missed us.

Desert Eagle eats the gangster for dessert.

That will teach him not to throw grenades.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 09:48:19 am
Mulder (in front) took a shot for no effect, and Scully is wounded a little.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 09:56:23 am
The story of a pioneer.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 10:48:18 pm
Situation after getting shot by Reaction Fire. I think the only one shot was the Molodets (which is read as maladezz (zz from pizza), because russian spelling). I guess friendly fire is some sort of an entry trial ammongst Red Downies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 11:08:48 pm
Yeah, I think I got the right guns for the job.

Last picture is end position.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 11:11:15 pm
I went to heal the one wound this Sailor turned out to have, but he wake up.
No more.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 11:20:28 pm
Also Svetla tries to smoke another one, but no Cigar.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 01, 2020, 11:53:41 pm
Enemy turn. No enemy shot hit their mark.
The shoot from left, right and center.
Good.
We have them surrounded from our corner.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 12:13:01 am
My next turn was not as epic as previous turns. So that Molodets should have spotted two of my soldiers and I should get lots of return fire. Again. Let's hope they miss as usual.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 12:20:23 am
Huh, they really failed to score a hit on us.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 12:26:30 am
This has never worked before.
Trying to hit two enemies with one shot with the shotgun on purpose, I mean.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 08:43:30 am
Some more mad shooting skillz this turn 9.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 09:52:58 am
I couldn't catch much of the replay on screenshot. That Pioneer on the left decided to walk out, and we were missed a lot.

That grenade on turn 1 destroyed all our Flares! I now have only the 5 I had equipped and dropped on the map.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:30:49 am
Some more. I got the first panicking Gangsta last enemy turn. Maybe they will decide to surrender soon, or do sailors surrender?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:39:37 am
Another one down, but look at that bunching up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:42:59 am
Turn 11.
No takers on the Grenade Bait.
There were like 5 Gangstas crying on the map and even one maladets.
Still not surrendering though.

Waiting for someone to show up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:45:12 am
I thank my mom, my dad and the lack of accuracy of these cultists. Except when they do friendly fire of course.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:58:17 am
Prepare for training.

Also: Here is another Sailor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:20:50 am
Turn 13.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:27:36 am
One hit with Reaction fire and many misses.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:28:35 am
Sail no more!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:34:48 am
Turn 16. Pretty much everyone is panicking now, but they still refuse to surrender.

I reload the Desert Eagles and Kelly (thy guy with the Hunting rifle starts throwing more clips at the Girls.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:58:21 am
And they finally surrender. Why bother to risk your life for captures when they will just surrender anyways?

Where did that BlackOps Spypistol clip come from!?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 12:23:25 pm
And we immediately get the Tokarev. Not a really useful pistol, but it is faster research than getting it from Cultist interrogation plus I am a bit of a completeist.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 12:33:19 pm
Intelligence Center researched. I never knew that I needed intelligence until now. Can someone borrow me a million and a bit? Those cultists had forgotten their Good ol' bags of cash at home.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 12:58:13 pm
Some more fast research done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 01:00:39 pm
UFOs are in South and North America this time. Not much I could do about them though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 01:01:54 pm
Not much from the Ramschacle box. Everything but hunting rifle goes one sale.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 02, 2020, 01:19:28 pm
No love for the D-B Shotgun? It's one of my favourite weapons in the mod! :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 01:23:13 pm
No love for the D-B Shotgun? It's one of my favourite weapons in the mod! :)

Hmm, never tried it. Isn't the need to reload every two seconds or so a bit problematic?
I will try next battle. after I research it and can actually buy some.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 01:28:12 pm
We learn how grandpa shot down an IL-2 with his trusty Mauser once. Don't believe a single word of his of course.

We also get some useless and useful ammo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 01:53:11 pm
I also found the Cross and Rosary pages. I can't bring the Rosary, but I hope the Cross could be taken on missions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 02:19:55 pm
Yeah, we found out that some aliens will show up on January 1st 1999. Also I can now research anti-ninja drone.

Oh, holy crap. There be Ninjas.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 02:23:05 pm
End of April. A solid positive score. Everyone is happy, but didn't deliver the million and something we require. Only the something.

I hope for a good infiltration mission to bring some Bags of Money.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 03:14:56 pm
The first mission spawn for the month. I only miss a Mutant Something for the Promotion 2 objectives.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 02, 2020, 06:02:10 pm
I also found the Cross and Rosary pages. I can't bring the Rosary, but I hope the Cross could be taken on missions.

Nope, sorry. You cannot even recover it.

The thing is, you are not a God's soldier! So any religious imagery wouldn't work for you. But if a real priest falls in battle, and you pick up his Cross, then you count as a temporary replacement and the Holy Spirit is with you for a while.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 08:10:40 pm
Nope, sorry. You cannot even recover it.

The thing is, you are not a God's soldier! So any religious imagery wouldn't work for you. But if a real priest falls in battle, and you pick up his Cross, then you count as a temporary replacement and the Holy spirit is with you for a while.

Quickly, someone write Crusader-COM/Jihad-COM submod. Any takers?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 08:41:05 pm
I just got a mini scare when I opened XCOM and found none of my saves. Turns out clicking default on the Settings also resets it to Enemy Unknown instead of xcomfiles.

Then It couldn't find my save, even though it was right there. Turns out not only I get reset to X-COM 1 but also the savefile is relabeled as such.
Now lets find where should OXCE bugs be reported.

OK, reported in github. Happens both with and without ironman.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: WaldoTheRanger on September 02, 2020, 09:03:21 pm
That was an intense cultist mission. At least it would have been for me. I definitely would have gotten shot all the way up on like turn 5.
Out of curiosity, why didn't you go for the relative safety of the building to your right? I know the van and the forest helped block a bit, but clearly a lot of things were getting through, and you were just getting lucky juking them (or so it seems to me)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 09:52:48 pm
That was an intense cultist mission. At least it would have been for me. I definitely would have gotten shot all the way up on like turn 5.
Out of curiosity, why didn't you go for the relative safety of the building to your right? I know the van and the forest helped block a bit, but clearly a lot of things were getting through, and you were just getting lucky juking them (or so it seems to me)

I thought that I will run out of ammo and will need to come back to the van to pick more stuff. I actually needed to pick a flare and medikits. I had only one Ironmanish moment when I redid something stupid on my part, except when I wanted to get shots that I forgot to do. To walk inside I needed to first secure the perimeter on the other side of the house, which would be problematic. A major problem was that I didn't bring enough flares.

Except for turn 1, there was only one shot coming through the house. There were soldiers close to it, at night I don't know what is on the other side and I don't want them to walk close to me. The house and especially the forest were of more help to the cultists than me.

They did miss more, but most of them shot at 50% accuracy or were wounded so that is fine. I was extremely lucky with the grenade on turn 1 and that Sailor missing with Magnum. I did get 3 wounded and I got hit 4-5 times.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:01:38 pm
A madman rampages in Canada. Probably because of the weather or the prices of liquor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:07:44 pm
I now have 3 missions active: A madman, a Strange Creature and a Ninja Outpost. One of these teams must have a D-B Shotgun, but I don't remember which one so I will try it there.

The plan for the Ninja Outpost is to walk in shoot some faces and walk out. I already know there are invisible ninjas there. I have seen them. :)

Or may be I should roleplay that I didn't know there were there and get killed.

Oh and we researched a Red Dawnie Gangsta. He knew nothing but we got wisdom and insight.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:12:47 pm
And a forth mission shows up. I have only 3 teams and they are all too slow to do a second one, so the Ninja Outpost is cancelled. It is only negative 100 points, while the rest are 150 and 400, no other reason, I swear.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:27:09 pm
The team is loaded with rubber. Also I need to fix some settings here.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:41:14 pm
Turn 1: Nothing so far. There are lots of workers with wrenches. Those made good money for a silly melee weapon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 10:55:53 pm
Turn 2: Play with the food.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:04:28 pm
Turn 3: Oooops Number 5.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:15:13 pm
Turn 4: Shhh, he didn't hear us. He actually hit an urban youth with a baseball bat and she hit him with the bat. Why do they even call us on these?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:21:24 pm
Outcome. Lets ask this guy what made him go nuts? Was it acute nuts allergy?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:24:22 pm
The bane of Mulder has been researched.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:26:08 pm
Let's have a crop circles mission too. At least it is close by and I might be able to send a team before it expires. Maybe we will finally catch the MiB while they steal OUR POT. STAY OUT, IT IS OURS!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 02, 2020, 11:28:47 pm
Or maybe we should go do this Madagascar Strange Creature hunt if I can get there.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 03, 2020, 12:56:43 am
Research done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 03, 2020, 01:11:38 pm
Quickly, someone write Crusader-COM/Jihad-COM submod. Any takers?

You mean X-Communicare? :)
(This idea has been floating around for years... Maybe one day...)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 03, 2020, 11:29:05 pm
Next Mission is a Strange creature hunt in Northern Canada right next to Greenland. As if Canada isn't north enough, they actually have northern parts.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 12:25:50 am
EDIT: Retcon active!

Chapter 4: The Age of the Double Barreled Shotgun

Retcon deactivated!

Yey, the whole team managed to kill a zombie. I should stop loading stun at startup at all.

Let's pick up the light pistols and have some Reaction fire. I should probably check who needs it actually.

Also the first Elvis zombie showed up, but then walked out of the scene.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 12:13:07 pm
OK, so the D-B Shotgun can shoot 4 times a turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 12:14:49 pm
Turn 10. Elvis is back. Let's hope he wanders close, but not that close to blow up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 01:03:01 pm
We got Elvis Down, Elvis Down. I added two more tasers on his body just to be sure.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 01:40:28 pm
The rest of the Zombies didn't make more trouble than normal.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 01:46:08 pm
Some more research is done. I stopped researching the pioneer, since I should really research all the Gangstas before him. And I added one more guy on the General Strategy. May be I should stop being a compeletionist for a while and just concentrate on getting the Promotion II goods.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 01:48:55 pm
OK, let's have another mission active. I doubt I will get to this one in time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 05:01:24 pm
So I tried to wait for morning on that Safehouse near El Paso. Bad idea, they disappeared. State of the world now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 05:05:07 pm
OK, Forget about the Crops, there is a safe house. May be they will have some bags-o-money.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 05:15:04 pm
Don't tell anybody, but we sold the video from the Nonist Frogs mission.

Also I need about 300000 more to start the Intel Lab.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 05:32:47 pm
Finally we figure out what's next. We need a military guy, sciency dude, UFO freak and some wizkid with a soldering iron.

Let's start with military guy.

I am missing a Cool Alien Toy and Mutant metabolism, I should get the first from the dead hands of an Exaltee, but the mutant stuff needs a lucky Monster hunt or some mass murderer to spit some information.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:02:51 pm
We hit the Madagascar monster hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:07:03 pm
There are a Hunter, a Huntress and a Rat.

I don't think I have seen a huntress before. And that looks like a pretty big gun for a lone Rat. Lets try to save the animal with tasers, these guys look crazy hungry.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:12:05 pm
That poor little rat, we barely saved him. Why are they hunting it, they monsters. We should have shot the Hunters and taken their guns, I think one had a Nitro Express Rifle.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:12:53 pm
State of the world, we are still chasing various missions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:16:22 pm
A team approaches the Indian monster Hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:17:55 pm
Looks suspiciously clear. Maybe there was no monster and we could just go home. Lets arm the Light pistols and go in the open.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:23:02 pm
During the replay a Farmer leaped from the roof and then a yet unknown beast chased after him. Pictured bellow.

Turn two, she jumps after him, and we loose track of them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:26:42 pm
Turn 3. There are three two of them.

I bet the beast is a 2x2 monster locked in a room or something.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 04, 2020, 06:33:38 pm
He is doomed. Doomed I tell you. Doomed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 12:04:44 am
Wait, he isn't a rough and tough farm boy, he is just a poor weak civilian, no wonder he was running away from these *snu-snu* monsters.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 12:12:39 am
OK, finally. It is another Giant Rat
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 12:22:19 pm
So I decided to shoot one bullet and the Rat is gone. Our job is complete.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 12:25:10 pm
This IS a grenade, not a granade. Added one more scientist on the Military Envoy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 12:41:05 pm
A new strange creature pops up, that safehouse in Arabia disappears and we get our first graduate of X-COM Academy of Comically Misspelled Entities (ACME).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 05:47:04 pm
It may be a few days late but, I realize that I do have enough spare loot to buy the Intelligence Center now. It will be finished on the 1st or 2nd of the next month so I could buy some scientist right after I get the good ole money injection. I feel like the poor people who need to start burrowing money 5 days after payday.

I would have preferred to turn those zombies into Energetic Blood Plasma and those Farmers into the Information upload, but I will get more of both anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 05, 2020, 07:10:12 pm
The only mission left is the Strange Creature Hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:42:05 am
OK, let's try to stun one. This one is close enough to attack the agents.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:45:14 am
The usual Reaction fire training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:47:36 am
Poor scorpions, they don't stand to reaction fire training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:55:24 am
Radoslav had only 40 Reactions and refused to fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 01:17:20 am
We are running out of reefers, we need to restock the crop.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 01:19:17 am
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 01:29:28 am
My favorite moment from X-Com files was when, during a Dagon HQ, I decided to look back for no reason, and there he was, a Sorcerer of Dagon, who I stunned a few turns ago, wielding the Ancient Katana and casually charging forward. Back to sleep Davy Jones.

Let's have a similar jump scare.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:02:12 am
A shotgun + taser did the job. Now onto rearming the two higher aim agents back to shotguns. No sense in expending more expensive ammo.

Unfortunately Mulder forgets to leave enough TU to leave the heap of weapons to somebody else too. Scully has lot's of flares so she will lighten up the situation.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:22:27 am
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:31:46 am
Turn 3. The Peasant managed to put Amirah to sleep briefly, but she did that ninja roll and is up and running again.
He knew what to pick from her equipment though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:45:00 am
Turn 4.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:50:31 am
Turn 5.

One more Peasant to go. But he seams like a nice guy who walks around and doesn't want much trouble. What could possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:54:31 am
Last one dropped from a single punch. I am an ateist and never pray to RNGesus.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:56:40 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 09:58:26 am
And a third soldier finishes ACME training.

Mulder finished it without saying a word,. Probably there is a story behind that, but I don't want to know it.

This leaves 3 empty spaces in the trainer, but I don't really have the $$$ to buy another 3 agents.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 10:01:59 am
Another Safehouse shows up in Australia. I wonder if I will get there in time. Let's hope that these guys have some moneybags.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 10:13:47 am
We research the Homicidal guy. Not exactly what I hoped for.

May be we should also get suicidal soldiers? Someone who already have bleeding wounds at start and we need to capture him. Probably not going to work.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 10:15:40 am
And let's remember to reassign the scientist a day later. It isn't like we pay them tons of money to work or something.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 10:26:03 am
We research Sentient Algorithms.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 10:31:22 am
We also find out about Makarov, and start to research the AK-47.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 10:33:21 am
Oh, noooooooooooooooo, our Crops are gone. Damn those MiBs in helicoptas.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:06:42 pm
I didn't have to wait for nighttime this time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:17:14 pm
1st turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:21:25 pm
Enemy Turn 2.

The cltist pictured below got deleted by Double-Barrel Shotgun reaction fire. Unfortunately it cannot reload during reaction fire. Another cultist shot at us from the second floor. One of my agents has some health less but no wounds. These are the worst armed cultists.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 12:30:10 pm
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 02:37:03 pm
Unfortunately, the actor playing Agent Nicolas Skanadalis had a sudden change of heart and we had to terminate his contract. With prejudice. We blame the black kimonos.

A shame, he had a funny name, I will probably rename some rookie to Nicolad Skandalis Jr.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 02:55:57 pm
Turn 3. Revenge.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 03:08:50 pm
Turn 3. Enemy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 03:09:37 pm
Turn 4:
3 Agents left, 3 cultists less.
Back behind the Van.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 03:24:33 pm
Turn 5.

He is armed only with a pump action shotgun so I should be OK. Should.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 03:36:41 pm
Turn 6!?

The better taser.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 03:54:42 pm
Turn 9. (I checked) A wild Assasin walks nearby and I shoot him with AK. No effect.These guys don't even have armor on them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 04:11:21 pm
Turn 10. Now, the while team is needed to down one unarmoured guy. Crap, why did I switch away from shotguns on these missions. I hope Mr. FN-FAL shows up soon.

I think there is only one left or so. Did assassins show up on Safe Houses? I don't really remember.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 04:21:38 pm
Turn 12-ish.

I found the Calligraphy tool in GIMP, pretty cool, except when my mouse drags and I need to start over.

There is somebody else. Why didn't I bring a drone here? Why haven't I bought one yet? When will I get bigger craft?

Aaaah. Questions. Who cares!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 04:25:32 pm
Captain Mojtaba found the last (I hope one), but failed to hit. On one tile he could see him but couldn't shoot, on the next one it was exactly the opposite.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 04:30:24 pm
Some shots, a big HIT, but not down yet.

Also a guy with billhook shows up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:05:50 pm
Only one left, I think.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:07:35 pm
Two Reaction fires at him, but not down yet. Those damn windows.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:12:17 pm
Outcome. The Billhook guy had enough and threw the towel.

I hope I remember to add another Skandalis to the team.

Also this mission sported the 5th or 6th ironmanish moment, when I shot into a wall instead of the enemy. I will call it 6th.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:14:29 pm
Somebody got a big scary fish from the ocean.

ALIENS!!!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:21:49 pm
Finally I got the Military Envoy. He can give us HUMVEE and after Basic Flight Training HELICOPTER. I will concentrate on those two things for now. Of course getting all four of the advisors leads to Promotion 2 and the Armored Vest, which has this nice word Armored in it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:25:19 pm
And we got that neat anti ninja tank. Now I can get to Black Lotus outposts with 5% more confidence.

I also can now buy Mosin-Nagant Rifle (just Mosin in game), but I have no idea about their ammo. I can buy it, but can't know how much damage it does. I guess I need to buy the vanilla Bolt Action Rifle. (Which totally isn't M1 Garand, because M1 Garand isn't bolt action at all!)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:41:10 pm
I finally spent the money to buy the first Basic AI Unit.

ALL HAIL OUR FUTURE MASTERS!!!

In other news, we find out about some neat big knife funnily called machete. As a Macho, but smaller and used to cut Machos.

We continue with something else like that, but I don't remember what.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:43:54 pm
The Engineer, we call him Tummy, because he only fills his tummy and does nothing, finally earns about 1/100000 of his salary by using the crowbar on some boxes. The results are kind of irrelevant. And other assorted junk.

Like what is a Greaser?

And our future mechanical master's name is Hannibal.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 06, 2020, 05:50:15 pm
We also research AK-47. It is 5% less accurate than AKM, and that is all. I hope we find some Dagonist with the right stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 08:43:07 am
Engineers ID.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 08:44:10 am
He talked to a bear. We are in Franz Yosif Land, there is no one else to talk to. The bear was a Soviet agent. Yes, soviet, they forgot to tell her that the union has dissolved.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 08:51:15 am
We also figure out the PKM machinegun.

I usually keep 1 scientist on researching these, and often one on interrogating low level guys and one on the strange creatures and autopies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 08:54:39 am
An exo-whatever happened. It is nicer than *Shit Happens*. I bought two Hazmat suits to try. Lets hope it doesn't disappear by the time they get to base.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 09:00:07 am
The last day of the month is busy.

We get a cattle mutilation and we are sending in Tesfa Tesfa. Despite having two missions under his belt he is still a virgin.

I thought his name was Tonfa Tonfa, and was going to send him armed with two tonfas, but alas memory failed me again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 09:08:26 am
End of month.

Does buildings count for maintainace if still building?

If not, I screwed it up and built the Intel Lab a day early.
With all the money I got from the council I could only buy two scientists. I will need to clean up the cellar again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 07:11:44 pm
The team for Cattle Mutilation.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 07:27:16 pm
First turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 07:28:09 pm
Second turn.

We got one punch for no effect and answered with a stun shot and some pinches. Second farmer down.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 07:38:30 pm
Turn um 5?

That farmer refused to walk around for reaction fire so I walked next to him for some punchie punchie. Tesfa Tesfa isn't a virgin rookie any more, but ...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 07, 2020, 07:41:58 pm
The last one got hit by a stun shot from the last agent with no experience.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 08:32:31 am
Extremely bizarre things spotted. Check.
X-Com called. Check.
Mission started. Check.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 09:04:44 am
Extremely bizarre indeed!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 09:15:49 am
Turn two.

Another Megaworm showed up and killed some bedouin, but neither shot at our agents. Extremely Bizarre Lifeforms.

Mulder healed both expendables, and they both missed the Megaworm with Desert Eagles, but he missed them in return too. Scully tried to stun a bedouin woman, but she refused to sleep, because the sand is too hot or something.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 11:37:42 am
None of my shots worked except hitting the Civilian.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 11:43:03 am
Turn 4 Enemy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 03:01:35 pm
Turn 4
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 03:25:37 pm
Turn 5. I guess you can figure out which one was enemy part.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 03:57:38 pm
There was a slight disturbance in the force (I misclicked end turn instead of Abort and accidentally reset the whole mission to the beginning.), so the whole mission got redone. With similar results. I didn't try hard to loose it again, but the Megaworms simply get bored with shooting at us and decide to charge in at some point.

In retrospect everyone should have been armed with shotguns maybe!? For higher damage per turn. But the Megaworms could walk quite long distance once they decided to munchie-munchie.

Or maybe I should have climbed one of the hills, but I don't think I would have had enough ammo that way.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 08, 2020, 04:17:33 pm
EDIT: Retcon activate!

Chapter 5: The age of HUMVEES and Beaches!

Retcon Deactivated!


Research update.

I get the Surfurs cover, which I don't think will be used until I get Osiron from somewhere. It is reminding me that I am about 20 meters from the beach right now, so I should stop sitting on this computer.

Also we get the HUMVEE at last and I cleared out the cellar of living Zombies and Farmers (they sold to the same customer, some representative of "Luchador Company" named Smiley, I wonder what do they want to use them for?) and other assorted junk.

Next research drive is for the Basic Flight Training and then HELICOPTA.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 06:44:15 am
A cult safehouse for the Exaltees. I should have plenty of time to get there with my brand new HUMVEE.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 06:54:06 am
We researched Sten. Another SMG that I will not use. May be I should equip and try it like once.

SMGs in my opinion are three types:
1. Rifle wannabes - faster, less accurate and less damaging version of a rifle - Sten, HKMP5, etc
2. Two handed burst SMGs - no Aimed but lots of bullets per auto - UAC SMG and a others that I don't remember
3. One handed burts SMG - Like the above but one handed. I like these and especially the MAC10 which has a good punch too.

EDIT: Another scientist showed up and was sent to Basic Flight Research.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:28:22 am
Turn 1. We downed 4 enemies. In retrospect I should have ran towards the corner and taken it from there. I am too exposed for other hidees in the house on the east.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:44:22 am
Turn 1 Enemy. Yep, a Goon walked out of the door and shot at svetla with a colt. Surprisingly he rolled poorly and scored only two hits for minor damage and no wounds. He took a reaction fire shotgun to the face though, but needs some more.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:57:36 am
Turn 2.

Some Bravery training for the 70 bravery guy and some patient training for the future patient. With the new system it is beneficial to get wounded. We are Masochist-COM.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:58:24 am
Turn 3. Boring. One guy showed up and got shot. There are few left.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 08:07:03 am
Turn 4.

Another Gangster showed up to be deleted, but I accidentally stepped in the light.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 08:15:08 am
Turn 5.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 08:27:05 am
Turn 6.
I was just going to stop and just put "And the mission was finished, bla bla bla." But we were still in the light and Radoslav got shot pretty good. He was on 4 health and 6 wounds. We will save him, but I need to start carrying the medikits with me.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 09:38:59 am
Turn 7-ish?
 had to walk back and restun the prisoners.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 09:44:58 am
*Several turns later*

Ahh, here you are.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 09:46:22 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 03:39:39 pm
Some small research on the go.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:04:40 pm
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:07:39 pm
We threw some flares. Luckily no lights are on the map except mine.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:19:38 pm
One of them walked into striking range and took a wrench to the head.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:42:25 pm
This turn was another ironman-ish moment when I realized that I prioritized them wrong.


I deleted the collage and am not going to redo it, sorry. The team hit some cultists on the head and they fell. The northernmost guy with the Iron pipe survived.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:43:26 pm
Next turn. Some wrenches hit some heads, but I think I saw a reaction fire from the north. Bad business.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 07:45:10 pm
Rookies Expendables, know your place, it is in the path between bullets and experienced agents.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: WaldoTheRanger on September 09, 2020, 09:34:05 pm
Aside from staying in the dark, what are your general strategy tips for these types of missions?
Especially when it's against ninjas.
I find myself savescumming a lot, sometimes even just for retreating.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 10:34:13 pm
Buy Light Pistols (for Sport) Spypistol(for sport and Labor) and Crosbow (for Beach). The Nailgun (the big one, not the Stapler) also works for Labor. Check what you can use and buy it.

Stay in the dark and shoot them from there, they don't have sniper spotter at this level and have nothing they could do.

What I do here is pretty scary, since I have no guns for this mission, but only one of them has one, so it isn't that scary.

Oh, and send the expendables to the forefront. If things go highwire, retreat.

There isn't much else. Don't get shot is the real deal on these missions without armor.

Against ninjas I will use the Scout Drone since it can see them from 5 tiles more and send bigger group. The VAN can't really take on a Black Lotus Outpost and above.

So, walk forward, look for the assassin, retreat. Dogs are also useful for the Track, especially on the HQ. I don't think that Assasins show up on covert missions. At least I haven't seen one. Warriors do, and they look exactly like Assassins, but don't have camo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 10:41:15 pm
I found the armed one. Let's hope he doesn't find us.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 10:46:21 pm
He did shoot at somebody once but missed. Nighty-night.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 09, 2020, 10:48:19 pm
Outcome. Not bad.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 11, 2020, 12:21:07 am
Our resident scientist from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences opened the Money Briefcase in the explosives testing bunker (just to be safe) and nearly exploded. We barely saved his life. That was more money than he could possibly imagine.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 11, 2020, 12:59:35 am
Another madman. Will he give us something useful as research. Let's find out!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 11, 2020, 01:33:00 am
And let's have some spiders. Sounds like a two stage mission. I have never done one of these before.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:01:40 am
And a Black Lotus Outpost shows up. The only thing available is the Van, but I don't think it is enough for this one. Also I have only the worst agents available.

I have 2 other missions, the spiders and the Madman. Both of them are for higher points and the Madman will even counter the point loss from the Outpost.

I will pass.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:08:22 am
OK, I can deal with a Safehouse though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:16:54 am
The team is on. I forgot to rearm the lat agent, but big deal.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:29:16 am
Turn 1. I got a hunting license. I need it to, uhm, see the hunters stats.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:43:33 am
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:52:16 am
Turn 3.

The Medikit was expropriated.

No sign of no Madman.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 12:56:28 am
Turn 4.

We keep stunnin', none of them have any moneyn'.

May be the madman had all the Wads of cash in the last madman rampage. Let's go visit him.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 01:17:58 am
Turn 5?6?

The madman walked on the top of the building and then fell down.

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 13, 2020, 01:21:52 am
ROTFL!
Nice one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 01:23:09 am
Outcome.

The Madman actually woke up, and I had to punch him again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 08:59:05 am
Crap.

-600 points for Fryfindor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 09:09:31 am
I repeatedly found some strange boxes in the equip craft screen. The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences scientist volunteered to look into them, but was badly disappointed. No money inside. :(

I will sell the Makarov and Snubnose, but the SOCOM23 was a good pistol if I recall correctly.

Also some other pictures about bots and surfing. All the agents wish we had another buyable X-COM surfboard to bring on missions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 09:11:43 am
We also figured out what that M16 is.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 09:13:42 am
Descending upon peaceful Australia.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 09:39:55 am
OK, lets kill some non sneaky ninjas and go ho...

Ooops Number 10.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 09:43:48 am
Tyson Challenge is NO GO. I repeat, Tyson Challenge is a NO GO.

We avoided -100 points for Fryfindor.

Remember kids, never go out without your trusty Big Berta Artillery or at least a couple of shotguns and assault rifles!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 10:30:55 am
Attention, potential brain damage.

The teams below play The Valkyries backwards.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 10:43:55 am
Another Safehouse gets involved. I have an armed and ready HUMVEE for it though.

I hope none of the Molodets on the Red Dawn activity picture below reads this Lets play. If not, at least have a sense of humor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:01:38 am
We researched the SOCOM23 pistol. It is a good one and I might switch to. Not good enough for a new Chapter yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:34:39 am
Red Downies safehouse is a GO.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:39:38 am
Turn 1.

Bagheri got shot several times from the house below, but we couldn't spot whoever is there.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 09:48:48 pm
Turn 2. I got the medkit carrier shot.

Also Ironman-ish moment N 8 (I have to go back and count those things). I forgot to put the rookies in front and tried to shoot at these guys instead of disappearing in the dark. Lets only fix the first.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 10:05:28 pm
Turn 3. We get shot again. Is it still a night mission?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 10:22:47 pm
Turn 4. No more Ironman-ish moments.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:20:35 pm
Turn 5, I guess.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:30:14 pm
Turn 6
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:42:11 pm
Turn 7. We had to check.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:47:55 pm
Turn 8.

Some mop up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 13, 2020, 11:57:22 pm
Turn 9 I think. It is only mop up I think.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:01:30 am
I killed one more and they threw the towel.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 08:13:07 am
We also figure out what the FAMAS is and can now buy SOCOM23s. Should I switch to these pistols? Hmmm.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 08:15:43 am
I am not sure if the team is big enough to take a party one but we will try.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 08:18:28 am
A tiny step to the Chainswords and Chaos.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:02:57 am
I just got a good event for a change - a Damaged Zombie parasite and some energetic blood plasma, that someone used for immortality.

Also the agents complained that it is lonely in the gym, now that the big shots moved to training in the pub. So here are some trainees.

I left 200000 for the Helicopter once that thing shows up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:04:24 am
Oh, the Party got cancelled. No, we had tickets.

I was so excited that I couldn't sleep and now the council is unhappy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:11:49 am
Szzz, that's the stuff!

Started on the Red Dawnies Bio-Enhancements.

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:32:32 am
And now on to a a Strange Creature hunt. Lets hope for something that can turn into Mutant Phisiology.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:34:00 am
And no matter how many times we probed this guy with the Electric Club, he only talked about that TV show host Dr. Hadriex. Come on man, we need to know about that reaper of yours.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:43:39 am
The team prepares.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 09:55:00 am
Oh, zombies again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:19:12 am
This guy got close and had to be stunned. I need to pick some stun reloads in case he decides to jump back up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:21:19 am
Irena dodged a hit and deleted him.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:27:06 am
The Kludge worked surprisingly well at close range with Zombies.

Disclaimer: More shots were fired than shown.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:42:23 am
Mission done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:50:50 am
Some more trivia and a slightly better Berreta. We don't use these anymore actually.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:52:06 am
Oh, no. We needed these farmers, for, um, sexline operators, that's right.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:01:13 am
Finally, we can study that helicopter, and then: Move the Plot.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:05:47 am
Another Strange Creature.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:24:33 am
Megascorpions :(

See you later.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:36:52 am
Later that day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:50:30 am
And the Gangster talked about ... flashlights.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:51:53 am
I haven't had a single Chupacabra hunt so far. :(
There should be a mandatory Chupacabra hunt in first month.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 11:59:33 am
EDIT: Retcon Activate!

Chapter 6: The age of DA HELIKOPTA!

Retcon Deactivate!

The MiBs won't get our ganja anymore.

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:02:59 pm
The next hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:13:40 pm
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:16:14 pm
OK, zombies again. Some training mission.
Actually these aren't real missions, just some training montages.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:20:07 pm
Yep, nothing livens up a Zombie hunt like some good old shoot the highest ranking officer in the buttocks. The risks of live firing training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:24:50 pm
And there was another friendly fire incident, that went unnoticed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:28:42 pm
Let's see what did the cat bring.

Uhm, Summary said absolutely nothing. Is that an improvement from 4 beetles and a pack of cigarettes?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 12:34:52 pm
Similar equipment to last time, and zombies again. Sigh. Can't I have Mutant Physiology?

Nice winter map though, but I don't think they have forests in Greenland.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 14, 2020, 02:49:55 pm
What do you mean? It's called Greenland!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 05:32:04 pm
What do you mean? It's called Greenland!

(https://media.tenor.com/images/1a3b9a76066d8877d49214c5a75ba8de/tenor.gif)

There actually is a single forest in Greenland (https://www.amusingplanet.com/2019/02/qinngua-valley-greenlands-only-forest.html). I didn't know that.

As far as I know the name Greenland was an early example of a successful P.R. campaign by Eric the Red.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 06:07:09 pm
Some good old fashioned reaction fire training and then shotguns and I will skip to the outcome, unless something surprising happens.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 06:25:49 pm
Outcome.

The mission happened on the icesheet, I thought that the Tundra map is for the White and Green patches.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 14, 2020, 06:40:27 pm
Well TBH I am still polishing the globe. It's not easy to assign terrains to map textures...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 06:49:50 pm
We figure out what annabolic steroids are for. Also our doctor gets her license. It only took several hits with the Electric Club to obtain. When you think that people have to study for years and drop tons of money for this ... It is astonishing no one thought of our solution so far.

Solve a man's problem with violence - save him for a day. Teach him to solve his own problems with violence - save him for a lifetime.

Belkar, OOTS (https://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0612.html)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 06:53:26 pm
Well TBH I am still polishing the globe. It's not easy to assign terrains to map textures...

I am not really complaining. You cannot polish everything perfectly.

Everything said within this thread is somewhat in character, so any "this and that is stupid" remarks aren't really criticism. If I have something to complain about constructively criticize I will put it in your subforum.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 07:00:32 pm
Another strange creature hunt in Patagonia. That is out of range of our shiny new helicopter. And it is still refueling after Mulder decided to make a Test Drive to Germany for a few beers. He got lost around Central African Republic and had to go home without any alcohol. Back to drinking Helicopter juice. (They use pure alcohol to keep helicopter blades free of ice. We are permanently short of it.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 07:07:22 pm
And also a cattle mutilation in Australia, where I sent the Van to. I will need to build a second and third bases to cover the whole world in Helicopters, but I am not sure I will get the pure $$$ soon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 08:17:57 pm
And finally ...

A mission in range for the Helicopta. It's Crops also. Let's go take that herb before the MiBs show up.

Also It has decent range and can cover most of the northern hemisphere, even Hawaii. I am not sure if I will have Osprey range over all HQs, but I should be able to build extra bases when that starts smelling like a problem.

And some research that finished a while ago but I forgot about it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 08:19:43 pm
Do I want to do a Strange Creature at night?

Hell NO!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 08:33:40 pm
The team. I first forgot that it is a night mission and then...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:37:12 pm
... I forgot that it is not. Anyway, first show case of our twin brothers in Agency, the MiBs. They look just like us, but they wear their kevlar under their suits. What travesty! They deserve nothing then Electric Club probing for the rest of the Month Year!

I also took 2 damaging hits from that SMG.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:51:34 pm
Desert Eagle is king.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:54:27 pm
Ooops Number 11. There was a 4th guy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 14, 2020, 10:57:52 pm
Outcome.

Why these guys don't carry money for replacement agents? It would make things so much easier. :D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 08:41:59 am
A Ghost ship shows up, but no Ghosts on it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 09:13:44 am
The team. Can I haz Mutant, plyiz?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 09:24:20 am
NO!
Megascorpions again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 09:26:58 am
Nothing exciting happened except that one of the Megascorpions almost believed he can get to us, before reaction fire killed it. They have good reactions and are a bit harder to train on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 09:34:34 am
Some more trivial research and also we figure out Pioneers.

I will switch one of the Shotgun researchers to interrogation.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 09:40:18 am
Another month goes in the bank. Surprisingly no one is unhappy with us. I guess these spiders weren't in Brazil. Unfortunately our income is less than last month. Anonnimous donor, where are you?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 09:48:22 am
We've lost the Cattle, but found her!

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 10:09:26 am
Some people graduate from the Gym, others have healed up so I don't have empty room there. Even after the loss of ... uhm ... what were their names again?

Also I forgot to show the new general stores. It is a connector for the 4th Hanger that I will put in the North East corner one day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 10:10:41 am
The next Crop circles mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 01:59:36 pm
They killed Betsy. You bastards!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 02:05:32 pm
The team for the Italian job.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 02:26:17 pm
The Helicopta in all it's night vision glory.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 02:36:55 pm
Last one walked up to mulder and took a Reaction punch in the face. Mulder is alrgic to Baseball bats, not Farmers.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 02:54:03 pm
Research musings.

The Zombie Parasite should unlock the Luchador missions, while the Zombie plot is for the points. MiBs take forever to interrogate, so I want to first clear the stuff I could get from lower levels. I need Information upload from the Framers to get on the Radar path.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 03:30:21 pm
The team, ready to roll.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 03:35:58 pm
OK, Regular, everyday madafa ... peasants, I mean filthy peasants. Switch to Rubber slugs.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 03:45:03 pm
And done. I did finish them on turn 9 and then decided put two of them in overstun so that I don't repeat Meridian's funny story (https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,7880.0.html).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 03:57:36 pm
And we have our Engineer guy onboard. Should I research any of the topics he unlcked? Ha ha ha.

May be the Workshop later. The heavy stun weapons is good, but requires a Workshop to build. Durathread leads to Durathread Manufacturing, which is an alternative to the Red Dawn Base. I might research that. I think that the mission is within Helicopter range.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:03:55 pm
I have 6 farmers, 7 topics and I need one of them specifically. Will I get it?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:13:41 pm
Several researches mashed together. The Black Ops Shotgun shotgun is slightly faster and slightly less accurate than the regular one. But it is 3-4 time more expensive. Uhm, I will use all that I capture, but will save myself the money. I will get BlackOps purchase after I recruit all the staff.

Also it is the 11 and I had only 1-2 missions this month.

Aliens abduct people? No way. Is this why we call these farmers Abducted Farmers?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:15:56 pm
Some more interrogations.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:23:19 pm
Some more research. We figured out where zombies come from. Also Alien Harvest and some useless Chinese rifle. Lets start that Durathread stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:28:08 pm
Aliens use humans instead of Diskettes. I reassigned the two Scientists to Alien Language Investigation.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:35:08 pm
The team gets to a South American Strange Creature Hunt and is ready to roll, train and capture some MUTANT PHYSIOLOGY RELATED CREATURES! Finally, Please!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:39:17 pm
Looks clear so far. Let me guess, a wild Chupacabra will sprint through the level and eat everiones' ears off.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:49:32 pm
Turn 1. Enemy. So the game showed me my own team several times, but no enemy showed up. Wait, what is that.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 04:58:21 pm
Ironmanish moment 11. I couldn't resist running them all back to the car screaming, for cinematic purposes, but they are professionals and did not do that.

Instead they unleshed the power of shotgun, which was sadly stopped by the power of ridge most of the time. Last shot did the trick.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 05:02:26 pm
Outcome. Thankfully it was a single Chupacabra. They are not that though, but can run up to you and kill the whole team in one go.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 15, 2020, 05:05:29 pm
And another Strange Creature (who am I kidding, not a Mutant) pops up near Greenland.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 16, 2020, 12:38:22 am
Hmm, I have only now recalled what the base name was, and its location. Let me celebrate with this evergreen song.


Everything said within this thread is somewhat in character, so any "this and that is stupid" remarks aren't really criticism. If I have something to complain about constructively criticize I will put it in your subforum.

I know, man! And I'm loving every second of it. Never change.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 08:56:41 am
The team for an arctic Strange Creature.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 09:22:47 am
That is just what I need. Let's hope that neither this guy bleeds out nor the other has enough move to go get us.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 09:36:47 am
Turn 2. Some reaction fire missed them and we learn valuable lessons.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 09:49:35 am
Turn 3. Back to school.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 09:57:01 am
Outcome. The last two Shamblers succumbed to Reaction Fire from 1 SKS and 5 Light Pistols. Sadly the wounded guy died, but happily I had a backup prisoner.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 10:37:19 am
And some zombies in Zair/Kongo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 10:38:04 am
And also some research and a Safe House. I needed an Outpost there for the Alien Communicator, but that will be later.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 10:43:50 am
Zombie team. Little changes, only removed the Stun shotgun shells.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 12:57:05 pm
Nothing interesting so far. A routine Zombie hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 12:59:02 pm
We captured Elvis and lets go on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 01:18:12 pm
Ironman-ish moment 12 - I missed a zombie that got too close and redid a turn. They have nice camouflage for this map.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 01:19:16 pm
A bomb explodes.

ALIENS!!!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 01:29:14 pm
Are jumpsuits better than Kevlar? I don't think so. I will get them later for the dog armor though. For now we should concentrate on recruiting everyone. I put 4 people on the Durathread factory to unlock it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 03:49:16 pm
Despite their better night vision (10 instead of 9, sheesh, not worth mentioning), the Church of Dagon are pretty easy to take on at night, because they lack Sniper-Spotter cooperating units. Of course this is only a Safe house.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 04:01:02 pm
Turn 1. Looks clear except for the guys on the roof. They love being there. I guess we ruined their stargazing. No close enemies, I might need to rearm the guys.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 04:09:21 pm
Turn 2. They don't have a clue.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 04:21:37 pm
Turn 2. Brownian motion brings them nearby.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 04:28:27 pm
Turn 3 (or 4). Some more misses and low rolls.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 04:40:39 pm
Turn 5. I checked.

Breaking news. X-COM Agents want a "Am I illuminated indicator.". X-COM protesters block intersections and show interrogation techniques on policewomen all over the world in protest of their inability to figure out if seen or not.

In unrelated news -

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, MODERATELY GOOD AGENTS FOR THE MODERATELY GOOD AGENT THRONE!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 04:47:49 pm
Turn 6. Revenga!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:03:50 pm
Turn 7. Nothing special.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:07:29 pm
Turn 8. A reaction fire kill with the AKM and a normal one with the Double Barreled. Where are the rest hiding at?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:12:02 pm
Turn 9.

Ironmanish moment 13. I picked up a bolt action ammo and that ruined the Aimed shot. Sigh, dumb enough I think.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:18:09 pm
Turn 11.

Tesfa Tesfa got shot twice from the dark fields to the lower left. I healed 2 of 4 wounds because the sniper carried a medkit, but he is to walk back to the car fro more.

I got another Reaction fire kill with the AKM.

Also the first panic.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:24:12 pm
Turn 12. Soon to be finished. Many more pacnics and some of them walk around without guns now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:29:22 pm
Turn 14. Who brought a sniper to a golf match?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:32:38 pm
Turn 15. Some shotgun action for a change.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:35:43 pm
Turn 16,17? I should check again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:38:58 pm
Turn 17. Death makes an offer to Tesfa Tesfa that he cannot refuse. He refuses!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:47:21 pm
Outcome.

I noticed that AARs usually lack globe shots, so here is one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:50:54 pm
The big Elephant Rifle is around. I wonder when will we get an Elephant to try it on?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 05:59:54 pm
And the next week or so is uneventful. Actually the whole month was pretty boring.

I decide to change the team on the Helicopter to have some more people train up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 06:06:40 pm
The team for the Zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 06:07:37 pm
Lot's of Zombies, but nothing special. *Sigh*
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 06:24:21 pm
Even *I* (humility overloaded) failed to find anything funny or interesting in this mission. The only thing that saved the agents from falling asleep was a small friendly fire incident, which left a wound and 5-6 damage left to heal.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 06:26:22 pm
Another Strange Creature pops up at the end of the month. Will probably stay for next.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 16, 2020, 06:30:26 pm
We have investigated the Alien Language and now know that we need a translator.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 17, 2020, 08:20:33 am
Strange Creature hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 17, 2020, 09:00:14 am
Frogs Turn 1. The usual stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 17, 2020, 09:00:32 am
Turn 2. More of it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 17, 2020, 09:17:51 am
Run for your life!

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 17, 2020, 09:26:17 am
And this is month. Everyone is moderately happy about it. We even get more profit this month. Also that Shambler is now researched. Let's see what else will crop up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 17, 2020, 11:24:42 am
Sorry about the boring month. It happens when you git gud and face underwhelming odds... So it's actually good thing?

Anyway, doing what I can to not lose the arms race against the player, but sometimes the RNG hates me, too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 17, 2020, 11:52:45 am
Sorry about the boring month. It happens when you git gud and face underwhelming odds... So it's actually good thing?

Anyway, doing what I can to not lose the arms race against the player, but sometimes the RNG hates me, too.

The boring part was lack of missions. So just bad RNG. Outposts will be seriously challenging right now.

EDIT: So the previous month I had ~1200 points, but I had about -800 from expired missions and it was a bit crazy. This month I had ~1200 with no missed mission and no real failures (even the frogs got a positive balance). I guess the operations team went on vacation, so there was no one to unroot the Cults.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 10:03:59 am
EDIT: Recton ON!

Chapter 7: The age of the DOG!

Retcon OFF!

We research Dogs. I bought two. Hmm, Dog Combat gear is pretty expensive 8000 versus 5000 for Kevlar. I might just wait for the Durathread variant.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 10:07:39 am
En taro NINJA!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 12:09:43 pm
The team approaches.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 01:10:28 pm
No one in sight. Bad omen. A cultist could drop from the roof and delete some agents.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 02:07:00 pm
Turn 2. Not bad. Reaction fire killed one and wounded another.

I think I will go in and clear this little house for now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 02:42:17 pm
Turn 3. No one jumped from the roof, no open doors inside, this house must be empty. Lets check anyway. A dog would have been very useful in this situation to check for movement, but I didn't pack any.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:19:29 pm
Turn 4.

I will accept the Theory that the house is empty for now. Well, until someone jumps out of there and kills the whole team of course and turn around.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:24:09 pm
Turn 5.

Out of targets again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:26:42 pm
Turn 6.
Some panics and they disappear. Hmm. I added more flares but no cigar.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:36:43 pm
Turn 7.

Some wild and inaccurate reaction shots by us. I added some more flares and have 3 nice targets for training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:42:17 pm
Turn 8. A major Ooops. (Getting some rookie killed is just a minor one, but exposing one of the golden boys/girls is a major Ooops.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:47:49 pm
Turn 9. Still not surrendering.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:51:19 pm
Turn 11. One down and some solid misses on the other. I think there is a foot soldier somewhere, but I am not sure.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:53:26 pm
Turn 12. Mexican standoff. He doesn't see us.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 03:58:30 pm
Turn 12. He actually sees the left most soldier, because of borderline enough light. Lets take a few steps left and continue.

EDIT: The left above should be read as the other left.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 04:08:34 pm
And then he finally failed a morale check and decided to surrender. You would think that their buddies will tell them about all the horrors of the Interrogation room, but ... wait, they can't actually tell them, right?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 04:27:23 pm
"The more you have, that much more you have." - Winnie the Pooh, before he succumbing to overdose.

(Poorly translated back to English. I know it from the above anecdote, so I am not even sure that Edward actually said that in the book, I read it so long ago.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 04:43:23 pm
Oh, no!

How are we supposed to track the "Stuff" without our trusted doggos.

A message from X-COM DOD (Department of Dogs): We hate being kalled doggos. Stop using that! We have names!
The above message was translated in English as "WOOF WOOF WOOF"
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 04:51:34 pm
Some minor things happening while we wait for the helicopta to refuel, and fly, and also wait for the night, because these drug addicts might have Rocket Launchers. Or might punch worst then that. Who knows?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 05:19:57 pm
During the trip. (It wasn't a bad trip.)
Police in Helicopta !!!
Policeman on the Streets !!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF !!!

OK, fine, lets make final Checks:
Helicopter - CHECK
DOG? - WOOF (You should answer CHECK soldier, you sleep in a bed.) GRRRRR (OK, fine, I will close my eyes this time!)
Policemen IDs? - Uhmm, we haven't stollen a police ID yet. Nevermind we will use that medical license, they will not notice anything, right.
Peacekeeper shotgun with no peacekeeping ammo loaded? - CHECK
Kalashnikov? - CHECK
Flares? - CHECK
High Explosives? - CHECK, wait we are not gonna use these right? Right?

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 05:37:25 pm
First turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 18, 2020, 06:43:15 pm
Your agents be like

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 18, 2020, 07:05:18 pm
Pretty much yes!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 09:51:01 am
OK. A little lesson on gun optimization.

The Mosin uses Bravery to calculate Accuracy, now how much bravery did Mulder have?
I would have been better off giving it to Scully who has 60 Bravery and 2 Accuracy less.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 10:15:20 am
Mulder switches to the Nitro Express. It will not bring more accuracy, but will bring more damage I think.

Also, did I mention, this mission is commanded by the Dog Commander. It is a big change in IQ from previous commanders.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 02:36:19 pm
Pushkin's gun demands sacrifices. Not the most spectacular use though, we only punch a hole in a nearby bar, but what can I do? The team is thirsty.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:10:48 pm
That Bar doesn't look like a bar. Hmm, maybe a bank.

We will try killing them with reaction fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:17:32 pm
OK, no idea what this building is. It has a Kitchen, several desks with computers, some ficuses and a bed in the middle of it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:34:37 pm
Ready for some more reaction fire. No one wants to flank me, and some enemy with a UAC Pistol or Rifle could one shot my soldiers, so lets see if these guys surrender.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 20, 2020, 05:37:02 pm
Umm, that building is a small furniture/decoration store... With some pot plants, lamps, etc.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:40:48 pm
Umm, that building is a small furniture/decoration store... With some pot plants, lamps, etc.

Makes sense. I hope their insurance covers Super Secret Police organization redecoration.

Having some fine when you wreck the landscape on such missions would have been a good mechanic, but probably not feasible.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:42:05 pm
Some more inaccurate reaction fire. I hope someone steps closer so we could capture some for, uhm, interrogation, yes that is a word we use.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:56:40 pm
All of the Strormies are either dead or in hiding. They don't want to surrender yeat, which is a pity. I should get closer and whack them on the heads.

Shooting the Lamp didn't stop the light. Even after Save-Load. I guess I need to shoot the whole post to remove it. Btw, most weapons, even Desert Eagles and Magnums have problem removing street lamps. I guess only the.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 05:58:08 pm
They see the two agents to the left and shot at the one under the arrow, but lets hope they are as unaccurate as before.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 06:08:33 pm
Finally some panics. We almost capture one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 06:13:09 pm
Outcome. Finally the last of them came to his senses and surrendered.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 20, 2020, 07:45:23 pm
Having some fine when you wreck the landscape on such missions would have been a good mechanic, but probably not feasible.

Technically feasible, but LOTS of work :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 20, 2020, 10:35:47 pm
Technically feasible, but LOTS of work :)

So for version 5.0 then. :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 09:17:47 am
Somebody forgot to put shotguns for everyone.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 09:19:41 am
Warewolfies. Not that dangerous, but they can run quite a while and get use.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 09:31:34 am
Turn 1. Barely adequate.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 09:46:04 am
Turn 2. Lets do some reaction fire training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:05:58 am
Turn 3. Did we pour enough in that Warewolf to slay him before he gets to the meat. We will find out in next post. Stay tuned.

(to self: That sounds like a great moment to disappear from the forum forever. MUHAHAHA.)

Just kidding!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:23:28 am
Turn 4. One stun done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:28:40 am
Turn 5. OK, another original member down. Didn't I do that whole Ironman-ish name to keep these guys alive through save hackery and backup witchery?

I can still edit the save, but that is beyond the spirit of Ironman-ish.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:33:09 am
Outcome. I didn't use that, what was his name, agent too much. Only one kill. He was a kind of a barracks guy, I guess.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:38:34 am
OK, Next!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:40:05 am
Zombies again. Lets have some training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:43:11 am
Some unknown civilian chimes in. He is off to steal our kills!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:54:24 am
The zombies are bored and fall asleep. Our Light pistol bangs are not enough to keep them awake, I guess.

Glorious Bedouin with Makarov steps too close to a far away zombie. Will be zombie food next turn.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 10:59:34 am
And the bedouin is down. We keep training.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:02:35 am
There are more. Sigh, lets go search them up. I am not done with Reaction fire training anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:06:20 am
We found him!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:10:21 am
Mission done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:23:16 am
We examine that Rat.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:30:32 am
Mojaba is out of training and into the Pub. Says will never lift in his life again, since you cannot lose muscles if you don't train.

Not shown - I have not put the Dogs in training and I bought another fresh meat for the Expendables.

Also I will first finish the Promotion II. I have moved a bit from the Shotguns + Desert Eagles, but none of the guns I use are worth of a new Chapter. The Armored Vest is worth a Whole Book though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:37:30 am
More research. And another ~10 days with no missions. :(
The operations team is on vacation again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:38:43 am
Hey, I wanted these rats.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:42:52 am
Another Safehouse. Will I get something worty of a of a Chapter?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 11:51:19 am
Some more research.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 21, 2020, 12:16:51 pm
Next mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 11:14:52 am
So the forum was down for about a day for me and I am too lazy to reconstruct all the stuff I did on this mission.

Short story: We threw a lot of flares, somebody missed us with a shotgun (It hit the helicopter.), then we killed some, then we reaction fired some, then they surrendered. The End.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 11:16:12 am
Outcome: Was good, but my printscreen button must have burped, because I didn't get any of the screens.

Anyway, here is some research from a few days (in game) later.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 11:28:16 am
Emergence call center (Beirut or Jerusalem): For being bombed by Israel, Syria, USA, Russia, Turkey or any other bomb related issues, please clear the line for real emergencies. For real emergencies press 1!
...: (Click.) Presses 1.
Emergence call center: Hello, how may I help you?
...: Hello, uhm, there is some red sceletal animal that looks at my cows funny.
Emergence call center: *Sigh* Does it look alien?
...: If I say YES, will you send somebody? It started salivating!
Emergence call center: Sure! Do you say yes?
...: YESSSSS! AHHHHH!
Emergence call center: Wait a moment while I connect you to some super secret agency you and I never heard about, but we have their number for any random wacko that sees an alien.
<Elavator music.>
...: Hello there? Hmmm? It just ate the cat! Oh, wait, it just returned it! I shouldn't try pesticides on cats anymore.
<some more elavator music.>
X-COM Call Center: Hello there citizen, this is X-COMmmmm, Alien Watch Team, yeah, I definately didn't say X-COM in public didn't I?
...: Yes, there is a large red thing that is salivating near my cows. It just raized a sign - "Send X-COM agents pliyz! We want agent-meatz".
X-COM Call Center: How large it is?
...: About a German Shepard!
X-COM Call Center: Pfffff, do you call that large? It sounds like one of these extra small alien creatures. We will send the helicopter immediately.

A strange creature hunt between Beirut and Jerusalem.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 11:29:02 am
They are here!

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Goe9PrgMdY8/maxresdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 11:30:27 am
Turn 2. I guess it was.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 11:32:12 am
Can we hire cows in next version? With Kowvlar Vests and Armored Cow gear, too?

This one took like 3-4 Chupacabra hits to go down. Nice meatshield.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 12:00:50 pm
Two more down.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 12:05:13 pm
Last one. Like shooting fish. In a barrel.
Except that the fish can get out of the barrel and chomp your head off.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 12:09:58 pm
Outcome.

Only 2 Cow Corpses, but there are 3 civilians killed. Either the third one was Clint Eastwood, or the Chupacabras swallowed the third cow in one go.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 12:17:42 pm
A picture of the world and some more research.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 01:15:06 pm
Another risky undercover mission. This is the only one I can't smuggle a gun yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 01:28:39 pm
Some more research done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 01:30:18 pm
And more on the next day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 01:32:58 pm
Another Strange Creature. It is barely in Helicopter range. I should send the Humvee as a backup in case we come at night.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 02:36:07 pm
A look at our finances.

Russia is first at 180000+, I guess the 1990s crisis haven't kicked them yet. Or may be super secret UFO stuff has priority over hospitals and pensions as it should be.
Followed by France at 152000 and Turkey? at 151000.
Poland is 4th at 127000 and the USA is barely coughing up more than China at 123000 and 122000 disrespectfully.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 02:54:30 pm
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 03:03:23 pm
Turn 1 seems pretty nice.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 03:28:06 pm
Turn 2. I think there was one bereta shot that got turned by Lilly the Dog God.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 03:43:46 pm
Turn 3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 03:48:02 pm
Turn 4. I did hit one with reaction fire, but he didn't go down. Again waiting for them to come closer and for Mulder to shoot some.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 04:01:57 pm
Turn 5.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 04:03:02 pm
Turn 6. Lets let Lilly have this guy. We forgot the Dog food at the base. She only got one solid bite on Mulder during the trip.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 23, 2020, 04:06:01 pm
Outcome.

Also lets have a race for the Strange Creatures. The Helicopta will get there first, but will we risk a night battle in these conditions?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 23, 2020, 08:18:43 pm
OutcomeOnly 2 Cow Corpses, but there are 3 civilians killed. Either the third one was Clint Eastwood, or the Chupacabras swallowed the third cow in one go.

Plot twist: one cow was pregnant.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:28:37 am
Plot twist: one cow was pregnant.

:)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:35:13 am
Muckstars. These have a weak ranged attack.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 12:05:16 pm
There were some reaction fires for no damage. Lets see if we can train some reaction fire, before getting rid of these.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:22:45 pm
Turn 2. That tickles.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:26:46 pm
Turn 4. Another one shows up and misses.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:29:02 pm
Turn 5. Nope there are more.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:33:12 pm
Turn 6. Shh, we are hunting wabbits.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:39:44 pm
Turn 7. Two more.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:51:06 pm
Turn ... sometime later
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:54:43 pm
Outcome. Sadly the bleeding out Muckstar had bled out. No live specimen this time. :(
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 01:58:58 pm
We opened some boxes. The lone engineer is back to drinking martinis. And then some research too. We could now find Red Dawn Bases for some red dawn coordinators. I am not sure I am ready for that though, we need Promotion II for the Armored Vest first.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 24, 2020, 04:46:34 pm
Hey, out of curiosity, how far did you get in your previous campaigns? Have you finished the mod? If not, what was the end point? I'm just trying to discern when, if ever, you'll hit the end of the already known part.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 07:37:07 pm
I came to August 1997. I have a third base in the Americas. This month I will have the Syndicate retaliation. Unfortunately I decided to take a screenshot of it for some post and then didn't have a backup of just before and hadn't properly equiped all.

I have finished two cults - Black Lotus and Church of Dagon. I have barely crested the Promotion 3 hill.

I have assaulted only one UFO so far and I got Alien Origins of a Silicoid in one of the cave missions.

At this point I decided to make an AAR here and it didn't make sense to start in the middle. Eventually I should return at that playthrough and finish it at some point in the future.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 24, 2020, 09:15:44 pm
OK, good! There are plenty of surprises left, then. Can't wait!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 09:29:56 pm
And our first seriously serious mission, apart from outposts (OK one outpost). And frogs. And other scary things that sent the agents back home. And you know, easy missions that I underestimated. I think that it will respawn every month until completed, so failure is an option as usual.

Also with the helicopter we don't have a huge time between mission spawn and mission start, so I didn't research 1000 miscellaneous things in the meantime.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 09:30:24 pm
OK, good! There are plenty of surprises left, then. Can't wait!

If I keep this tempo, I will get there in a few decades.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 09:58:13 pm
Turn 1. If we face less than 5 enemies total we might have a chance.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:07:32 pm
Turn 2. They killed the dog. Sad. I guess they have proper night vision, since Sienna should have been hidden.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:27:59 pm
Turn 3. Promotion time!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:31:31 pm
A Senior Agent is dead! Long live the new senior agent!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:32:35 pm
And a view of our lovely base with the new animal pen. I actually don't think I needed it, but already paid for.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:41:24 pm
Some much needed new faces to fill up the Gym.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:44:34 pm
We finally found a researcher. Off to new stuff I guess.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 10:46:22 pm
Some new faces that show up exactly one day short of the end of the month. They get a whole salary for this one too. Off to the Expendables squad.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 24, 2020, 11:05:57 pm
End of month. Everyone is happy. Russia is still relatively happy with us, even with the Durathread fiasco, but France is happier and wants to catch up to the "Fund X-COM Competition" and Turkey wants to give us even more money. USA is barely keeping ahead of China, but that is it.

Oh yeah, and I have that super luminious flare that will allow me to light a lot more of the map.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 06:42:59 pm
OK, what was the last chapter number. Huh, it was Chapter 4 back on page 16 15? When did I write so much stuff?

OK, I am retroactivelly adding two xhapters for the HUMVEE and The HELICOPTA, so: (and other chapter names too. See first post if interested.)

CHAPTER 8: The age of the Smoke Grenade, PSG snipers and M-14.

The smoke grenade should make missions like the previous Durathread factory actually manageable.

Also figuring out what to do next (The strategy research) apparently leads nowhere. I guess we could just stumble around until somebody promotes us again.

EDIT: I added a BOOK and reorganized the Chapters a bit.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 07:46:34 pm
Next mission Strange Creatures will be commanded by a real Lady.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 07:52:09 pm
The last few days of research mashed together. I will use the .308 sniper and the M-14 I think. May be even add them to the chapter name.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 10:29:07 pm
We start the Strange Creature Hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 10:47:36 pm
Mongols!
I mean Mongorns!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 10:58:57 pm
Turn 2. The cheapest member died. I should have armed everyone with more shotgun ammo instead of the sniper + shotgun thing I did.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 11:06:44 pm
Turn 3. Lets grab some bodies and may be run to the Humvee for more shotguns.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 11:21:31 pm
Turn 4. Only one finds us.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 26, 2020, 11:40:59 pm
Turn 4. Rearming for long range.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 12:03:09 am
The rest of the mission went swimmingly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 12:07:22 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 12:10:02 am
Apparently M16 requires Cult Arms Dealers but the M-14 and similar guns doesn't. I wonder if this is intentional or just missed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 01:11:32 pm
We figured out how Super Mutants are made.


Also this means that our fellow engineer will finally have something to do 24/7. Muhahaha. Work Tummy, work, you need to lose some weight.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 01:14:17 pm
Work, work.

Fun fact: If you right click on Increase (Sets to infinite) and then left click on Decrease it will set the production to he maximum exactly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 01:48:59 pm
Some Lybian beasts are about.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 02:03:06 pm
Mulder has 13 kills with the Desert Eagle and 13 with the Nitro Express. I wonder if the "Master of {insert gun/fist/anything here}" stat gain is awarded for each gun separately or only the highest works.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 02:14:45 pm
Megascorpions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 03:20:13 pm
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 03:37:43 pm
So, Mulder got his Master of the {insert gun here} and I collected another living scorpion.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 27, 2020, 03:48:06 pm
We can now start researching the real big change. Also some research that I missed to show before.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 09:29:06 am
I have a bad feeling about that.

Was this the mission where the exit is far, far away from where you start?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 09:45:33 am
Wohoo, we can buy cultist guns and ammo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 09:48:47 am
I am not going to shed a tear for that. Can I haz the Outpost now?

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/07/78/ab/0778ab63f8ee9b47d38fc0b70d94fced.jpg)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 09:55:22 am
Some more work for Tummy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 09:56:11 am
Another Strange Creature had popped up in South America while the Party was going on and the Humvee is on it. I forgot to post it in time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 09:59:20 am
Somebody else finishes training. I add the only rookie who isn't training at the moment, so Only Lava the dog and the wounded are out of the Gym.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 28, 2020, 10:14:59 am
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 09:50:02 am
OK, what do we have here?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 10:26:29 am
Turn 3. We hit one with reaction fire. I have rearmed Winebald with the Elephant gun (but the hit is with a light pistol.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 10:36:23 am
Turn 4.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 10:54:51 am
Turn 8. Potential surprise butt mexican standoff lick.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 11:18:08 am
Turn 9. Potential turns into reality.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 11:46:33 am
Turn 10. Ok, one of the Frogs dies of bleeding. I wish I could capture one of them for study, but I think we will pass that. Or may be I could put some stun shotgun rounds in the last one and pray later. Hmmm.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 11:50:39 am
Turn 11. Team licked wake up. I still administrated some stimulants. They are going to get some bravery training the hard way though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 11:54:58 am
Turns 12-13. Bravery training online. That frog is cuming close though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 11:59:55 am
Turn 14. She can't just charge, right?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 12:07:58 pm
Turn 15. What is a mission without some healthy friendly reaction fire?
Unprofessional, unprofessional, I say!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 12:10:50 pm
Outcome.
Oh, only one Bravery +. I guess only heals count for bravery, or I had a bad RNG again.

Also, frogs are fun.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on September 29, 2020, 02:24:05 pm
Well, I gotta say, you handled those frogs very well. They're super dangerous!

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on September 29, 2020, 06:54:12 pm
Only if you have specific fetish :>
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 07:40:54 pm
He he he. :D

Good one. The frogs are fun to play with as they tend not to kill you.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 08:06:13 pm
I now know what throwing knifes are for. I should start giving them to some soldiers for close combat.

Now I wonder what to do with my life, ermmm, what to research after I am done with Armored Vests. I could go for the Laboratory, but I am not sure that I will have the money for it in 30 days. Blacks Ops guns also sound good and it will be nice to get the Black Ops Auto-Sniper. May be I will just play indecisive and do both. Or concentrate on the ones that say "Affects game progression!!!" -- MiB and Scientist cover, but they both take a lot of time (relatively speaking).

Another potential frog mission incoming.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 08:09:52 pm
Oh no, we are out of living Zombies. Lets have something else for Tummy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 08:18:12 pm
Umm, no!

I can't quite get the hang of when should the Hellicopta start to get at the right half of day.

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 08:20:49 pm
Although, a better mission shows up. Hmm, weren't these guys tough?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 08:58:34 pm
We finish a minor interrogation and can now buy AKMs, which we will never buy of course.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 10:40:36 pm
Another Cult Outpost. This time the cult of Dagon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 29, 2020, 10:48:01 pm
Pran.

Probabry going to fair misserabry!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 09:31:55 am
We are at Casablanca already. The team below.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 09:45:05 am
Not an ideal landing zone.

I am contemplating the choices of whoever armed this team. Must have been a complete idiot. 3 snipers and 2 longer rangish rifles. No shotguns!?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 10:08:28 am
Turn 1.

May be I should have brought a dog, or equipped some flashlights.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 12:09:35 pm
Turn 2.

Lets hope he is a terrible shot, that Chosen with the Magnum.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 12:25:55 pm
Turn 3.

Uhh, mmm, is that normal A.I. behavior? I mean, I am fine with them being masochists, worshiping Lovecraftian Elder Gods and stuff, but ...

That Chosen, just walked up to my agent and turned the other way. No shots fired, no fists. Is he trying to use him as cover from the rest of my agents?

Sadly no save of that situation.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 01:30:17 pm
Turn 4.

JUST AS PLANNED!

Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 01:38:18 pm
Outcome. Yeah, we got one of the things I want from the Church of Dagon at that point. The others are G11 and FN-FAL!

EDIT: Oh, and I also wanted Alien Communicators.
In retrospect I should have armed everyone with shotguns and Desert Eagles instead of sniper rifles. None of the Dagonists have good armor anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 02:17:25 pm
OK, lets do some math (Hey, I am a mathematician. No one said this is work!).

The Helicopta does 230 km/h. The Helicopter range is 5400 which is about half quarter around the world I think. So it takes about a 5400/230 hours to go to the extreme range of the Helicopta. In American documentary terms this is about the time it will take an average snail to go through 3 football fields! Or about a gazillion times the time needed to eat a hot dog! Or a bazilion New York seconds.

OK, I am not an American, I need the actual number in human calculable terms.

OK, so 5400/230 is, uhm, the first digit is 1, so 5400 - 2300 = >2300!, you moron, it is not 1! OK, the first digit is 2, so 5400 - 2300x2 = ,uhm 1800? So the second digit is 6 or 7. Yeah, I will not even check! That is 26-27 hours to get to the end of the range.

So that Cuban Outpost should be about 1 full day flight, then I have 2-3 hours of hovering in the tank if I am a bit early.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 02:18:46 pm
OK, Less than 24 hours, but still, it is better than the 50-50% of not doing elementary math.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on September 30, 2020, 02:21:31 pm
Yeah, we acquisitioned something.

Lets put research on something that we will actually buy sometimes.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 11:54:51 am
The team commanded by Lily the dog has come to the target (in Cuba).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 12:33:49 pm
Turn 1.
Great! That is the guy we are here for, but he is kind of far away for immediate capture. May be we will drop some smoke and go the other way so he can come along peacefully.

OK. Time for some planning.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 12:47:41 pm
Turn 1. Execution.

Step 1. Try to figure out what the plan was!

Ironmanish moment 14. I accidentally stepped in the light and collected all their fire. *Sigh*
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 01:34:03 pm
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 02:46:36 pm
Turn 3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 03:07:28 pm
Turn 4.

Sadly, no captives this time, grrr!

Nor tons of expensive, Drugs to sell on the Black Market!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 03:14:15 pm
Outcome.

That grenade really broke the party. :(

I had very bad position though right in the middle of the map and surrounded from everywhere. If I was at the edge I would have had better chance. You see, excuses are easy to make. :D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 03:23:54 pm
Some of the team is sent on a long needed vacation. 55 days for Mulder and a month for the rest.

In retrospect of the Church of Dagon mission (the previous previous mission). It was actually an undercover agent extraction. You see, that Chosen of Dagon was actually an X-COM undercover agent. He missed or low rolled that Magnum he had. Actually it was loaded with blanks!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 03:28:38 pm
I might make a Grand Slam and fail all Outpost in one month!

I think it is too far for the Humvee though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 04:30:10 pm
On to some Strange Creatures next. What could it be?
Zombies, Chupacabra, something useful?

We will find out sometime later!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 09:01:34 pm
Rats!

I need 10 of these for ,... , uhm, scientific purposes.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 09:20:18 pm
Turn 2. Ironmanish moment 15. I forgot that CQC works even if they are looking the other way. Other stupid decisions like melee with Rats is still on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 09:32:08 pm
Turn 3. I should stop underestimating these missions. As Joseph Vissarionovich used to say: Rookies are infinite, but money is not!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 09:41:14 pm
Turn 4 and Outcome.

These things run quite far. Can I haz some next time?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 09:46:49 pm
Some more replacement stuff. Was bought. I am only at ~400000. I must save up for a lab and other stuff too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 09:54:20 pm
A crop circles mission. Who wants to go? No one!?
OK, I will just pick people at random.
What do you mean we cannot fill in the Helicopta with agents? What are they all doing in the hospital? Cowering in fear?
Send in the dogs of WAR and the Rookies who have no clue what's going on!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 10:30:23 pm
Belay that we are moving to a new Epoch.

BOOK III: Childhood
Chapter 9: The epoch of the Armored Vest.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 10:33:19 pm
Hey, stay away from these Crops! We mean it.

If you burn up the Herb,
we are gonna burn up the cane field!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 10:37:54 pm
Apparently some UFOs are flying in China. Can't do much about that. I can't even find someone to drive the VAN to snoop around there.

Can't they come closer? Stopping right in front of the HQ sound great! Just like they did in January.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 01, 2020, 10:48:52 pm
The Vests are here lets go crack some Crop Circles.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 10:17:55 am
Some rookies showed up. Feeling fortunate, huh?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 10:25:49 am
The Crop Circles is on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 10:56:42 am
Did I mention that Armored Vests come with fine print, that you need to scroll for?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 10:57:14 am
Man in Black are not happy that we found some real armor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 11:08:20 am
Turn 2 and 3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 12:32:46 pm
Turn 4-5.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 12:36:04 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 01:44:22 pm
CHAPTER 10. Terminator 1. The rise of the Scout Drones.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 01:58:45 pm
Turn 1. Kill the useless, forget the dangerous.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 02:13:10 pm
Turn 2.

Are you serious? I thought we were doing fine here. Do witches have long night vision? And ignore smoke?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 02:35:03 pm
Turn 3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 02:48:00 pm
Turn 4.

Ironmanish moment number 15. I forgot that that guy has only Stun rounds loaded in his shotgun. And you know what. I think I have overstayed my welcome a lot.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 02:50:50 pm
Another, pretty much doable mission that failed. If that little Cultist haven't spotted the team on turn 1, I should have been fine, or there about. Next time, with Shields.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 02:52:10 pm
The Church of Dagon raises a monument of their victory against random guys in suits and Kevlar.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 02:56:18 pm
Fresh meat arrives, lets order more. I know we will need it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on October 02, 2020, 03:01:05 pm
Yes, healing enemies and civilians also trains Bravery.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 03:06:22 pm
Yes, healing enemies and civilians also trains Bravery.

Great!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 03:06:58 pm
Some more research done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 03:31:24 pm
A new strange lifeform appears. What it could possibly be? Mutant mosquitos? Evil sloths? Immovable rocks?
Whatever it is, our agents will heroically run screaming away!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 03:36:55 pm
Yay, we have a Workshop.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:04:10 pm
Tummy's work is cut a bit shorter now. He is in danger of having nothing to do again. *gasp* lets soon research him some corpses or some other stuff.

By the way Tummy isn't a real Engineer. He is just the janitor with a crowbar and a billhook, but now that we have a real workshop in the making, he will need to do nightly courses on "How to fake being an engineer in front of the boss. For complete idiots.".
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:07:28 pm
Strange creature mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:23:14 pm
Turn 1,2,3. Two rookies barely managed to punch the civilian to sleep in two turns. *sigh*
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:26:33 pm
Turn 3. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:32:40 pm
And done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:33:46 pm
Some more fresh meat goes in the Gym. Two empty spaces but a lot of people are in the hospital.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:42:42 pm
A Magnum. Still the same range, but better accuracy. It is somewhat as accurate as the Desert Eagle now with one point more of damage. And 5-6 times the price. Uhm, I will still use it, but I doubt I will buy it after I get the Black Ops contacts.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 02, 2020, 04:43:41 pm
Can I fail all 4 in the same month?

Lets find out!

I will probably ace this one, since I don't need anything special from it. *sigh*
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 05:05:06 pm
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 05:36:07 pm
Turn 1
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 05:55:44 pm
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 07:30:44 pm
Turn 3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 07:52:07 pm
Turn 4.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 08:14:15 pm
Turn 5.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 08:44:52 pm
Turn 6. I rearm the Shotgun troops with M-14 after some looking at stats. It has the best Aimed that isn't modified for snipers and we have moved away from the Shotgun range anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 09:43:29 pm
Turn 6. Turn 7. Crap! Doublepost.

Turn 7. Finally.

Some more panics, I only don't see the Sailors panicking, so this should be short.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:04:16 pm
Turns 8-9 and maybe 10.

We kept training Reaction Fire and they kept dancing around. The end.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:08:36 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:17:58 pm
Fun fact: all NATO rifles with 5.56 say explicitly that they have 10% armor piercing, but the AKSU (and I presume all that use the same ammo) never mention it? Is it superior Russian obfuscation? They forgot to ship in the manual with it? They were never intended to have it, perhaps, but physics kind of never cared?

Also:

Chainsaw warrior!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on October 03, 2020, 10:32:20 pm
AKSU ammo doesn't have this bonus, it's different ammo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:36:42 pm
Zombies again. And a team that desperately needs training in, Uhm ... everything.

In retrospect, since I know it is Zombies and not Frogs or Quillbears or other similar suckers, I should have dressed everyone in Suits. Because that is the manly way of taking out Zombies! Also no encumbrance.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:37:40 pm
AKSU ammo doesn't have this bonus, it's different ammo.

A bug then? It says the same thing in the info.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:45:51 pm
A pretty good looking map. No infestors that I could see, only one good old Boomer.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 10:52:24 pm
Hmm, strange. That Boomer fell on the ground, then had that Zzzz sign, then immediately exploded. He got one Taser hit and then a few M16s.

A save is below in case this isn't normal.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 11:03:10 pm
That huntress missed and then tried to heroically punch the fa/tg/uy, to no avail. A shame, I have a sweet spot for these, but I cannot quite help her from here. Now If I had a knockout grenade...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 11:28:21 pm
And of course, what would this mission be without some healthy friendly fire. Just 1 damage from being fatal.

This is turn 4-5 or thereabout.

Also, RIP Huntress.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 11:34:12 pm
Wait was that from the smoke or this guy will need constant infusion of stimulants to not get overstun?

EDIT: He did recover the stun after I moved him out of the smoke. I remember that some time ago the low health soldiers will lapse into negativ stun recovery and would need somebody else to periodically put stimulants in them. That was before the Sanity thing.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 11:44:27 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 03, 2020, 11:56:02 pm
Some research, some events, some more work for Tummy!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on October 04, 2020, 12:01:27 am
A bug then? It says the same thing in the info.

Well I was wrong ::)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 12:16:55 am
Here we go again. This time with half trained rookies. May be it will end better than last time?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 12:34:31 am
Well I was wrong ::)

It happens, even to the best.

Another fun ammo fact. You can acquisition most of the 5.56 NATO rifles, but the ammo requires Exalt Operations to be researched and cannot be bought until then.

Right now I can buy the G36 and can Acquisition 2 others, but cannot buy the ammo.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 12:38:46 am
We find out about some ancient Luger pistol.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 12:48:09 am
Guess who forgot that the Van wasn't armed fully with flares.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 01:08:47 pm
Turn 1. Lets turn of the lights, walk around and see if there are more spooky cultists. These two have only shivs. I need to find the gun guy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 01:17:28 pm
Turn 2. That was not a very smart idea.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 01:27:21 pm
Turn 2. Haiku time!

They have melee reactions now!?
From behind!
Crap.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 02:24:32 pm
Turn 3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 02:34:05 pm
Turns to 7.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 02:44:03 pm
Turn 8-11.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 02:48:19 pm
Turn 12. OK, somebody is left somewhere.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 03:05:16 pm
Finishing touches.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 03:08:44 pm
Outcome.

Lessons learned do not enter structures on turn 1.

Gina Olaru was an old veteran from the NONEIST mission and will be missed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 08:09:33 pm
The team for the Monthly Durathread failure.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 04, 2020, 08:34:26 pm
Hmm, not bad, we have a corner and it should be a bit defendable corner.

Also Ironmanish moment 16 since I dilly dallied a bit without doing anything meaningful this turn at first.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 10:04:39 am
OK, lets make some plans.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 10:20:03 am
Turn 3 somehow.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 12:08:05 pm
Turn 4.
Ironmanish moment 17 for forgetting to turn ofF the flashlight. It doesn't have much bearing though, since I still got a grenade on the same agent.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 12:32:44 pm
Turn 5. How many bullets do these need?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 12:51:49 pm
Turn 6. Plan F it is!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 12:57:04 pm
Turn 7.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:07:19 pm
Turn 8.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:23:41 pm
Turn 9. From outer space!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:35:41 pm
Turn 10. Setting the whole map on fire! MUHAHAHAHAHA!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:39:55 pm
Turn 11.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:46:58 pm
Turn 12.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:51:16 pm
Turn 13.

Lots of return fire. but I see nothing now. All these guys have camouflage and are far enough for that to matter. Some surrenders would be nice.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 01:55:26 pm
Turn 14, no one shows up again. But some Lad is panicky. Hmm.

Does Red Ops give Red Dawn Operations? They have Ops in their name, you know ;-).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 02:06:41 pm
Turn 15. Some of them decide to show up on the radar.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 02:22:40 pm
Turns 15-18.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 02:26:12 pm
Turn 19. Do Red Ops soldiers surrender?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 02:31:56 pm
Turn 20. Enemy snipers, ATTENTION! We are here!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 02:43:47 pm
Turn 21. Lets have more *FUN* In the dwarven fortress terms.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: thePaleone on October 05, 2020, 02:56:18 pm
Hey, I understand of your passion for the xcomfiles, can you stop spamming the forum? It is hard to track topics that’s not yours with what was posted today
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on October 05, 2020, 03:40:12 pm
Hey, I understand of your passion for the xcomfiles, can you stop spamming the forum? It is hard to track topics that’s not yours with what was posted today

This is a Let's Play thread, what else should the author be doing?

It's not spam, it's precisely on topic.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 05, 2020, 07:08:24 pm
Hey, I understand of your passion for the xcomfiles, can you stop spamming the forum? It is hard to track topics that’s not yours with what was posted today

Sorry to annoy you.

Would the "Show unread posts since last visit." work for you?

It lists by topic, not by post.

Unfortunately I couldn't find an "Set all as unread" option, that would list all topics by date.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: blackadder on October 05, 2020, 07:49:48 pm
Maybe this would help:  There is an "ignore boards" profile setting:  https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,4077.msg54194.html#msg54194  "Ignored boards will not show up in Unread Posts"

And as long as I'm here, I wanted to say how much I am enjoying your playthrough, it's one of the 1st things I look for every day.   
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on October 05, 2020, 09:12:44 pm
at least on odd post you get some fun comment :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 03:43:51 pm
@thePaleone

Did the "Show unread posts since last visit" work for you?

I think it is better than using the "Recent Posts" list, because the later doesn't show you attachments if any and all posts are out of context and harder to read. If you still have issues, please tell me and I will switch to cramming more stuff in less posts, that should lower the amount of posts by about 10 times. I am not doing it, because I think it is a bit harder to read.

If the forum terminates your session (unlogs you) and removes the "Show unread posts since last visit" you could stay permanently logged by the below method.

@Solarius, Yankes, BlackAdder, WaldoTheRanger and anyone else reading. Wait somebody reads this crap!? Thanks guys.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 04:10:56 pm
OK. Last we left our intrepid heroes in a bit of a pickle, with 2/3rds of the team going down and stuff.

Wine will update any minute now.

Turn 22 -

Ironmanish moment 18.  Don't end a turn with your back to them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 04:22:23 pm
Outcome.

Initial plan was to run away at any sight of trouble, but I got greedy as usual.

Also I didn't get Survivor for this mission for some reason. It is the award for being the only survivor of a mission.

EDIT: Anyway, being a little cheaty I added it manually to the save. I hope that doesn't break everything.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 06:36:53 pm
Some more research and end of month. Everyone is happier than before.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 06:40:54 pm
Some fresh blood arrives.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 06:56:19 pm
Some more research.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 06, 2020, 07:05:04 pm
And the first mission of the month pops up. Great, we need to train some people, what a coincidence.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 09, 2020, 08:22:15 am
Another one pops up in Sri Lanka and Tummy is over with the Living Zombies. Now dissecting Shamblers.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 09, 2020, 08:38:21 am
More research done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 09, 2020, 08:42:35 am
We are ready for the next mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 09, 2020, 09:12:55 am
Turn 1. We got rid of the closest ones. Off to some training montage. Or may be just offscreen.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 09, 2020, 09:19:02 am
Turn 2 or 3. Ironmanish moment 18. I didn't see this guy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 09, 2020, 09:53:17 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 12:41:51 pm
I set up the next Strange Creature and ... um ... some developments.

I will try to press the "get out of dodge" button a bit earlier this time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 02:21:11 pm
The team.

Also Ironmanish moment 20. I need to take these things seriously. Sigh.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 02:51:08 pm
Turns 1-2.

Lessons learned 2. Always load up for the worst. You can always switch to the cheaper guns later. The problem is that most of the strange creatures have low armor so Shotguns are good. But these guys have better armor I think.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 03:22:58 pm
Turn 3. Another one is down. At least three more to go.

Their weapon is an arcing one, so I should be fine if I could shoot from inside or use three tops as cover. The Osprey is great for this with it's big wings/propellers.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 04:15:01 pm
Turn 4-6.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 04:53:39 pm
Turn 8-9. We start the exodus to the house with better cover.
Turn 10. Shooting from windows is hard. Strangely the AI never seems to have any such problems.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 05:12:15 pm
Turns 11-13.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 11, 2020, 05:28:08 pm
Turns 14-20. I will finish the rest later. Maybe tomorrow.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 12, 2020, 10:39:11 am
Turn 20-27ish.

Training. Flashbangs are a good throwing trainer. I just figured it out. I will add it to the Strange Creature training schedule from now on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 12, 2020, 10:42:45 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 11:14:33 am
Some more research gets done while we wait for the *proper* time, for another suicide mission. Those never go out of fashion.

Also some missclicks were noticed by the council.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 11:44:31 am
Here we go again.

This one has an equivalent crew to the Durathread factory that we epiclly failed last turn.

I will also add the adding of the Survivor commendation from that mission as a Cheating. Noted there and on the first page.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 12:04:58 pm
Oh, wait, lets send some rookies to a Strange Creature. That should train them good, mkey.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 01:21:15 pm
OK, I can procrastinate the big Red Dawn mission for some pictures with boobs and zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 03:49:21 pm
The team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 04:42:33 pm
Turns 1-2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 05:33:06 pm
Turns 3-4, 5-6
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 06:35:48 pm
Turn 7- till the end. A little montage.

The cult of the Apocalypse guys are nice and don't have that sniper-spotter nonsense. Bigger guns, but actually easier, at least on this level and slightly above it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 14, 2020, 06:40:21 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 15, 2020, 11:49:29 am
Now some random musings interlude.

1. The research. I am a bit of a completeist, so I have a part of the science team studying all the trivia things like dossiers (even after I get all important stuff from that guy), guns, acquisitions and the autopsies. It would be more efficient to have the core of the science team to study one hard thing to completion then, but right now I have them divided between the Science Laboratory and the Workshopable stuff.

This is because I will not have enough money for the lab until next month I believe, and all the workshopable stuff isn't useful until I have the workshop (~14 days) and extra Living Quarters ready (less days than the workshop).

2. BlackOps stuff. After finishing the above research I should switch to the BlackOps stuff for the Spypistol and the Auto Sniper rifle and other fun stuff.

3. Bases. My initial idea was to build the first two bases at the North and South pole giving me 100% coverage of the globe with the Helicopter or Dragonfly. Then I realized that the next real transport has less range so I moved the North Pole base a bit souther with the idea of having the second base in South Africa and having Osprey range all the world except Australia and some other wierd corners. Now I think I should have the 2nd and 3rd bases in South America and in New Guinea (big island north of Australia) to give me complete coverage of the land.

4. Dragonfly. I think I might completely skip it. Compared with the Helicopter it gives 2 extra soldiers, at the price of having a ramp (harder exit and rearming when needed) and awkward lighting at night, that doesn't cover the ramp but is still a bit of trouble to go through. Two flashlights on the Helicopter pretty much do the same at the price of 4-5 TUs for turning off and dropping them. It isn't unworkable of course and I might end up using it, if I still haven't gotten all the {Insert Cult name here} Operations by the time I research UAC. I have used it before, so it isn't unworkable.

Any ideas? Comments?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 15, 2020, 12:41:26 pm
Next mission is the First Strange Creature in the US deserts.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 16, 2020, 10:58:53 pm
Turn 1. Aaaand we are gone.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 16, 2020, 11:00:40 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 16, 2020, 11:02:54 pm
Suicide mission got cancelled.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 16, 2020, 11:26:58 pm
Chapter 11. Terminator 1. The rise of the Scout Drones. Cancelled.

Some research and cheating moment number 2. Due to some changes in the way AI is researched I will remove these researches and do them again. Basicaly from now on we are not going to buy the "Basic AI Unit" from the market and instead we are just making them from rare resources.

The cheating moment is that I removed Sentient algorithms and the Kiryu-kai research topics, because of changes to the way HWP AI units work now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on October 17, 2020, 02:17:40 am
You know, this Standard Lab requirement doesn't make much sense. I'll remove it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: blackadder on October 18, 2020, 07:15:25 pm
> Any ideas? Comments?

1. I almost always have a few individual scientists researching the cheap stuff, "useful" first but then anything.  Each completed research gives score points, and it never hurts to get a few more especially early on ("compound interest") or to boost up a mediocre month.   And it gets that stuff out of the list so it's less likely I miss something important.

3. Bases - yeah, I always faff around where to put them.  North pole/south pole is tempting but then that's max travel time to the most populated/high funding areas.   This run I put the 1st 3 bases kind of not too far from the equator (Balkans, Central America, South East Asia) with the idea the next 2 will be north pole/south pole for more radar coverage/interception/manufacturing - seems OK so far.

4.  I reallly like the Dragonfly over the Helicopter, 33% more guys gives more options and makes it less painful to work in a trainee or 2, or scouts, or weapon diversity.   The ramp can be a slight inconvenience, but with only 8 it's not too bad and not having everybody exposed turn 1 is nice.   And the equipment pile is at least SLIGHTLY less likely to get blowed up.   It's cheaper than it looks because you can sell it for $200k, so only net $100k and the extra speed is a bonus.  The biggest downside for me is it's usable in fewer covert missions, so for a long time I had Dragonfly, Helicopter AND van in multiple bases.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 19, 2020, 01:16:31 pm
1. I agree.

2. My philosophy right now is that time of travel is mostly irrelevant. With three crafts I should be able to get to almost all missions in time and few missions disappear fast in the early game. So I want to cover all the landmass with bigger transports.

3. Last campaign (up to mid 1997) I didn't research the Helicopter for a very long time so I mostly skipped it. Its only advantage is the lack of permanent lighting for night missions and I do a lot of these. Also if you transport a craft from a base to another base it will travel with all its crew and equipment (and only paying for the craft transfer == cheap). It takes a day so I could bounce some crafts between bases later on, if I don't have enough crew.

You know, this Standard Lab requirement doesn't make much sense. I'll remove it.

Hmm, from game balance point of view, yeah.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 19, 2020, 04:32:35 pm
The team in the Japanese Strange Creatures.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 19, 2020, 04:43:12 pm
Turn 1. DOOMBATS!!!

Now if I watched anime I could pull out some obscure reference about these, but ...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 19, 2020, 05:22:08 pm
Turn 2. I mean SHADOWBATS!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 19, 2020, 05:45:22 pm
Turn 4. OK, another dumb play on my side.

Also, Fortunato was fortunato only the first time, sadly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 19, 2020, 05:59:58 pm
Turn 5 - 8. I guess playing with a little headache isn't a good option as usual. I will finish this some other time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: The Martian on October 20, 2020, 05:41:13 am
Turn 1. DOOMBATS!!!

Now if I watched anime I could pull out some obscure reference about these, but ...

Doom Bats you say?! (https://openxcom.org/forum/Themes/InsidiousV1-k/images/post/grin.gif)

(https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8430.0;attach=51638)

Turn 2. I mean SHADOWBATS!

Close enough. (https://openxcom.org/forum/Themes/InsidiousV1-k/images/post/thumbup.gif)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 21, 2020, 10:16:30 am
Yeah, I need to dig out the Master of Magic one day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 09:29:46 am
Turns ... uhm ... next one to last one!?

Also Ironmanish moment number ... checking ... 21.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 09:33:14 am
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 09:39:08 am
Some more minor research done.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 09:29:12 pm
The shield wall is next.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 09:54:37 pm
Some old fashioned therapeutic beat'em up. The team insisted after the last mission. I mean, if systematically underestimating the enemy team have failed already, why change now?

Success has been defined as the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.

Winston Churchill. Wait, actually anonymous.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 10:50:05 pm
Turns 1-3.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 11:38:35 pm
Turns 4-end.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 22, 2020, 11:58:18 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 12:07:50 am
Intelligence Officer's Sticky note on report:

Finally the Chosen of Dagon has been cracked open. Don't ask how, we have ways. Sergent Nutcracker was so helpful though.
By the way commander his scull is soooo interesting from the inside. It looks like a nut!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 12:15:19 am
Next up. Saving Civilians too dumb to run! They learned from X-Com.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 12:55:31 pm
And while we are at it, lets buy some friends for Tummy the Janitor Butcher-Crowbar "Engineer". The Workshop will be up and running before the end of month so I may just buy them now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 01:34:43 pm
The team and Ooops number one for the day.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 01:52:10 pm
Turns 1 and 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 02:32:24 pm
Turn 3 and 4. Just some flares and reaction fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 03:11:25 pm
Rest of the mission was the usual advance, rethrow flares and wait for them to move around. Only highlight was a Megascorpion who managed to sneak near our lowest rookie and got stunned.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 23, 2020, 05:28:30 pm
Some research done and also next mission pops up.

We are 4 days from being able to make Knockout Grenades.

EDIT: If I finish researching them before the Workshop is finished then.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 02:36:53 pm
Next Strange Creature hunt is ON.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 03:08:51 pm
Turn 1 and 2. Yey, some spiders for the collection. I don't have these and they are important.

The above sounds like famous last words again. *sigh*
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 03:29:13 pm
Turn 3, 4 and 5. Hmm, are the green colored spiders a new addition?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 03:41:45 pm
We threw some flashbangs, shot some reaction fires and that was about it. Only the lowest level soldier needed some Reaction fire training, the rest are at their traditional training maximum. Now they need some SMG, Sniper and Overwatcher kills.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 03:52:10 pm
Outcome and we kick-finish the Knockout grenade.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 04:10:29 pm
We only research some strange goat butcher's knife. Off to scare some Japanese with it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 04:28:22 pm
Some friends show up for Timmy, but kind of don't want to be near him, while he butchers things.

Really slowly.

In other news we have researched the Knockout Grenade and we are back on the Science Laboratory.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 26, 2020, 04:56:36 pm
Next mission are already brewing. Will we get another nice beat them up near some crops? Or will we have to cower behind our shields?

Will the Industrial investigation kill good soldiers, or will we beat them up again?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 12:11:19 pm
And now lets recover some crops!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 12:50:48 pm
Beat'em up done. Even used punches, but it seems the wooden clubs are more satisfying.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 12:51:59 pm
Outcome and next midnight research.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 02:48:05 pm
The team for the next mission and some Kukris.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 03:21:36 pm
Ironmanish moment 22. As I said before do not enter buildings on turn 1. *sigh*

Turn 1. We will just happily camp near the Van and wait for them to walk their reaction allowance.
Also turn 2 is here.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 03:45:39 pm
Turn 3-5. Ironmanish moment 23. Things happened exactly as below, but then I did let the shooty boy shoot by mistake 5-6 turns later. At least I was able to reconstruct the epicness of the moment. ;)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 04:39:04 pm
Turns till end.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on October 27, 2020, 05:56:11 pm
We ran away with 25000 in cash. That doesn't even cover the rookie.

I should start researching the Black Ops stuff for the pistol. That will solve most of our problems here.

Also next mission will be some nice Zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 01, 2020, 12:19:23 am
Some research being done, and finally we can start production of stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 11:06:41 am
The team is on to some zombayos.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 11:07:28 am
Turn 1. Clearing the landing zone and ... um, hope for the best I guess.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 11:35:22 am
Turn 2.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 01:26:09 pm
Turn 3. Sneaky Infector. This redshirt must have been just behind the building on the bottom and had just enough to come in and plant an egg. Thankfully he chose the Rook.

Also Ironmanish moment 26. I didn't quite get all the extraction point TUs the first time around.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 01:32:13 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 01:34:02 pm
Chapter 12. The age of the Knockout Grenade, Dart rifles and pistols, THE HEAVY TASER and Dog Durathread vests.

The first batch of Knockout grenades is ready. That should help immensevely in capturing higher ranked cultists.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on November 02, 2020, 02:26:26 pm
your "Rook on D6" make invalid move for rook :P
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on November 02, 2020, 03:08:28 pm
your "Rook on D6" make invalid move for rook :P

And he promptly died for this transgression! :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 04:13:06 pm
Some more research being done. It seems no more missions will show up for this month. May be another Durathread factory.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 04:51:52 pm
And the monthly Durathread raid shows up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 05:18:34 pm
your "Rook on D6" make invalid move for rook :P

It is a rather unusual place for a rook, but it can get there in a few moves, after the board is ... ahem ... cleaned up a bit.

And he promptly died for this transgression! :)

The mission was a resounding SUCCESS!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 02, 2020, 11:28:15 pm
Turns 1 and 2. Great position, but I have to ruin it anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 12:46:55 am
Turns 3-4.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 10:52:41 am
Turns 5-6. Ok, not enough troops and not enough firepower for now. This one was a good set up though. If I didn't let my soldiers Reaction fire I could have stayed in the dark without the Sniper-Spotter stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 10:59:42 am
The runaway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 11:04:14 am
Some more research done. I am finished with the Farmers for now. Our donor friends will be happy.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 12:08:54 pm
Yay, a new month. Not bad.

I will start attaching a save for a backup.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 12:35:11 pm
Team for some strange creatures.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 12:42:52 pm
Turns 1 and 2. This is a fairly annoying set up with too much corners near the start. I don't see where I could simplify though.

EDIT: Lack of really powerful explosives shows up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 10:57:29 pm
Sadly, but suddenly, the "prtsc" button stopped working with the Linux Version of OpenXcomEx in full screen mode so a few turns got lost until I realized that something is amiss. Noting really fun was lost though. A Mongorn walked up to the crew, the dog somehow failed to bark it to motionlessness (huh, this is a real world that spellcheck recognizes) and instead bit it to death. Will try the Windows version with wine. It might even work.

I recently updated to Ubuntu 20.04 (why, just why) and, uhm, I updated something else since midday so some parts are misbehaving (working as the developers intended) as usual.

If the above makes no sense, I blame my English and love for long sentances.

EDIT: Problem resolved by using F12 for screenshots, but now GIMP refuses to draw red on the picture and defaults to some weird colors. So uhm, not really resolved. Ahhh, the majestic world of computer problems. See pic 1 below. I tried drawing the arrow red as usual.

EDIT2: The above problem is resolvable by going in the menu Image->Mode->RGB. It was set to Indexed so I presume the game saves screenshots in the format that it uses. But I am not sure I want to make that many more clicks for every picture.

EDIT3: Nope, restarting doesn't fix it. But using wine did the trick.

EDIT4: Sadly, the X-COM way of solving problems (with High Explosive and Large Rockets) will not work. I would like to try, but don't have real life access to it. :D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 03, 2020, 11:58:04 pm
OK turns 5 to something. The rest of the mission should be pretty boring.

I mean, what could possibly go wrong? - said Murphy and fell into deep though, because he was a reliability engineer and answering this question was his job!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 04, 2020, 12:19:42 am
Yep, no surprises. Except the dog refused to snap bark again, and just rip and teared a Mongorn [not pictured].
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on November 04, 2020, 01:23:10 am
Sadly, but suddenly, the "prtsc" button stopped working with the Linux Version of OpenXcomEx in full screen mode so a few turns got lost until I realized that something is amiss. Noting really fun was lost though. A Mongorn walked up to the crew, the dog somehow failed to bark it to motionlessness (huh, this is a real world that spellcheck recognizes) and instead bit it to death. Will try the Windows version with wine. It might even work.

I recently updated to Ubuntu 20.04 (why, just why) and, uhm, I updated something else since midday so some parts are misbehaving (working as the developers intended) as usual.

If the above makes no sense, I blame my English and love for long sentances.

EDIT: Problem resolved by using F12 for screenshots, but now GIMP refuses to draw red on the picture and defaults to some weird colors. So uhm, not really resolved. Ahhh, the majestic world of computer problems. See pic 1 below. I tried drawing the arrow red as usual.

EDIT2: The above problem is resolvable by going in the menu Image->Mode->RGB. It was set to Indexed so I presume the game saves screenshots in the format that it uses. But I am not sure I want to make that many more clicks for every picture.

EDIT3: Nope, restarting doesn't fix it. But using wine did the trick.

EDIT4: Sadly, the X-COM way of solving problems (with High Explosive and Large Rockets) will not work. I would like to try, but don't have real life access to it. :D
gimp work correctly, simply there is no red color in file because it is paletted graphic. And if I recall correctly by default OXCE use compressed palettes in screenshots (this mean use even less colors than normal game). Change to RGB should fix it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 04, 2020, 10:09:02 am
gimp work correctly, simply there is no red color in file because it is paletted graphic. And if I recall correctly by default OXCE use compressed palettes in screenshots (this mean use even less colors than normal game). Change to RGB should fix it.

Yeah, I figured it is something like that. I am using the system screenshot (just pressing prt sc) and it creates screenshots in $HOME/Pictures. Those use RGB. For some reason however it doesn't work in the Linux OXCE when in fullscreen. Apparently this happens in other games that use X windows too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 04, 2020, 11:26:46 am
We learned nothing of that Luchador, but he makes a nice replacement of the Punching bag in the Gym. We had a friendly visit from the Shark (http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/spc-hub) Punching (http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/10-30-a-m) Center (http://www.scpwiki.com/peppersghosts-stupid-proposal) and, uhm, they criticized the durability of our standard one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 04, 2020, 12:20:40 pm
Some more research and the Laboratory is finished.

I had an event where the Salvagers give me three expeditions for free, but I messed up the screenshot (pressed the wrong button).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 05, 2020, 06:28:14 pm
And lets do that Zombie Infestation over in South Somethica
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 05, 2020, 08:50:42 pm
Last campaign I never saw the Infestor (played till mid 1998). Now they are everywhere!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 05, 2020, 09:15:04 pm
Turns 3 to 7. I did do some Reaction fire training and then these came close (last part). Maybe a barage of flashbangs will stop the farther one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 05, 2020, 10:14:07 pm
Turns 8 and 9. Ironmanish moment 27. I accidentally left an agent a tile too close to a fat guy. It wouldn't count if it was the red guy, but I really didn't intend to leave him there.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 05, 2020, 11:05:52 pm
Turn 9. Uhm maybe I should have left, really.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 06, 2020, 01:24:46 pm
Turns 10-11. I think I got rid of the scarry ones and can just relax and have some nice training time. May be even expend some grenades for throwing training and getting killed by a woken up zombie. The options are limitless.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 06, 2020, 03:07:19 pm
Final touches and outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 06, 2020, 03:19:05 pm
And I finally researched the Black Ops stuff. Now I need Explosives and Machine Guns license. I would prefer getting to the Healing Gel -> Sick Bay -> ... Uhm, that "We totally didn't reap the Red Dawn Bioenhancements" thing.

EDIT: Oh look, the next suicide mission is already up. Should I skip this one?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 07, 2020, 03:17:16 pm
Next mission. Also next next mission shows up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 07, 2020, 03:37:21 pm
Not the best start of this mission.
Now, theoretically, I could run up to the northwestern corner. However I don't have much healing with me and the helicopter will likely get overran by cultist making egress and rearming a bit difficult.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 07, 2020, 07:12:38 pm
Some minor research.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 08, 2020, 08:44:15 pm
Next mission. Moar zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 08, 2020, 09:31:15 pm
Turns 1 and 2. Seems to be a pretty small infestation. No funky clothed zombies were seen so far.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 08, 2020, 11:04:07 pm
Turns 3 and 4 only 3. Lets hope a flashbang (not flashlight) will slow him it down enough.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 09, 2020, 10:43:09 am
Turn 4 and 5. A sheep's story of salvation, betrayal and much more.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 09, 2020, 12:47:07 pm
Turns 6 to eternity. Sheep have a high stun recovery I guess.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 09, 2020, 03:27:30 pm
Outcome and next mission.

So saving a sheep gave us 4 points and 10 bravery from training. Unfortunately the owners died, so Mulder had to keep it in his room.

EDIT: I forgot to mention. Next up is some hot shotgun to Warewolf action. Probably. I can't get there before nightfall and I don't think that this mission stays particularly long. The Helicopta on the picture below is just returning to base, so about 3 hours to refuel it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 10, 2020, 09:23:12 pm
Chapter 13. The age of the BlackOps stuff. Well some of it. BlackOps Sniper Rifle and maybe pistol too.

And we finish a bunch of gun acquisitions. But the wolves slip in the night.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 10, 2020, 09:28:29 pm
And oh look they are already here. PSG-1 sold to some random terro ... I mean, friendly militias who totally fight for freedom and democracy and the right to grow large beards and bear arms in public.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 11, 2020, 08:57:56 pm
Next mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 11, 2020, 09:40:52 pm
The team prepares. I was thinking about adding a dog, but, well, rookies kind of fill the same job in finding Assassins (although they are a bit of a one use only) and can also throw flares or shoot in the general direction of enemies. A scout drone will be best, but these are a bit of in short supply right now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 11, 2020, 10:12:05 pm
Turns 1 and two. Fun times with ninjas.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 11, 2020, 10:54:12 pm
Turns 3 and 4. Starting cults - Outpost pokemons (3 out of 4) collected. Mission successful!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 11, 2020, 11:14:30 pm
Outcome. Oh, we even got a positive.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 12, 2020, 10:42:13 am
The team for a nice little safehouse. This should be fairly easy mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 12, 2020, 11:28:48 am
Thankfully Light pistols aren't really capable of piercing Armored Vests much, even not from the front. Tested with friendly reaction fire™ too.

This mission has only Supporters and Disciples. Neither of them has Sniper-Spotter, nor good weapons, nor good armor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 12, 2020, 11:34:37 am
Outcome of the mission. I didn't have the patience to train throwing too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 12, 2020, 12:19:25 pm
Some Research, manufacture and next mission on the list.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 12, 2020, 12:24:27 pm
Hey! The Men in Black steal our weed again! I sure need to do something about them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 10:52:42 am
The team for some, uhm, what type of mission that was?

Funilly the Helicopta got to the site at night, so I sent the HUMVEE as a backup in case it didn't have enough fuel to wait for the dawn, but that was not necessary.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 10:59:55 am
Turn one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 11:16:27 am
Aaaand is over. Single Zombie mission. But, Hey, we got to the weed in time this time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 11:27:34 am
Yep. Mission done. No problem.
Some MiBs with Spypistols would have been nice though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 11:31:20 am
Mission over. Long live the Mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 12:28:39 pm
OK, next mission will be a night Strange Creature hunt. I haven't done these since. Uhm, I don't think I ever did one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 01:09:41 pm
Turn 1. I tried to do the mandatory Rookie sacrifice, but failure so far.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 01:35:47 pm
Turns 2 and 3 clear the surroundings. The rest of this mission should a shotgun slog with some minor amounts of Reaction fire training. I should also throw some grenades at larger concentrations of enemies for some training. But I will probably not post it since using the Ubuntu 20.04 GIMP is quite slower than the one in 18.04.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 03:33:22 pm
And the Zombies are finally gone. It took all our Buckshot ammo for the shotguns and some AP too. Nothing funny happened except one of the soldiers got scratched by some reaction fire for so little health that it dssappeared after healing.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on November 13, 2020, 03:39:57 pm
If you would wait around 180 days you would have permanent day mission there :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 03:42:01 pm
If you would wait around 180 days you would have permanent day mission there :)

Yep, but then it will be some cultist mission, that is better done at night :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 03:42:46 pm
Next mission will be some Cattle Mutilation. We need the beef, but will blame aliens as usual.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 11:00:06 pm
Aaaand done. End of month is pretty close now. I hope that we get the last of the Outpost cultists next month.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 13, 2020, 11:33:27 pm
And end of year is here. We get more money and enough spare bodies to get to 2 250 000 needed for !SCIENCE!.

I also updated to master branch. Good news I am closer to X-COM Bio Enchancements. Bad news the "happy times" of knockout grenading are still happy but they take forever to build now. Which is good it is an awesome stun weapon that was extremely easy to procure. Also the cultist weapons acquisition is a bit different, but I am already above them anyway.

Also save. It is after the changes I made in the picture below and I should send the helicopter to the Indian zombie apocalypse about 20 hour before the time I want it to arrive.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 14, 2020, 09:51:28 am
Some research is done and some new missions were started.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 14, 2020, 09:50:00 pm
Not even Boomers showed up. Then I realized, when life gives you Incendiaries, make an incediaralade!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 14, 2020, 09:53:45 pm
Outcome, only at least we go some throwing experience and the 100 points will counteract the 100 that will likely be lost from not going to the Red Dawn Base. I am not sure that I can get there in time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 14, 2020, 10:56:59 pm
Turns 1 and 2. We get a nice welcoming MiB party.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 14, 2020, 11:17:52 pm
Turns 3-6.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 14, 2020, 11:23:44 pm
Outcome.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 10:47:25 am
Now off to some skiing.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 02:44:27 pm
Turns 1 and 2. Also ironmanish moment 28. I forgot to look around at the beginning.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 03:15:12 pm
Turns 3-5. A fun little mission, but still no resort town, only arctic region.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 03:26:15 pm
Outcome and lets get some Red Dawnies. Plan is to touch, shoot a few and then GTFO. But implementation may vary. ;)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 08:21:51 pm
Turn 1-2.

Ironmanish moment 29, I did forget to leave enough TUs for the flashlight guy to turn off his light and I actually restarted the whole mission. So it is a bit bigger ironmanish moment.

In any case we shouldn't overstay our welcome. The RedOps seem to be able to see us all the time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 09:19:30 pm
Too much for my small crew of 6 to deal with. The start was pretty nice though, we had a nice dark part of the map to strike from.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 15, 2020, 09:25:24 pm
Outcome of the mission. Not much was achieved, but at least we didn't loose everybody.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 16, 2020, 09:06:46 am
Chapter 14: Terminator 1. The terror of the Scout Drones. Relaunched!


And we have Scout drones again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 16, 2020, 10:19:06 am
Sounds like our type of fun. But will probably disappear before we get there.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 16, 2020, 01:07:11 pm
We came upon some Apocalypsos. This one isn't that hard if we get some breathing room in a corner. Probably not going to happen though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 16, 2020, 01:46:46 pm
Well, a short little mission. We cannot clear the Landing site and these guys have some rather damaging stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 17, 2020, 12:42:42 pm
Some research and another mission for our brave rookies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 10:31:26 am
The team for some zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 11:05:18 am
Turn 1. We manage to clean up the Landing Zone, so it shouldn't be too hard from now on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 11:29:28 am
Turn 2. That Infector at the end of the turn is too close for comfort so i can skip the rest of this mission for good.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 11:50:37 am
Outcome and some more stuff happening.

Next mission will be Soul Harvest by the Church of Dagonists, unles it despawns. The Cattle mutilation will wait for a free team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 12:38:38 pm
`Ere we go!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 01:08:56 pm
Turns 1 and 2. A short little mission.

This mission looks different from before. Previously all civilians were bunched up near a sacrificial altar.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 19, 2020, 01:17:06 pm
Outcome and we finally get our first Transformation. Unfortunately it needs some more research to be applied on.

EDIT: Also, I just researched a bodybuilder Dossier along with the Bodybuilding enhancement.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 23, 2020, 07:26:53 pm
Next up. A traditional police action againts unsuspecting Beefeaters.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 24, 2020, 08:10:25 pm
It really was a
nice little beat em up. Nobody really got hurt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 24, 2020, 08:20:45 pm
Outcome. We also get a new mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 24, 2020, 08:25:35 pm
Now I need to make a little announcement about this AAR.

Future updates will be ...




... he he he, who asked for a dramatic pause? Call the expert! ...



(https://y.yarn.co/a268d337-ad32-4814-be24-f181a6fb74dc_screenshot.jpg)

... a bit scetchy for a while. Probably a week or two. I have a pneumonia right now, so I don't feel like playing as much.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on November 24, 2020, 10:54:15 pm
Ouch, get well soon! Take care of yourself and come back.

BTW starting today, the crop circles missions no longer have a hard cap at 10 turns... Now they use the new reinforcements mechanics. And it's rad as hell.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 25, 2020, 06:43:03 pm
Hmm, I never had problem doing them in 10 turns. Does the shit hit the fan earlier now? I will have to check when I get Crop Circles again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on November 25, 2020, 09:46:00 pm
Hmm, I never had problem doing them in 10 turns. Does the shit hit the fan earlier now? I will have to check when I get Crop Circles again.

No, there is no change in the number of turns. And indeed finishing the mission wasn't hard. But now you have the option to overstay and probably get massacred.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 27, 2020, 11:25:07 pm
Lets go hit some Russians with Desert Eagles. What could possibly go wrong.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 01:14:58 pm
Turns 1 and 2.

I decided to run this one in the day so that they will concentrate on my shield boys, but this sailor had a sailor kick to do.

I was searching for a depressing swing song that had some laugh "Hou hou hou HOU, Ha ha ha HA" but alas, my google fu has failed me for the last time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 04:57:21 pm
Turns 3 and 4. Things go exactly as planned. I totally meant to do that!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 06:09:35 pm
Turns 5-7.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 06:46:11 pm
Turns 8 to ...  ah screw it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 06:59:53 pm
Outcome of the mission. Somewhat mixed. I shouldn't have lost the two better agents, but oh well. I guess I need the Dragonfly for this daylight stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 07:21:38 pm
Next mission is some Crop Circles. Apparently the Rookie Van will take forever to get into place.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 07:57:05 pm
Turns 1 to 4. Yep. It's a good thing we got that financial injection to replace some old faces.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 08:57:36 pm
Turns 5 to 7 or 8. Those cannot even hit the wide side of a barn. At least the MiBs aren't much better.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 09:06:50 pm
Outcome.

I think that my Agents got the Coronavirus. They fall like flies. Or may be it is acute explosives and bullets allergy. We may never know!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on November 28, 2020, 09:21:41 pm
Next mission is the 3 Rookies and a Dog.

Chapter 15: The Long Silence when nothing happened.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 09, 2022, 11:47:11 pm
Chapter 16: The Return of the Playthrough.

I basicaly had a large gap of about a year and a half here. I blame work and other games.

And just a few seconds later, we continue with the mission at hand.

Obviously, almost no time have passed since our brave rookies (and a dog) have come to deal with some strange animals in the previous post. Definitely not two year and a half, no pandemics nor wars have happened in the meantime. He he.

We are here to beat up civilians (Failed) and shoot at beetles (Will be failed soon).
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 12:07:05 am
What!?

Rookies who hit on the first shot? Who are you and where are my rookies?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 12:36:37 am
Turn 1.

A beetle becomes a dog treat. We shoot and miss as usual. My Rookies have returned back to normal. Hooray!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 12:59:38 am
Turn 2.

Some more misses and we got that little firestarter.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 09:50:12 am
Turn 2
These civilians really want to die, but that fire beetle doesn't seem to deal that much damage even to unarmed people. It might be completely harmless.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on May 10, 2022, 01:50:22 pm
I can't express how happy I am to see you back. I don't have the time and patience for watching LPs regularly, but I love written ones, and yours is such a treat.

I hope you're not playing on the 2020 version any more :P
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 02:33:32 pm
I can't express how happy I am to see you back. I don't have the time and patience for watching LPs regularly, but I love written ones, and yours is such a treat.

I hope you're not playing on the 2020 version any more :P

Well, I have been beset by sickness, work and the worst of all ... other games.

Yes, I still play 1.7. I plan to update it when I am back to the Geoscope. As far as I have seen in the changelog there shouldn't be any big problem with the save. I may need to fix the save to add the new countries.

My main inspiration for this were the After Action Reports for WITP:AE. That game is very hard to stream anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 04:18:49 pm
Turns 4 to 6.

We apply some shotgun and try to stun the other Fire Beetle and a girl.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 04:29:06 pm
Turn 7 - end.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on May 10, 2022, 04:31:37 pm
Yes, I still play 1.7. I plan to update it when I am back to the Geoscope. As far as I have seen in the changelog there shouldn't be any big problem with the save. I may need to fix the save to add the new countries.

Get the GitHub version, I just fixed a nasty bug today :V
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 10, 2022, 04:33:25 pm
Outcome.

No one was killed, except some civilians, but who saves these?

On the positive side, we did train reactions.

Next up, I must update OXCE and the mod to latest versions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 12, 2022, 04:51:54 pm
Mod updated to master yesterday so it is 2.7 now or thereabout.

Here is the current situation. Sadly, Gimp is making tricks for some reason, or it was the screenshots, and the colors are mildly fucked up.

I managed to update my save with the new countries and there are some new researches to do. Shotgun BullShit, for example, seems to be extremely important as this is my agent's favorite ammo. We must know what we are shooting! Is it a cake? A bird? Inquiring minds must know!

Sick bay just flipped from Good to Excelent, so I might relieve some scientists from there into other projects.

Other than that, I have changed my mind about the Dragonfly, meaning that We Must Dissent and research UAC corporation soon. Six agents is awfully inadequate.

Also, I will attach the current save as a back up and in case someone wants to fiddle with it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 10:04:32 am
OK, I figured out how to fix the colors in GIMP - change the color palette away from indexed. Image->Mode->RGB.

The month is going on and we are researching some minor stuff.

I just found out that the Cults will have crafts, so I need to get the Little Bird and air weapons fast.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on May 13, 2022, 11:40:17 am
Congrats on your new hangers!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 12:54:20 pm
The plan was to remove the ones on the bottom and build up in the top. But now I think that I will need 4 for a while.
One Civillian Van, One  Humvee, One for crew size and may be one interceptor. Depends on how much capacity the small bird has.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 01:37:03 pm
Some more reasearch going on. The month is almost at an end, no new missions have popped up since I started again. Is something broken, or ...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 01:38:08 pm
Now that is more like it!

I must now read up on my new toys and order some of them. I doubt I can deal with a Durathread factory, but I don't intend to ignore it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 06:16:55 pm
End of month comes and I buy some stuff. Let's see how prepared I am for the Durathread Factory. It was a rather anoying mission if I recall correctly. We might be able to get some wounds.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on May 13, 2022, 09:05:24 pm
One request, could you make images less wide? right now you have 1700+ that is hard to read on smaller screens.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 10:13:57 pm
Are the older posts fine? For example on page 71?

I recently changed the resolution of the game to my screen size. I will change it back to the older value.

Sadly the game crashes if I try to change into windowed mode and it has different resolution from the settings.

I am not sure if I can down scale it in Gimp without smudging it.

EDIT: I scaled all images by 2/3rds. That should be around the same as the old posts. Is that better?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 13, 2022, 11:58:32 pm
I really like the new event introductions to the staff and the messages from the Cults.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on May 14, 2022, 12:04:58 am
EDIT: I scaled all images by 2/3rds. That should be around the same as the old posts. Is that better?
Yes, last post look perfectly :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 12:08:33 am
Let's try some Durathread factory.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 12:52:33 am
Turn 1.

It wasn't that bad, was it?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 01:26:36 am
Turn 2.

We get some wounds and kill some.

Batman bites the du... oh, he is still alive. Damn these Rookies, it is not a mission if one doesn't drop on the floor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 08:40:09 pm
Turn 3.

We kill some more of them, but they are many and I have only two sacrificial rookies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 10:48:32 pm
Turn 4.

We kill  few more and collect more wounds.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 11:16:17 pm
Turn 5.

We came, we shot, we ran away!

I could run northeast to the hill and then shoot from good cover, but I am not sure that I will have the ammo and medikits for that. Plus, both of our shield rookies are on low health.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 14, 2022, 11:59:44 pm
Outcome:

44 points and some experience, not a bad trade.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 15, 2022, 10:18:22 am
I get to reintroduce the staff. And they bring gifts this time!

Next mission Crops Up, too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 15, 2022, 08:28:06 pm
We ride for the crops.
Get out filthy Men in Black.
This pot is our pot!

And an edvertisment interrupts our flight as we figure out the latest in Alien Engineering: the iDucttape and iWD40.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 15, 2022, 08:55:15 pm
Turn 1.

We find out that it is the regular farmer mission and no MiBs or Zombies show up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 15, 2022, 09:20:31 pm
Turns 2 and 3.

We make short work of these peasants.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 15, 2022, 09:49:54 pm
Outcome is fine:

In other news, we finished building "Inject Anaboles here" locker and we can finally buff the crew.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 15, 2022, 11:09:34 pm
Next mission will be a Dagonist Outpost.

I will wait for the Bio-Enhancements before sending the team.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 16, 2022, 06:39:32 pm
Chapter 17: The age of the Dragonfly.

And finally the big thing has been researched. The Dragonfly is here giving us huge range with 8 people. Once I get the Osprey I should switch chapters.

Only loss is night ops flexibility. The dragonfly has those ridiculous headlamps that we just cannot shut off.

So let's do a night op.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 18, 2022, 10:45:55 pm
Turn 1.

They forgot to bring Dynamite. Similar starting positions have resulted in some huge agent attrition from explosives.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 18, 2022, 10:53:44 pm
Turn 2.

Fighting on.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 18, 2022, 11:22:38 pm
Turn 3.

A new plan. We will need to deploy smoke and find a dark corner.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 18, 2022, 11:55:14 pm
Turns 4 and 5.

Operation run and hide.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 19, 2022, 12:21:11 am
Turns 6 and 7.

They started to panic.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 19, 2022, 12:49:10 am
And I managed to delete the next one just before finishing it up. *Sigh*
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 20, 2022, 09:24:48 pm
So, after another saving incident in Gimp, here we are.

Turns 8-9

I gradually whittle them, notice a neat new feature and capture a Chosen of Dagon.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 20, 2022, 09:54:36 pm
Turns 10-12.

Finishing touches.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 20, 2022, 10:16:45 pm
Summary. of the mission.

No Rookies were killed in action. A resounding failure.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 10:41:25 am
A few more days pass. We research UAC Smg Acuisition. I am not sure it was any good, I need to check it.

Next mission is a long anticpated one and horribly hard too. In the dark.

The night is dark and full of Aliens.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 11:35:56 am
First UFO Catch of the day, uhm, year or two


I noticed some people in dire need of steroids at the base.

The team is ready to finally meat the main antagonists.

UFO mission one is started.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 12:52:34 pm
Another Ironmanish moment. I misplayed the beginning getting a few wounds and getting Mulder killed. Sigh, let's try again.

Turns 1-2.

We do the classic Skyranger landing. Drop Smoke and pretend you are not here. Works like a charm.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 01:28:05 pm
Turns 3-6.

Another Death and we grind them down with sniper and that expensive grenade launcher-rifle thing fire.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 02:09:24 pm
Turns 7-9.

Some clean up with the sniper spotter tactics.

I should start using more flashbangs.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 02:17:53 pm
Outcome.

Not bad for a UFO. Two rookies lost and some wounds.

I should probably sell most of the stuff, as I cannot research it for a while anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 07:34:47 pm
Next mission is the Durathread Factory again. May be they will not expect us this time?

Also another ironmanish moment when I realized I overstayed my welcome. No rookies left == goodbye.
Title: This is awesome walkthrough!
Post by: Vakrug on May 21, 2022, 10:38:59 pm
Hello!

This walkthrough is amazing! And only experienced players can understand that. Your playstyle is so different from mine. I have learned so much from it. Especially about shotguns. I thought they are useless because of their short range, but you showed me how efficient they may be. Also thanks to mentioning how bullets fly from a shotgun (1 leading bullet and all other with similar direction). I didn't know that and was unable to figure it out on my own on the battlefield. Also thanks for mentioning "who yet not contributed" key combination. I wish "key combination" section in ufopedia listed all of them... And your comments! They are awesome too. So much satire about silly game mechanics and art.

I have some questions about your "adventure":

I wish that RNG-goddess where nice to you during your future combats. By the way, do you regret enabling "Ironman mod"? In either case, know, that you have one more follower on this thread!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 21, 2022, 11:41:00 pm
Thanks.

You mean the Ctrl-e? I actually rediscovered it reading some of the playthrough. I should write it down in the first post. There are lot's of little features like that. They are in the documentation somewhere, but somewhat hard to find. OpenXcom Extended is like that I guess, there are lot's of things in it, it is hard to know everything.

1. I had many cultists and not enough place for them earlier. I will likely remove both later and delegate them to another base. The Rat Farm building requires 10 Giant Rats to start and this is what the second pen is for. I don't think it is that useful to have it. But it exist, therefore I have to build it somewhere and try using Rats.

2. The Light Pistol is for training Reactions. It is the hardest thing to train. The light Pistol has low damage so the targets live long enough. I usually use it on monster hunt missions after I deal with the immediate treats. 11 actions is the maximum that matters for training so after spending a clip in reaction firing everyone had 10 actions for sure. I will replace it with BlackOps Spypistols. They have exactly 11 shots and are lighter if I recall correctly Not to mention it fits on most cover ops.

I used the Dart Pistol similarly in TFTD before.

3. I am kind of lazy and most of that stuff is rather cheap. I don't want to load and unload the craft every mission, so I just have everything that I could possibly want plus some stuff I intend to test eventually. I need a shotgun for everyone for Zombies and monster hunts, rifle for about half the team, some sniper rifles, pistols for everyone, stun weapons, grenades, flares, lot's of medikits.
I arm the soldiers somewhat on a whim, so I want most of the stuff on the crafts.

There are some large zombie missions that simply need tons of ammo and I had to abandon one because I ran out. I have ran out of medkits as well and the starting ones have few charges.

I would be most annoyed if I lose the Dart Rifles, since they take a while to build.

Melee weapons have different damage depending on soldier stats, so I have a few of every one. I could probably get rid of the knifes though. If you press Alt while pointing at a weapon on the equipping screen you can see how much damage it will do and it varies with the different weapons and power bonuses, especially melee.

I do need to do some serious clean up there. And I probably will once I run out of space. :)

4. May be on some maze like mission. I don't see much use of it. May be for the Black Lotus HQ. Black Lotus Assassins do love sneaking up on you, so it may make sense to use it then. With Osprey I will have enough men to have somebody carry them around.

I don't play true ironman. I do have backups and I do restart missions sometimes. Hence ironman-ish in the title. I don't savescum for every death or small detail, though.

It is more fun I think. You do have to plan a bit more and it takes less real life time. One of the main reasons for activating ironman in the options is that it will always autosave into my save. I don't have to remember to save manually. The actual autosave gets overwritten very easily and I have lost progress to that. And I don't need to click Save-> choose file -> quit, I can just do "Save and Abbandon".
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on May 22, 2022, 11:17:02 am
But it exist, therefore I have to build it somewhere and try using Rats.
Oh! Rats... They are not completely useless, but sadly not worth 1 place in a craft. Maybe you will find a better application for them. Sadly, after middle game there is nothing for rats to eat...
2. The Light Pistol is for training Reactions. It is the hardest thing to train.
Yes, I notices your obsession with reaction training during your playthrough... But does it really worth the effort? Can you even feel, that agents with better reaction perform better? You see, if agents do not train their reaction by their own, it looks like it is not needed.
11 actions is the maximum that matters for training
Can you, please, tell more about that? Is this another arcane mechanics that only code readers know about?
May be on some maze like mission. With Osprey I will have enough men to have somebody carry them around.
The "funny" thing is: the more agents you have, the less is need for Position Marker. And yes, zombie maze map while you have little crafts is probably the only real application for those markers.
I don't savescum for every death or small detail, though.
E-e-h-h-h... All right, I will not comment about this...
One of the main reasons for activating ironman in the options is that it will always autosave into my save. I don't have to remember to save manually.
You can configure to save each turn in game options.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 22, 2022, 12:58:41 pm
Oh! Rats... They are not completely useless, but sadly not worth 1 place in a craft. Maybe you will find a better application for them. Sadly, after middle game there is nothing for rats to eat...Yes, I notices your obsession with reaction training during your playthrough... But does it really worth the effort? Can you even feel, that agents with better reaction perform better? You see, if agents do not train their reaction by their own, it looks like it is not needed.Can you, please, tell more about that? Is this another arcane mechanics that only code readers know about?The "funny" thing is: the more agents you have, the less is need for Position Marker. And yes, zombie maze map while you have little crafts is probably the only real application for those markers.E-e-h-h-h... All right, I will not comment about this...You can configure to save each turn in game options.

Reactions are used sometimes and it is better to have them than not.

So when you move in an enemy's field of vision there is a Reaction fire contest. TU x Reactions of your unit versus TU x Reactions of the enemy. If you win, they don't reaction fire, if they win they reaction fire. Then after the reaction fire there is another contest and if they win this one too, they fire again until out of usable actions. This is even more important in melee, where the enemies will turn around and react, too. Some weapons have bonuses from reactions like the BlackOps Auto Sniper Rifle and the stun rod.

Reactions are more important in maze like places, where you may need to guard some entrance. In open fields it is less useful.

Now that I have a bow, I will use it as well, since it trains Throwing and that requires wasting grenades otherwise.

The 11 action maximum is from Ufopaedia https://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php/Experience_Training (https://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php/Experience_Training).

Please, do comment.
I mean I need to bother less with which file I save into and etc.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on May 22, 2022, 05:12:53 pm
Now that I have a bow, I will use it as well, since it trains Throwing and that requires wasting grenades otherwise.
According to the same article you mentioned about training:
Quote
Throwing Accuracy is trivial to train: each time a soldier throws any object, they will get a Throwing Accuracy action. If you're positive to have killed the last alien, have your soldiers throw away all their gear before the turn ends. Unlike all the other stats, performing Throwing Accuracy actions will not trigger secondary stat increases.
So you don't need a bow, just empty your inventory!  :D Probably false info, or fixed in this mod, because I don't remember gaining experience from throwing light sources...
Please, do comment.
OK.  ::) How many "ironman-ish moments" were at this point? 28? This is more times than I reloaded during my full playthrough. But who am I to judge, I did it only on "Experienced" difficulty. (Now I am playing on Veteran.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 22, 2022, 11:55:13 pm
According to the same article you mentioned about training:So you don't need a bow, just empty your inventory!  :D Probably false info, or fixed in this mod, because I don't remember gaining experience from throwing light sources...OK.  ::) How many "ironman-ish moments" were at this point? 28? This is more times than I reloaded during my full playthrough. But who am I to judge, I did it only on "Experienced" difficulty. (Now I am playing on Veteran.)

Open Xcom changes throwing training. You need to hit something with a grenade to get Throwing training.

Weapons also may train other things, like there could be weapons that do Bravery training instead of accuracy. You need to check in the Stats for Nerds.
Bows give Throwing Accuracy.

Normally I could just throw lots of grenades or flashbangs, but they are heavy and will take more time than I would give them.

Heh. I am at least lying to myself, so I am achieving something. :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 24, 2022, 10:50:22 am
Next mission is the Durathread factory.

Position isn't that bad, with some tree cover, but not good enough for an 8 man team.

Turns 1-2
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 24, 2022, 01:07:01 pm
Turn 3.

We lost a second Rookie Shieldmaiden. With only one left and no signs of running out of enemies, it is our cue to leave.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 02:29:38 pm
Turns 4-5.

We shoot some more, Our last Rookie Shield Maiden is wounded, so we wisely decide to leave.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 03:21:47 pm
Outcome and some time passes after the mission.

Beach mission pops up and we are slowly, but surely crawling in that direction.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 04:40:41 pm
We figure out that the Alien Embrion is an Alien Embrion, and finally get the rifle I like most from the Earth normal equipment.

I decided to buy some more bows and ammo for training and here we are on the beach mission, which I also restarted once. Third time in a row.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 05:07:45 pm
Turn 1.

Now reactions are very important, since they block enemies from firing on you. One of the Agents on the terrace have terrible reactions and I tried to lower the amount of reaction fire he gets.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 05:20:55 pm
Turns 2-6.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 05:36:48 pm
Turns 7 till end.

One of the Osiron Goons walked close to the agents and got stunned. The rest is *FWIP* *FWIP* with the crossbows.

I also brought two more tazers up front in case we need to send him back to sleep.

In retrospect it may have made some sense to pick up the bows and train with them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 05:44:29 pm
Outcome Sufficient™.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on May 25, 2022, 06:36:06 pm
So you bought a piu-piu-helicopter? I find it useless. It can only fight cultist mansion vehicles (and even not all of them). But is it really worth to fight them at all? Cultist vehicles activate only when you are close to a mansion and after that fall into sleep for a while. So you don't even have to "clear your way" for ground troops. I am not sure even about do pilots even gain experience from air battles...

Do you also find it frustrating, that on special mission screen there is info about allowed armor, but no info about what craft can be used? Before every such mission I have to "test" it using OSPREY to see allowed crafts. Text about allowed equipment is also vague. Mostly you can understand that, but not always. I was almost certain, that you can take only concealed weapons on the final Syndicate mission. Luckily I wasn't playing on Ironman...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 06:41:43 pm
You can sort the inventory for All Beach Weapons and the like.

I haven't dealt with Mansion spawned crafts before and I need to try it anyway.

Not reequiping the craft specifically for these missions helps.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 09:21:22 pm
Next one the first Monster Hunt.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 25, 2022, 10:07:15 pm
We face zombies that can see further than their nose!

What happened to them? Did they all grew a new pair of eyes?

Anyway, I have to rethink monster hunts after this one, they are now more challanging, May be I should start doing them at night with flares.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 26, 2022, 03:41:30 pm
The team for Zombie infestations is here.

A quick check on the researched animals shows that all of them have proper day vision now, so I should play the monster hunts at night from now on. They have between 12 and 20 night vission, which may make some Chupacabras and Warewolfs scary.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 26, 2022, 04:37:19 pm
Ah, these are the monster hunt missions I remember. No fancy zombie types, but I already have the problematic Infestor.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 26, 2022, 04:41:57 pm
Outcome.

Not enough Throwing training with the bow. I should have turned the shotgun people around.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 27, 2022, 11:54:42 am
And time to do the final Strange Creature mission.
Will our agents be eaten by Warewolf rushing from the darkness?
Will there be Chupakabras?
Will we finaly capture ten rats?
Will it be another training Zombie mission?

In other news I researched the Zombie Infector, who is usually a nightmare to get (he kind of doesn't like to show up). I can now do the "They are breeding report" and get friendlier with MAGMA. After I contact them of course.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 27, 2022, 12:00:18 pm
And next mission is Shady Tavern.

Not a very easy mission if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 27, 2022, 05:09:30 pm
GOOOOO WEEEEEST, where ... OK, I don't remember the lyrics.

The Shanty Tavern is not filled to the brim with Men in Black, but with lowlife Cult of Apocalypse Westmen. These should go out easily as long as I don't walk into the light. If only there was a way to figure out if your agents are visible or not.

Turn 1.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 27, 2022, 05:36:04 pm
Turns 2 to end.

I lose an agent, probably because this line is lighted by the damn Dragonfly lights. It was a Rookie, or near Rookie, so irrelevant.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 27, 2022, 05:58:30 pm
Outcome and further research.

We get some nice loot from this one. I am torn between starting a new base soon or replacing a hangar with the large General Stores.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 27, 2022, 06:13:45 pm
Some more Geoscape stuff and research. We have now heard about Crazy Hassan.
He sells gun boxes and the big one seems like it may have something worthwhile. like once in a blue moon or so.

Next mission also pops up. Another Monster Hunt.

Exalt fails to pop up an Outpost so far. May be next month.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on May 29, 2022, 05:21:39 pm
Great stuff, dude!

As for "east German KGB", I meant a KGB office abroad, not local (Stasi). Similar to You-Know-Who.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 30, 2022, 11:10:59 am
Thanks.

I should have figured it out from the russian name. So he is like Stirlitz version 2.0.

I really liked the Polish village story. Reminds me of a story from Lovecraft.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 30, 2022, 05:17:19 pm
Next mission is another monster hunt.
This time a new, for me at least, monster. The Asmodean Cobra.

Next mission will be more farmers. Or MiBs. Or Zombies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 30, 2022, 05:43:01 pm
Turns 2-end.

Nothing scary and I don't even get to see the snakes kill anything. They have two weapons, so I assume one is ranged somewhat.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 30, 2022, 06:15:08 pm
I finally researched the Small Radar. Now I need to do some renovations in the base and find a place for it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on May 30, 2022, 07:05:53 pm
Another question about this wonderful playthrough:
Are you using Advanced Movements? Can't find that info in your posts. Do you even know about Advanced Movements? I have discovered about that recently and was shocked (again). As far as I know this mod is balanced around using Advanced Movements, so this is not cheating.
In any case, can you please add this info on your first post? I think it is important.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 30, 2022, 10:26:23 pm
Sometimes I use it. Sometimes I don't. I haven't used it most of the playthrough, though.

The issue is I try to run to the next tile sometimes and actually waste TU with strafing.

If you look at some of the running away posts I do run faster than normal move. This is why I started carrying some stims again. They are useful in getting somebody with depleted Energy move again.

EDIT: Running feels a bit like cheating, since the AI is not using it. I have used it somewhat sparingly in this playthrough.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 08:41:12 am
Next mission is the Cattle Mutilation.

We effectively shoot some peasants with gum rounds.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 09:23:38 am
Some more research done and I replace one of the Hangars with a Large General Store. I am not sure it was such a great idea, but I like the extra space. Now I need to clean up the Upper middle and move the last lower hanger up.

The Giant Beetles lead to Carapace armor and the Spike boar to some interesting bow or crossbow.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 09:40:24 am
Next mission is Exalt!

But not an Outpost so I still don't get to capture an Enforcer.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on May 31, 2022, 11:58:19 am
EDIT: Running feels a bit like cheating, since the AI is not using it. I have used it somewhat sparingly in this playthrough.
This is not generally true, AI can consider running too but mod need enable this explicitly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 01:03:29 pm
This is not generally true, AI can consider running too but mod need enable this explicitly.

So I guess I either have old information or never figured it out.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Yankes on May 31, 2022, 01:36:49 pm
I added support for this over month ago, this mean you were near correct :)
Probably not yet any mod use it.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 02:38:41 pm
I assume that Solarius Scortch have added it or will add it. Now monsters will run farther away.

The only thing I miss from the original AI is the Aliens who cannot find a path out and instead sit in ambush.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 03:05:02 pm
We make a quick work of the Safehouse.  It was defended by poorly armed Goons and Cultists. At least we get a million for the work.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on May 31, 2022, 03:27:31 pm
Some research done as time passes. I am near the end of January and still hoping for an Exalt Outpost. I should probably send the Van to snoop for Mansions, in case they can be detected.

Next mission pops up and should bring us the marvelous UAC Pistol to rule all pistols.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 01, 2022, 12:45:02 pm
Turn 1

Travel to the gathering, meet interesting freaks, then kill them.

This one is a pretty cool mission. Not really doable at day, though. These guys have Rocket Launcher!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 02, 2022, 09:57:08 am
Turn 2.

We capture some. Sadly, it is hard to advance and put the handcuffs on in fear of being seen and killed.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 02, 2022, 10:36:24 am
Turn 3.
These guys need more stun.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on June 02, 2022, 01:58:15 pm
EDIT: Running feels a bit like cheating, since the AI is not using it. I have used it somewhat sparingly in this playthrough.

Yeah, the AI totally uses it, just like kneeling. Or at least it should, it's not easy to confirm for sure.

This LP is still such a delight!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 02, 2022, 04:35:58 pm
I think the Zombies did get farther than usual.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 02, 2022, 05:25:48 pm
Turn 4.

I think I walked over the Black Medkit. The colors are different now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 02, 2022, 07:37:28 pm
Turn 5.

The ranks of cultists near the team is thinning down.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 03, 2022, 12:56:57 pm
Turn 6.

More shooting of closer enemies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 04, 2022, 12:30:11 pm
Turn 7.

The cave girl wakes up again, so we tase her again. The rest is the usual bloodbath of Cultists.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 04, 2022, 01:19:23 pm
Turn 8 - end

At this point I ran through about half the screenshots from this battle and patience. I will report the rest of the interesting things. Anyway, a lot shooting like the previous few posts also took place.
I eventually ran out of UAC Rifle clips and some of the soldiers also ran out of ammo, so I had to make some trips to the pile of guns.

I hope I get rid of the Dragonfly soon. Those lights are extremely annoying.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 04, 2022, 05:05:29 pm
I sell stuff until I have space again. It will be low until the Large Stores are up and then I will have space for about a week or so.

No need for dynamite if these cultists bring the real stuff.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 04, 2022, 05:32:39 pm
Next mission crops up, but I am low on vests and will need to wait for them.

Next week I am on a work trip, so likely no or few updates.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Fomka on June 05, 2022, 10:57:39 pm
Turn 8 - end
You got 6 UAC Rocket Launchers with 12 rocket packs for them from than Communion... Cool stuff! What will you do with them, may I ask? The most powerful weapon of the current time in your game, I presume.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 06, 2022, 09:35:08 am
I will use them and
lose them too.

They are pretty useful and can also be used on the gun helicopter, but I didn't try that.

Next large battle, OK two, were attacks on an Exalt Manor and I used them there.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 11, 2022, 10:56:55 am
Next mission is a short rumble in the Crop Circles. It is an overkill with the Dragonfly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 11, 2022, 11:52:57 am
Another Crop Circles and another Men in Black incursion into "our" crops.

We also get to learn about Purple Lilly, who, uhm, likes Purple and poisons people for fun. Sounds like our kind of girl.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 11, 2022, 01:49:33 pm
Here I do some comparison of the existing Shotguns. The Shotgun shotgun, that holiest of X-Com weapons for a while is missing, but it is slightly slower and more accurate than the Black Ops one.

Overall The CAWS is probably the best overall choice, but I lack the ability to buy it yet and it is kind of expensive too. The KS-23M is also a cool one, if somewhat heavy and low on ammo per clip. It has 4 shots per clip and they do weight 4.

The Double Barreled is still useable against some animals too.

UAC Shotgun seems pretty much useless right now. It has the strongest buckshot, but that is about it. It is slower, heavier and lacks other ammo.

In other news, I detect my first Manor. It is barely inside Dragonfly range at least.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on June 11, 2022, 04:20:33 pm
90 TUs for a single autoshot? It is a bit way too inflexible for me.
:D Heavy machine gun can do miracles (and a lot of holes) with some luck and planning. Note that this bad boy does not have penalties for long range and have increased accuracy bonus from shooting while sitting.
UAC Shotgun seems pretty much useless right now. It has the strongest buckshot, but that is about it. It is slower, heavier and lacks other ammo.
The main problem with UAC weapons is that there is no early space missions where they would be useful. So they main advantage is irrelevant.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 11, 2022, 05:33:24 pm
:D Heavy machine gun can do miracles (and a lot of holes) with some luck and planning. Note that this bad boy does not have penalties for long range and have increased accuracy bonus from shooting while sitting.The main problem with UAC weapons is that there is no early space missions where they would be useful. So they main advantage is irrelevant.

Yeah, I know I can do the "shoot between these two waypoints" thing, but I never hit much with that. I may try it later.

BlackOps weapons are a directly better variant of the usual guns, with some exceptions. UAC is more of a sideways thing. I really like the UAC Pistol from the bunch. The UAC Shotgun isn't better than the normal shotgun against unarmored enemies due to slower shooting speed. The UAC Rifle is really good, but has crappy snapshot accuracy.

UAC SMG is two handed and I can just use a rifle instead, so I don't like these. The Rocket Launcher is great for lack of bigger one.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 11, 2022, 05:37:44 pm
Chapter 18: The Age of the UAC Pistol and UAC Rocket Launcher. Some UAC Rifles too.


A Westman talks. Something about some rural legend or so.

We arrive at the Manor, but one of the agent's decided to take a coffe break before the Dragonfly went off. Nobody noticed until we started shooting.
Agent "what was his name" will be on toilet cleaning duty for a week.

(Sigh, I forgot to assign an 8th agent.)

Mission goes great. We walk in, get wounded, shoot some and decide to go home.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 11, 2022, 06:44:11 pm
Some more research is done and we are ready for the next mission.

After a long examination our scientists are positive that the Cave Girl's tits are not cursed. May be.
Half the team for the next mission is exposed to them for testing purposes, while the rest will be a control group.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 12, 2022, 11:02:56 am
I see you're also a convert of the DE. ;D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 11:19:06 am
I see you're also a convert of the DE. ;D

I got the Desert Eagle a lot earlier than the Magnum, so I already had it in inventory. It also looks better to me.

The BlackOps Magnum is actually better at close range and the Rookie Shieldmaidens aren't accurate anyway. So I do use it sometimes. But the BlackOps Pistol is faster and usually the better choice for them. Anyway, the Desert Eagle has no Trinitium ammo and no BlackOps variant, so it will likely become obsolete somewhere in the next year or so.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 12, 2022, 11:35:05 am
It also looks better to me.
Yeah. Personally, I use the S&W sprite for the Magnum, and the Police Revolver sprite from Piratez for the S&W.

The BlackOps Magnum is actually better at close range and the Rookie Shieldmaidens aren't accurate anyway. So I do use it sometimes.
The BO Magnum is something like two tiers above these two accessibility-wise. And the two buckshot-firing revolvers are even better at truly close range unless you're shooting something armoured.

For ranges where buckshot starts to scatter but not yet aimed-shot territory, the Magnums might be marginally better.

Edit:
Agreed that the BO pistol is a better sidearm than all the others.
Trinitium
That some sort of combination of Tritium and Tritanium? :P
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 11:59:10 am
Aaah, Tritanium, OK. Let's just call it Alien Alloys.

The Kludge and the other similar gun seem way too ineffective to me. I mean the one time I tried it. I already have the UAC Pistol and it is better anyway. Wouldn't the Small shotgun and Sawed Off have better buckshot?

I usually use Shotguns for the Buckshot against animals.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 12:01:00 pm
And it is time for our second try on the Exalt Manor.
This time I have 8 agents (I counted them twice) and it seems like better architecture for me this time.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 01:02:30 pm
Turn 2.

I try to capture some Enforcers with Knockout Grenades. They are tough, though and one of them survives two direct hits from them.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 12, 2022, 01:05:20 pm
Let's just call it Alien Alloys.
Yeah, I never quite understood why Solarius needed to go all Star Trek with that one. But it's his choice.

The Kludge and the other similar gun seem way too ineffective to me. I mean the one time I tried it. I already have the UAC Pistol and it is better anyway.
You can get the Kludge way before anything UAC shows itself, never mind getting access to their product list.

I think I'm also a bit biased because I almost never use handguns as a primary weapon, except for the shield dudes. But pulling out a revolver full of buckshot when a bunch of Zombies are trying to gnaw the agent's face off and his main gun just ran dry has saved me more than once.

Wouldn't the Small shotgun and Sawed Off have better buckshot?
For burst damage, yes. The small shotgun is very short-range, two-handed, slower to fire and reload, with a smaller clip, too.

You can keep up a better fire rate with the BS revolvers, and hit things that are not right in your face, too. They are also better as emergency weapons for the situation where the choice is between reloading and praying, or pulling out your handgun and hoping you can finish off whatever's bearing down on you.

The sawed-off shotgun is unreasonably good, yes. I don't know what kind of wrists Solarius thinks our agents have if he figures they can shoot the thing one-handed. ::)

I usually use Shotguns for the Buckshot against animals.
Yeah, if I want to deliberately use BS in combat, I'm also getting a real shotgun instead of all these tiny-ass guns. They're backup weapons, or maybe something to use on stealth missions.



Edit: Ah, the Maid Brigade. Or more precisely, the Maid Massacre. :D

Why are you just standing there in one giant clump, not even using smoke?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on June 12, 2022, 01:11:12 pm
Some late comments:
1. The KS-23 stun round is not weaker. I mean in raw damage yes, but it has a hefty Health damage on top of it, which makes it overall more eficient in stopping people from moving around. (And carries a greater risk of killing them, but the chances are still not very high.)
2. The difference betwen generic and BlackOps shotguns is not small: it is between 2 and 3 snap shots per turn. I find it rather crucial myself.
3. good point on the cave mapping. I am aware of that, but didn't want to go too much into details, so I rolled it with the "govt activity". Maybe I oversimplified it.


The main problem with UAC weapons is that there is no early space missions where they would be useful. So they main advantage is irrelevant.

That is true, but I haven't managed to come up with a sensible plan yet (which wouldn't disrupt the gameplay flow).

Yeah, I never quite understood why Solarius needed to go all Star Trek with that one. But it's his choice.

Star Trek? Pshh. It's from Master of Orion, the mother of all things sci-fi.
Now why this word? Because a lot of Earth factions uses these, so they're hardly "alien". Also I think "alien alloys" sound kinda stupid after the first week after their discovery.

The sawed-off shotgun is unreasonably good, yes. I don't know what kind of wrists Solarius thinks our agents have if he figures they can shoot the thing one-handed. ::)

Well, it wouldn't have a niche otherwise. :D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 12, 2022, 01:22:53 pm
Star Trek? Pshh. It's from Master of Orion, the mother of all things sci-fi.
Star Trek use of the term precedes it by some margin. I wouldn't be surprised if MOO devs cribbed it from there.

Edit: I have always made the distinction between aliens (extraterrestrial life, Mexicans, Poles, you know :P ) and Aliens (the specific conglomeration of extraterrestrials assaulting us in some X-Com game. Old fanfiction sometimes used Starspawn instead. So Alien alloys are not 'alien', they're alloys originating from the Aliens, a specific group of ETs.

But as said, it's your lore.

Well, it wouldn't have a niche otherwise.
Well, in RL the primary advantages of sawed-off shotguns are concealment and maneuverability in CQB. Personally, I'd lose the one-handedness and take off some TU compared to the DB shotgun. This could be modeled much better if we had separate 'aim' and 'fire' TU costs like in JA2. But, yeah, if wishes were fishes...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 01:32:30 pm
Why are you just standing there in one giant clump, not even using smoke?

Darkness.

But in retrospect I should have walked more forward.

There is a fire right in front of me and buildings have some lighting inside. That was shrinking the darkness bubble a bit.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 02:21:51 pm
Turn 3.

I lose the first Cave Girl Curse test subject.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 07:00:52 pm
Turn 4.

I think I am halfway through the battle now.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 12, 2022, 07:53:12 pm
Turns 5 and 6.

Are they starting to thin out?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 13, 2022, 11:55:58 am
Turn 8.

My Storage problems are solved!

The good news is I have enough ammo to finish the mission. Probably. The bad news is I don't have any more reserve medkits.

I should grab an Enforcer and run probably.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 13, 2022, 05:03:48 pm
Turn 9.

Things don't start looking much better. I think I have killed more than half the opposition, but without more medkits and running out of Shieldmaidens I should retreat.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 13, 2022, 06:35:48 pm
Turns 10 and 11.

We take more losses, but we get the final obstacle to the road to Greatness. The Enforcer and Exalt Operations.

Next time we will come out with double the agents and destroy this place.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 13, 2022, 06:59:39 pm
Outcome and next steps.

Cool, I am finally done with the battle from over a week ago and can finally play again. [Technically I was at a conference last week so no way of doing anything]

By the way, if you notice a post that is 1600 wide or so, please tell me about it. I do scale them down, but I tend to have terrible memory. I mean, I was about to ask you something about the images, but, uhm, what was it? Something about resolution or so.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on June 13, 2022, 11:58:52 pm
I am actually surprised you managed to 1/2 survived that attack on a mansion. Mansions are challenging even with OSPREY on lower difficulties, and you used Dragonfly with rookies wielding pistols... To be honest, I was morally prepared, that this would be the end of the playthrough.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Fomka on June 14, 2022, 01:05:58 am
Outcome and next steps.
So you have you storage problem solved. Did the cultists blow up your pile of guns in front of their mansion? Checked the screenshots but didn't figure that out.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 14, 2022, 08:53:27 am
Next mission is a short rumble in the Safehouse. I reported it in short, because I am a bit tired of GIMP and it isn't that much of an extraordinary mission.

After I research EXALT Operations, we are done with safehouses.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 14, 2022, 09:06:14 am
Outcome of the mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 14, 2022, 09:14:34 am
I am actually surprised you managed to 1/2 survived that attack on a mansion. Mansions are challenging even with OSPREY on lower difficulties, and you used Dragonfly with rookies wielding pistols... To be honest, I was morally prepared, that this would be the end of the playthrough.

The Rookies were some middling agents actually. The third of them, the Japanese name one, was actually fairly strong agent.
They are there to take shots.

This wasn't even half the top agents on this mission. I have 4 on the Van and 5-6 more in the Sick Bay. I was close to making it through, I think. Most enemies don't have Sniper, only Enforcers and that Soldier type.

So you have you storage problem solved. Did the cultists blow up your pile of guns in front of their mansion? Checked the screenshots but didn't figure that out.

Yes, the pile of guns is on the far right if the deployment, in north west of the statue. Main issue was the loss of extra Medkits actually.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 14, 2022, 09:25:44 am
I am also surprised you managed to pull through after clustering for a while. You were about one explosive away from a catastrophe for some time. I guess being so close to the outer walls was a boon?

How much did you lose in that pile of equipment, anyway?

While only Enforcers and Liquidators have Sniper, pretty much everyone has spotter. My worst experience of being sniped came from a bunch of Enforcers and Liquidators opening up on me from one of the old mansions/bases, with pretty much everything, despite smoke and attempts to distance myself. It doesn't really matter if the shots have a 95% chance to miss if the enemy shoots you 50 times with machine guns, rifles on auto and explosives.

This is coincidentally why I'm so soured on the sniper/spotter mechanics, because they don't really gel with how enemies spot and 'remember' your units.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 14, 2022, 11:45:59 am
I am also surprised you managed to pull through after clustering for a while. You were about one explosive away from a catastrophe for some time. I guess being so close to the outer walls was a boon?

How much did you lose in that pile of equipment, anyway?

While only Enforcers and Liquidators have Sniper, pretty much everyone has spotter. My worst experience of being sniped came from a bunch of Enforcers and Liquidators opening up on me from one of the old mansions/bases, with pretty much everything, despite smoke and attempts to distance myself. It doesn't really matter if the shots have a 95% chance to miss if the enemy shoots you 50 times with machine guns, rifles on auto and explosives.

This is coincidentally why I'm so soured on the sniper/spotter mechanics, because they don't really gel with how enemies spot and 'remember' your units.

I was in the dark, so only enemies with Sniper can shoot there. A lucky Exaltee with High Explosive would have killed some, though.

I was afraid from soldiers in the top floors near me. They can spot me from 9 tiles, If I keep further than that, I would be fine. Grenades and Grenade Launchers don't have that much power to kill higher health soldiers.

I don't know. There was that 50 000 dollar rifle with unpronounceable name, but strangely the $12 000 magazines survived. UAC Rifles are 40 000 each and I lost a few of them. Also all the UAC Rocket Launcher ammo. And 3 Nobelons and two Taser Cannons. I lost one of the Dart Rifles, but not in the explosions. That was because I couldn't drag it and the soldier with me. The rest is Medkits, grenades and overall stuff that is easily replaceable.

Over all I spent about 200 000 to rearm and am now about broke. I think I will sell the remaining Plasma weapons from the UFO. They are unresearchable for a long while anyway.

The Osprey will not have enough range to hit that Manor so I will need to build another base in South America/Africa for that. I need about 1.5 million for that and 20 days for it to be operational.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 14, 2022, 12:19:36 pm
I was afraid from soldiers in the top floors near me. They can spot me from 9 tiles...
Liquidators have NV 12.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 14, 2022, 12:53:53 pm
Liquidators have NV 12.

Yeah, but they are a minority.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 14, 2022, 01:10:30 pm
Enforcers have NV 11, too. And you did say 'soldiers'.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 14, 2022, 08:20:52 pm
Enforcers have NV 11, too. And you did say 'soldiers'.

I meant general enemies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 17, 2022, 07:09:55 am
I sell the Plasma weapons and build a new base in Bioko. I decided that Central Africa should have Osprey range to whatever parts of the Americas are outside range from Franz Josef Land.

Also the Van finally gets to the Zombie Catacombs. I have no illusions of clearing them up with 4 agents. The plan is to kill some zombies and retreat.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 17, 2022, 07:28:26 am
Turns 2 - 5

I should have packed in a Rookie or two in the Van. It is small, but we must pay our sacrifices.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 17, 2022, 07:46:49 am
Turns 6 - end.

I meat a female armoured zombie. Didn't they heard about boobs on armors? Not a thing.

Our agents call home: "Mommy, come pick me up. There are GIRLS here!"
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 17, 2022, 09:10:55 am
I meat a female armoured zombie.
Not really, you ran away before it got to that. :P

Are you trying to not meta-game or have never ventured into zombie catacombs before? Because trying to shoot someone in full plate with buckshot and pistol ammo is... well, actually, it's not as useless as it sounds in reality, but these zombies are tough.

Didn't they heard about boobs on armors? Not a thing.
Female armour designed to account for breast size is a thing. Or quite uncomfortable for said female. Not as over the top as that Tomb Guard, of course. Then again, didn't Batman have nipples on his armour once? :D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 17, 2022, 10:10:11 am
Not really, you ran away before it got to that. :P

:) I live to commit atrocities against the English language.

Also fixing grammer on a jpg will be somewhat hard to do.

Are you trying to not meta-game or have never ventured into zombie catacombs before? Because trying to shoot someone in full plate with buckshot and pistol ammo is... well, actually, it's not as useless as it sounds in reality, but these zombies are tough.

Both. I stopped my last Playthrough at the end of 1998 with Two Cults removed and just researched Promotion III. At that point I decided I want to write this AAR and decided that starting from the middle isn't a good idea unless you are George Lucas.

I haven't gotten to the catacombs yet. And I do roleplay it a bit. Also all "Fuck it" last minute before leaving shots are mandatory. Unless the ammo is extremely expensive or other lame reasons.

I should add it to house rules along with "All missions must be attempted unless there are serious reasons not to. Like lack of agents or no egress available."

Female armour designed to account for breast size is a thing. Or quite uncomfortable for said female. Not as over the top as that Tomb Guard, of course. Then again, didn't Batman have nipples on his armour once? :D

Medieval Full Plates have a large empty space on the chest for weapons that pierced the plate but only a little or to lessen impacts that didn't pierce it. A kind of spaced armor. And you will be wearing gambeson underneath, which is quite bulky as well. Not to mention that the external boobs introduce weak points. Unless they are purely cosmetic and glued to the plate.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 17, 2022, 10:43:33 am
Medieval Full Plates have a large empty space on the chest for weapons that pierced the plate but only a little or to lessen impacts that didn't pierce it. A kind of spaced armor. And you will be wearing gambeson underneath, which is quite bulky as well. Not to mention that the external boobs introduce weak points. Unless they are purely cosmetic and glued to the plate.
Well, yeah, but the space you're talking about usually looks like this:
(https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-09a235f89a0ea279ccb43411d3f59ec5-c)
That means unless you're a granny, your boobs will still be unhappy.

And, well, later full plate wasn't really pierced at all, or was pierced in a way that a little extra space meant nothing. Half-swording, polearms, etc.

Also, the more space, the poorer the armour is fitting, which means it's hell to wear. So the space was mostly filled with a gambeson. Wearing just plate was a bad idea, anyway.

All that said, I don't think we know what women wore, if anything. Most medieval art on that matter is basically fanfiction, and I think we have no surviving examples of plate armour that was known to have been worn by a woman in battle. But modern women getting their armour do want a somewhat different contour. Not boob plate (although that, too), but different.

Otherwise, yeah, what you're doing is more fun for us readers. ;D Maybe not optimal, but you're already in a self-challenge game anyway.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 17, 2022, 11:22:30 am
Some research is done and next mission pops up. Can X-COM deal with the Root of all Evil?
Probably not yet.

EDIT: Oh, look who forgot to attach a file.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 17, 2022, 05:55:14 pm
Next mission is The Root of all Evil.

And another Ironmanish moment, as I realize I forgot to bring the flares I bought recently. Again.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 23, 2022, 04:28:08 pm
Great opportunity to disappear for a few years, not gonna lie. :D

Anyway, turn 1 and I already made a deadly mistake. Well, more like "in need of reassembly" mistake, since these AIs don't really die so easily.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 23, 2022, 04:52:02 pm
Turns 2, 3 and Summary.

I lost the Scout Drone, I admit, in a pretty dumb way. I have no good way of detecting the Assassins now, so I decided to retreat instead. I don't remember how much was the penalty for a failed mission, but I probably didn't do better.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 23, 2022, 05:41:44 pm
Some more research is done. We finally figured out where Exalt is hiding their drugs and will be able to meet their bosses now. Somehow this allows us to buy the Ultimate Craft (for now). The mighty Osprey.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 23, 2022, 06:19:09 pm
I lost the Scout Drone, I admit, in a pretty dumb way. I have no good way of detecting the Assassins now, so I decided to retreat instead.
Assassins apparently are not evil enough to go into that jungle. There are only the Avatar and a shitload of Footmen. You'd have been fine... Well, as fine as a jungle mission ever is, especially with sanity loss and a shielded enemy. I think I've seen a streamer lose this mission because the Avatar kept being immune to KO grenades and similar, and his sanity eventually ran out.

I think I have enough BlackOps Pistols for now.

Purchase interface: BlackOps Pistol: quantity: 0.
Are you dissing the BO Pistol here?! :o

safehouses
No, no, the ones the Intelligence Officer is pinpointing are safe houses, while X-Com will start ignoring safehouses. Totally makes sense, right? Maybe you want one of these bright-coloured pills to make it make sense? ;D

I just hope they didn't put lights on the things...
RGB Lightnings incoming in 3 ... 2 ...
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 24, 2022, 01:15:13 pm
Assassins apparently are not evil enough to go into that jungle. There are only the Avatar and a shitload of Footmen. You'd have been fine... Well, as fine as a jungle mission ever is, especially with sanity loss and a shielded enemy. I think I've seen a streamer lose this mission because the Avatar kept being immune to KO grenades and similar, and his sanity eventually ran out.

I thought it was your usual Outpost quantity of enemies. Anyway, I am reluctant to go in without the Osprey now.

Are you dissing the BO Pistol here?! :o

No, I just don't need to replace the one I lost on the dead Rookie. I had 6 or so, so I should still have more than I actually use.

No, no, the ones the Intelligence Officer is pinpointing are safe houses, while X-Com will start ignoring safehouses. Totally makes sense, right? Maybe you want one of these bright-coloured pills to make it make sense? ;D
RGB Lightnings incoming in 3 ... 2 ...

:D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 24, 2022, 02:22:20 pm
Some more research is done. I am not sure if I can get the Spypistol before the mission, but I will wait on it for a while.

And then a Durathread Factory pops up. A bit early for my liking. I think the factory stays for a while, so I will wait for the Osprey for it. I don't have that many active agents to loose more to wounds.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 25, 2022, 10:54:42 am
I concentrate on getting the Osprey faster. Also We get the BlackOps Spypistol and CAWS acquisition.
I send over the Labor mission and a small Stormie mission pops up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 25, 2022, 12:30:30 pm
A quick little mission against the Stormies.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 25, 2022, 01:15:52 pm
Chapter 19: The Age of the 007. Spypistols and CAWS too.



And the Labor Undercover missions goes smoothly as well. I made a mistake charging into the Warrior instead of illuminating him with flares, but he missed all of his shots somehow.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on June 26, 2022, 10:41:21 am
Do you know that Hangars also have storage capacity? So, in theory, you don't need to build additional storage facility. But in practice, with your habit to bring ALL items in a craft, 1 hangar is definitely not enough...
Yes, this F10 trick is a game changer!
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 26, 2022, 02:58:50 pm
But in practice, with your habit to bring ALL items in a craft, 1 hangar is definitely not enough...
Hah, tarkalak's stuff pile is amateur hour compared to this. ;D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 27, 2022, 12:51:34 am
Do you know that Hangars also have storage capacity? So, in theory, you don't need to build additional storage facility. But in practice, with your habit to bring ALL items in a craft, 1 hangar is definitely not enough...
Yes, this F10 trick is a game changer!

Hangars have 25 capacity. Armored vests are 1 each, so 25-16 = 9 size for arming 16 soldiers.
That is about 0.5 size per soldier and 1 extra. Rifles are 0.2. Pistols and most clips are 0.1. Medkits are between 0.1 and 0.5. Grenades are 0.1 as well. Desert Eagle ammo is 0.025, so it might be better to use it for the shield wall.

So 0.4 for a weapon and two clips and another 0.1 for a grenade or something. And another 1 size remaining to share between soldiers.

Night time is out of the question, since I will not have the space for flares. Going in without armor is also out of the question.

Huh, it is not as bad as I thought at first glance, thanks for reminding me.

This feels a bit underarmed, though. I don't use that many grenades, but I do use them. It seems barely doable, I may try it when I do end up with an Osprey.
Worst thing is, that size is only visible in the stats for nerds or storage, but not on the equipping screen. So it is a lot of hassle.

In any case, if I start the general stores immediately after the Living Quarters is finished in Bioko, it will finish a day after the Hangar. So not much of a difference.

Hah, tarkalak's stuff pile is amateur hour compared to this. ;D

What can I say, the cults love cleaning it up sometimes. :D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 27, 2022, 01:25:49 am
Armored vests are 1 each, so 25-16 = 9 size for arming 16 soldiers.
Armour put on an agent doesn't count. They're storing it under their bed, or something. :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 27, 2022, 10:56:30 am
Armour put on an agent doesn't count. They're storing it under their bed, or something. :)

Hmm, that is true actually. I thought they were like weapons in OXCE, i.e. still taking space unlike the original game.
And Armored Vests are actually 0.8, not 1. I guess the page that opens after middle clicking the armor is not the same as the actual stored item.

Anyway, I need general stores in those bases for further development and it will be just a day after the hanger is up. It will just take me too many mouse clicks to lower down the pile. Or not. I will see.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 28, 2022, 05:55:37 pm
And next mission is one of the Monster Hunts. Not much of interest happened in it, it was routine clean up.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 28, 2022, 07:19:59 pm
I don't think Beatles give Chitin. They might be pretty good to ransom, though. :P

Has the UFO Catcher Fly actually caught any UFOs yet?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 28, 2022, 10:10:27 pm
I don't think Beatles give Chitin. They might be pretty good to ransom, though. :P

Has the UFO Catcher Fly actually caught any UFOs yet?

Yeah. The only one. I named it after the event. It is one page 76.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 28, 2022, 11:14:42 pm
More like page 75. Maybe you should make a note about that? It was kind of a milestone.

I accidentally saw a funny coincidence on page 76. You said you wrote Baba Donka (which is true) and right before that is the Alien Embryo, which I once stole from Xeno-Ops and wrote the blurb for. ;D

Edit: It's kind of a pity that the classic "The aliens are kidnapping and impregnating Earth women!" trope wasn't developed any further. Even the Hybrid Clinics got removed. :(
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on June 29, 2022, 09:56:12 am
I did write that it is a battle against an ominous enemy. I should add it as a Chapter.

Baba Donka is a reference to Baba Vanga being pretty much the same person.

I also intended to write a few more, but never found time for it. Back in the early 90s there was a group of officers in the Bulgarian army who were convinced by mystics that, if they dig a weird hole near Tsarichina, they will find: Tsar Samuil's treasure, the first human, aliens and what not. In real life they wasted a lot of money, hit an aquifier and there was a public scandal. There are the usual myths about it too, with UFO sightings, disappearing people, force fields, ominous energies and whatever floats conspiracy theorist's minds.

It could make a cool underground mission, if I ever come down to writing it down and learn modding.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on June 29, 2022, 01:52:17 pm
I did write that it is a battle against an ominous enemy. I should add it as a Chapter.
I meant the UFO Catcher Fly thing. I don't think it's mentioned anywhere outside the images?

Tsarichina
That's some pretty cool shit, corruption notwithstanding.

It could make a cool underground mission, if I ever come down to writing it down and learn modding.
It's going to be a cave mission, isn't it? :'(
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 01, 2022, 12:50:20 am
I meant the UFO Catcher Fly thing. I don't think it's mentioned anywhere outside the images?
That's some pretty cool shit, corruption notwithstanding.
It's going to be a cave mission, isn't it? :'(

Quote
The team is ready to finally meat the main antagonists.

I don't say a lot of things outside of images. It will be completely incomprehensible without images, but such is life with this form of playthroughs. I added a line that it is the first UFO.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 01, 2022, 12:52:31 am
And the third Strange Creatures isn't much of an issue. At least I got solid training for the, ahem, experience challenged members of the team.

EDIT: I forgot to add the Medals from this mission.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Vakrug on July 01, 2022, 05:49:48 pm
An absolute training success.
Not absolute. Cutie Paw was not trained. Do you know, that dogs receive experience from barking? So it is possible to train for dogs without dealing any damage.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 02, 2022, 01:21:39 pm
Not absolute. Cutie Paw was not trained. Do you know, that dogs receive experience from barking? So it is possible to train for dogs without dealing any damage.

Yeah, I know. But it is more dangerous for them, too.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 02, 2022, 01:27:21 pm
BOOK IV: Adolescence


Chapter 19: The Epoch of the Osprey.


And finally I get to research and buy the Osprey. Sadly the good missions expire, so I will have to wait for more.

Also sadly I don't think I will have the range from Bioko to Ecuador and I will need to build another base in South America. At least they have good radar positions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 02, 2022, 01:42:01 pm
And the first outing of the team with the new craft is to be with Peasants. A total overkill.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 02, 2022, 02:00:42 pm
End of month report is pretty good. I also bought some more general stores in the outlying bases.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on July 02, 2022, 02:21:22 pm
Yeah, I know. But it is more dangerous for them, too.
Is it? I mean, compared to biting you get like 5-6 extra tiles worth of running away, and if a bark hits and doesn't kill (which is, well, always :D ), at least the enemy gets a reduced chance to react. Biting is the high-risk, high-reward tactic.

Hiding behind the hairless monkeys is safer, of course.


And you sold the UFO Catcher Fly! Nooo! :'(

Doesn't it have longer range than an Osprey, anyway? You can also do some minor cover missions with it, notably the Westmen tavern, Trading with Wizkids and Caveman ambush.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 02, 2022, 04:13:01 pm
Is it? I mean, compared to biting you get like 5-6 extra tiles worth of running away, and if a bark hits and doesn't kill (which is, well, always :D ), at least the enemy gets a reduced chance to react. Biting is the high-risk, high-reward tactic.

Hiding behind the hairless monkeys is safer, of course.


And you sold the UFO Catcher Fly! Nooo! :'(

Doesn't it have longer range than an Osprey, anyway? You can also do some minor cover missions with it, notably the Westmen tavern, Trading with Wizkids and Caveman ambush.

Really? Didn't the Osprey go to these too?

I thought about transferring it to another base, but no hangar was available. And I needed the money from the sale.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on July 02, 2022, 04:27:00 pm
Nope, the Dragonfly is the biggest covert mission craft there is. Ospreys have zero capability for those.

OTOH, you still need a car to cover all types of covert missions, and a helicopter can go to some the Dragonfly can't. But if your choice was either a shiny new Osprey or old trusty UCF, yeah.

What are you spending all the money on that you're so broke, booze and hookers bribes to the Secret Underground Base General Stores Construction Workers' Union? :P
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 02, 2022, 05:15:56 pm
Nope, the Dragonfly is the biggest covert mission craft there is. Ospreys have zero capability for those.

OTOH, you still need a car to cover all types of covert missions, and a helicopter can go to some the Dragonfly can't. But if your choice was either a shiny new Osprey or old trusty UCF, yeah.

What are you spending all the money on that you're so broke, booze and hookers bribes to the Secret Underground Base General Stores Construction Workers' Union? :P

Well, biggest sink was building these two new bases. And I haven't got a good loot in a while.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on July 03, 2022, 07:38:50 pm
Congrats on the Osprey! I hope it's not as good as it seems on paper.

And I also agree that Dragonfly and some civilian car are still a necessity. I'd advise getting them back when you can afford it. At least a car.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 04, 2022, 12:13:20 am
Congrats on the Osprey! I hope it's not as good as it seems on paper.

And I also agree that Dragonfly and some civilian car are still a necessity. I'd advise getting them back when you can afford it. At least a car.

:)

It is mandatory for the bigger cult missions like the Mansions, Durathread Factory and the HQs. At least at this difficulty 8 agents need to be very lucky to deal with one of these.

EDIT: The lack of lights is also great.

I have a Van. It is enough for cover missions. It should get replaced by a land raider after Promotion III.

I may buy a Dragonfly back at some point for civilian missions, though.

EDIT: On a second thought, I should buy a Helicopter for these missions.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on July 04, 2022, 06:32:47 am
land raider
You sure you're not playing the 40K mod instead? :P

On a second thought, I should buy a Helicopter for these missions.
Yeah, that's probably better. Although you're out in the open in that one, unlike the Dragonfly.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 04, 2022, 08:41:26 am
You sure you're not playing the 40K mod instead? :P

That covert mission thing after Promotion III.

Yeah, that's probably better. Although you're out in the open in that one, unlike the Dragonfly.

The Helicopter can be used as hard cover, unlike the Dragonfly's wheels. It works better at night.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 04, 2022, 10:03:56 am
I do some graph analysis here. Something happened in Estonia and I will check if it is still there.

We start the next mission with the almighty Osprey. It is a Monster terror mission.
What will it be?
Zombies? Chupacabras? Boring Beetles? Space Lizards?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Fomka on July 04, 2022, 10:56:07 am
Good luck in using Osprey in big missions, tarkalak!

Can you please explain a little?

Is the DAKKA helicopter (AH-6 Little Bird (https://xcf.trigramreactor.net/master/article/STR_LITTLE_BIRD), I think) the best choice that you have now for scouting out cult bases (you call them mansions, I don't know the right name)? Can a van be used instead? Are those cult bases protected by some cult aircrafts?

What was the deal with three screenshots of purchases where cost was striked through? You were considering different options and made a final choice of 2 Blackops sniper rifles, right?

Why do you prefer club and iron pipe to tonfas? What do zeroes mean in the agents' names, the fact that they are from original 8-men team?
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 04, 2022, 12:06:28 pm
Good luck in using Osprey in big missions, tarkalak!

Can you please explain a little?

Is the DAKKA helicopter (AH-6 Little Bird (https://xcf.trigramreactor.net/master/article/STR_LITTLE_BIRD), I think) the best choice that you have now for scouting out cult bases (you call them mansions, I don't know the right name)? Can a van be used instead? Are those cult bases protected by some cult aircrafts?

I have a van, but it takes forever to get anywhere so I prefer to keep it at the base waiting for covert missions.
If I sense something far far away I will fill it with the better crew if a mission pops up for it in the meantime.
Vans, cars and etc. are invisible to enemy detection so they can avoid being hit at all.

What was the deal with three screenshots of purchases where cost was striked through? You were considering different options and made a final choice of 2 Blackops sniper rifles, right?

Final is the final cost of all purchases. I should have just cropped the upper images to not show their parts of the cost.

Why do you prefer club and iron pipe to tonfas? What do zeroes mean in the agents' names, the fact that they are from original 8-men team?

On the equipping screen press Alt with the mouse over a weapon. It will show that agent's damage with the weapon.

Iron pipe does more damage, but is potentially lethal. I mostly use it for style. In fact I will kill a civilian with one on next page or so.
Tonfa is good on people with high Melee, which is no one right now.
Wooden club's damage depends on Bravery and strength, so a 100 Bravery agent does a lot more damage with it. It also depends less on Melee for accuracy.
Electric club depends on Reaactions a lot and that one is harder to get high too. Also electric damage seems to have less enemies with resistance to it. Zombies for example are resistant to stun.

I would use a baseball bat, but it doesn't fit in a pocket and I don't want to walk with it in hand.

Sadly the game lacks the Bulgarian red necks from Pernik's favorite weapon. The vinkel. I.e. and angled metal bar.
(https://www.suhstroi.com/image/cache/catalog/products/drugi/grubo%20stroitelstvo/Vynkel-Metalen-1-550x550h.jpg)

0 means original member. I have 4 surviving now. In my previous campaign I used 1 and 2 to denote secondary and tertiary base crew. It was needed, because I sent them to the main base to use the Sick Bay occasionally.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on July 04, 2022, 12:19:56 pm
That covert mission thing after Promotion III.
I mean, this (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/5/5d/Land_Raider2.png/revision/latest?cb=20171203021730) is a Land Raider. I'm pretty sure you need Promotion MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM for that. :P

The Helicopter can be used as hard cover, unlike the Dragonfly's wheels. It works better at night.
Dragonfly's walls are hard cover, too. Vans and helicopters work as cover only if you get lucky with map generation. True about the lights, of course.

Something happened in Estonia and I will check if it is still there.
So, is Estonia gone? Did the aliens do a land grab? :D

Is the DAKKA helicopter (AH-6 Little Bird (https://xcf.trigramreactor.net/master/article/STR_LITTLE_BIRD), I think) the best choice that you have now for scouting out cult bases (you call them mansions, I don't know the right name)? Can a van be used instead? Are those cult bases protected by some cult aircrafts?
The mod explicitly calls them mansions as well. A van works about as well as a Little Bird, except it's slow and can't defend itself. Leveled mansions have aircraft (level 2 has helicopters, level 3 has jet fighters). Level 1 is supposed to have cars, but these are either so slow or otherwise messed up that I haven't actually encountered any.

Why do you prefer club and iron pipe to tonfas?
He's taking a stance against police brutality. :P

Edit: Electric club levels reactions when used, so it's not that bad. It's also very quick and safe to use. /edit

It was needed, because I sent them to the main base to use the Sick Bay occasionally.
No medical coverage for all agents? Are you docking their pay for sick days, too? What kind of penny-pinching secret organisation are you running there?! :)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 04, 2022, 12:39:29 pm
...
Edit: Electric club levels reactions when used, so it's not that bad. It's also very quick and safe to use. /edit
No medical coverage for all agents? Are you docking their pay for sick days, too? What kind of penny-pinching secret organisation are you running there?! :)

Many melee weapons train Melee and Reactions. From the ones we discuss only the Tonfa trains only Melee, I think.

I haven't come to the point where I get secondary bases to launch missions yet.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on July 04, 2022, 01:26:39 pm
Many melee weapons train Melee and Reactions. From the ones we discuss only the Tonfa trains only Melee, I think.
Almost anything that's one-handed trains both, including Tonfas. Only stun rods and most of the big weapons train only melee. Notably, both Baseball Bats and Greatswords train reactions as well.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 04, 2022, 06:46:13 pm
Turn 1.

It is just normal Beatles. I guess their bug rock concert went awry and they want to eat the audience.
The fire beetles' range seems to be about 10 or that is just their vision range. I will try to capture more for the sweet little Chitin they give.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Juku121 on July 04, 2022, 06:55:46 pm
Die English!
;D
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 05, 2022, 12:50:23 pm
Turn 2.

A lot of civilians die in the dark as expected. Some put good resistance, though.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on July 11, 2022, 12:22:10 am
Turn 3.

We stun some more people and find a slight drawback of the Iron Pipe.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: tarkalak on August 21, 2022, 05:54:20 pm
Sadly, one of the worst possible outcomes for this playrhrough have become a reality.

I ...

managed to run a heavily modded Silent Hunter 3 on my linux computer. So instead of the commander of a covert unit fighting aliens, I will pretend to be a submarine for a while.
This play through will continue after I get sunk a few times.
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: Solarius Scorch on August 21, 2022, 06:13:13 pm
This play through will continue after I get sunk a few times.

Cool, have fun! (I'm rooting for the destroyers.)
Title: Re: X-Com Files Mod, Superman, Ironman-ish
Post by: psavola on April 29, 2023, 09:10:33 am
This was a fun an educational thread to read. It was interesting how you seemed to manage reasonably well by concentrating on improving your first base instead of using the money to build 2nd/3rd base and then have no money for improvements. You apparently don't need to be able to deal with all the missions across the globe to get a good score and progress.

I was impressed at how much you bothered to do training with reactions, throwing, etc. and it made me curious to try to do the same. Though how much this is actually worth the time if your agents were to die more in ironman mode is another question. Though I agree with your earlier comment in this thread that reactions is actually important if you want to survive better in ironman (and reactions gives a huge bonus for example with BO auto-sniper rifle) and throwing accuracy is helpful if you actually used grenades which you by self-handicap don't so (I suppose grenades would be one way to better survive against certain spotter/sniper enemies). Obviously this was not close to ironman, given about 30 reloads in this early game where you had barely done any really challenging missions yet (such as, at early game, forward bases, parties and HQs). This certainly caused me a desire to try to restart already with an ironman mode and play better than my current SH save-scum campaign, but this would be a death sentence because I don't have a decent idea of the game except for the first year or so. But I have always liked best the early-ish game phases when you are developing, instead of late game where (at least with vanilla and many mods) you are almost an immortal already if you play it safe.