Hadn't tried the newest version but when I last had a run it seemed that alien nests get out of control very quickly for a new player, especially if you get the progression tech for them too early or don't know to shoot down every flyer.
This was balanced multiple times. Some people thinked that nests spread too fast, some - that too slow. Right now it is a medium speed. (Maybe uncomfortable for both...

)
Also when Xcom gets the tech to go global, unlocking all starting nations weaponry while your still barely into magic would make sense to me
Saw it in your playthrough. Interesting idea.