🚀 go-pugleaf

Hmm.... I think Talos, you're probably on your own when wanting a RTS XCOM
game, judging by the posts to the group.

There are several definitive aspects which give XCOM - UFO/TFTD it's
uniqueness and long term appeal;

The myth which is now XCOM

The fact it was small unit tactics and strategy

It was turn based and not RT.

    Taking those points and lumping them together has created a series of
games which has a) grabbed the long term interest of gamers, and b) given
MPS a sure fire success, due to the XCOM licence.  However, the fundamental
point remains - most of us gamers are hankering after a game which goes back
to its roots, but with the benefits of 4 yrs of technology and hindsight of
other XCOM titles being somewhat diverse [not necessarily a bad thing] and
moving further away from our interest in the original.  Clearly, both
Interceptor and Alliance has and will gain its own followers, who will
probably have the same fanatical interest in those games as we do in the
originals.
    Most of us still keep coming back to the originals - UFO/TFD, with Apoc
coming next, judging from the posts - an assumption, btw.  With the advent
of Interceptor and Alliance, MPS has pretty much used the XCOM licence to
cover most of the gaming genre's going, so I for one would not be surprised
to see an XCOM game which caters for your needs - simply to milk the licence
for all it's worth.  However, in an ideal world, we would see a
representative from MPS contributing to this ng and we would be involved in
the next incarnation of an XCOM title.  This, I feel I can say in absolute
certainty, would definitely be a game which improves on the original game -
not diversify into another area.
    When considering games such as Diablo and Commandos, you only have to
look at the graphics alone to see how far technology has moved on.  Added to
this is the fact that online gaming - multiplayer and email games - has
skyrocketed.  XCOM - A had grand ideas at attempting the latter, but was
ultimately axed.  My own personal view is that during the projects, gamers
were left out, which meant the design and specifics were left to the
developers, who had a passion for the game they were making, but left little
room for the consumer to add their own opinion - another assumption, btw.
Checking through dejanews articles for XCOM threads will uncover a huge
supply of ideas myself and other regular contributors have added, to the
issue of a new XCOM game.

    Ultimately there are two issues which will shape the next XCOM game;

1.  MPS being motivated purely by profit, which results in an XCOM game
which will cater for mainstream gamers - we've had FPS, Flight sim and the
turn based/RT affairs of UFO/TFTD & APOC.  This leaves the RTS large unit
genre left uncovered at present - add to the list as required.

2.  MPS actually open a dialogue with us and we have a game which does in
fact offer what we want, instead of a perceived, and clouded idea based on
market trends, idea of what we need.

However, business is rarely a democratic process, so I would imagine some
form of No. 1 taking precedence - ultimately, MPS wants profits to survive,
keep the shareholders happy and so forth.

The last issue contends with the actual demand for such a RTS game wrapped
in the XCOM format.  How many RTS games are on the market at present?
Definitely into double figures.  Would another RTS game be of any interest
to gamers?  Take a look at the D2K threads in the strategic forum to gauge
the response.  People remembered and really liked the original Dune 2, but
the remake... New gamers expected an RTS game which was wrapped up in up to
date technologically and even surpassed it, but were disappointed, but the
older [and original players of Dune 2] gamers were more forgiving.  It's a
relevant point worth considering when it comes to the next XCOM game.
    If there is going to be a remake, it requires some hard thinking by us,
the gamers, as well as the developers and management of MPS.  We obviously
don't want a D2K scenario, but do want to keep the uniqueness of the
original titles intact.  I believe it will take a leap of faith from MPS to
actually become involved with us and create a game which reflects our
desires.

    MPS are in a bit of a sticky situation at present, financially.  Hasboro
has bought the company, and their agenda may be totally different to what
the current MPS management and developers have.  Ultimately, Hasboro will
have the final say on matters and it depends on how perceptive their
management are to consumer demands, hard core fans and related issues.

Well, a bit long and involved, but hopefully some food for thought for
everyone.  I admit my examples have been somewhat 'black and white', which
has been intentional to induce debate.  Please refrain from flaming though -
I am open to debate and have no doubt my own personal perspective may be way
off the mark of the overall situation - that includes any MPS who are
reading, btw.  I am simply trying to open a dialogue which explores the
issue, nothing more.

Detonate


Talos wrote in message <199809281...@zetnet.co.uk>...
>Hi folks.
>I have been a fan for X-com, since UFO landed on my system. But after
>a few years, Red Alert and Starcraft come out. I think a new X-com
>should be made, with the battle scale of C&C. You know, lots of
>units, running about a huge battle field, with tanks and other
>vehicles. (I really missed the support of tanks on a tough mission on
>Apoc). But the idea of building a base on the batlefield should be
>left out. The base building on X-com is great. Also, shouldn't they
>bring out a new X-com, that intertwines the UFO and TFTD themes. Ya
>know, Land and sea assuslts.
>See ya Talos.
>