🚀 go-pugleaf

Hmm. These points you have raised, are very interesting, but I think 
you are looking at things, from YOUR point of view. Sadly, TBG's are 
becomming things of the past, with the "new generation" of gammers, 
looking for a RTS game, that require no thinking nor very little 
time. And, you must admit. The idea of having 50 X-com agents running 
around a battlefield, with their Plasma guns balzing away, does seem 
pretty cool. I like TBG's, but sadly the younger generation don't. 
Although, I can see your point, that you don't want these classical 
games to simply fade into the background. But it is inevetable. I 
think that became apparent in APOC, with the option the RT or TB. 
Anyway, I hope more people express their opinions on this topic, and 
look forward to seeing them.
Talos

Detonate Wrote
> 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