XCOM
News, coverage and analysis tracking XCOM across the outlets.
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Where Player Skill Ends and Randomness Begins
This article explores the balance between player skill and randomness in video games and casino environments. It examines how decisions, probabilities, and random outcomes influence the player's experience and perception of fairness, using examples from games like XCOM and Blackjack, and discussing concepts like Return to Player (RTP) and volatility.
Zero Company is becoming everything I wanted XCOM 2 to be
The author expresses excitement for Zero Company, stating it is fulfilling the potential they envisioned for XCOM 2. The article suggests Zero Company offers a compelling challenge that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor.
Star Wars Zero Company adds new difficulty options that can bring it closer to XCOM
Star Wars Zero Company's latest patch introduces a granular difficulty system with new options that allow players to customize challenges, such as removing the injury system or adjusting health scaling. These additions are praised for encouraging more creative tactical play, offering a more engaging experience than the original hard mode. The update also coincides with reports of developer Bit Reactor rehiring employees following the game's success.
Star Wars Zero Company might be a little rough around the edges, but it's also the perfect example of smart game dev you can feel in the playing
Star Wars Zero Company is a heartfelt and smart turn-based tactics game that, despite some rough edges indicative of its development, shines through its engaging gameplay and earnest themes. Developed by Bit Reactor, the game offers a fresh take on the genre with a relaxed default difficulty and a compelling narrative set during the Clone Wars era, blending light entertainment with deeper introspection.
Now this is spelhelg!
Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, spanning various genres and titles. Plans include playing Control, Gears of War: E-Day, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, My Summer Vacation, Tyranny, Resident Evil 4, Galactic Racer, and the new puzzle game Order of the Sinking Star.
Star Wars Zero Company Has Sold 1 Million+ Copies, New Update Coming Next Week
Bit Reactor has confirmed that Star Wars Zero Company has sold over one million copies, a milestone achieved shortly after the studio rehired some furloughed staff. The developer also announced that Patch 1.2 is launching next week, with further continuous updates planned. The game is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
"It changes the notion of safety for the enemies, but also for you": Rainbow Six Tactics' destruction undoes the classic dynamics of flanking
Rainbow Six Tactics aims to innovate turn-based tactical gameplay by integrating destructible environments as a core mechanic, moving beyond graphical enhancements. Creative director Elie Benhamou explains how this feature allows for new tactical approaches, changing the dynamic of cover and flanking by enabling players to create new lines of sight and forcing both enemies and players to reconsider their safety.
The Ultimate Video Game Night Hosting Guide
This guide provides tips for hosting a successful video game night, emphasizing game selection, atmosphere, and refreshments. It suggests games like Baldur's Gate 3, Civilization VI, Overcooked, and Mario Kart, and advises on creating a comfortable environment with appropriate lighting and accessible snacks. Building in lighthearted competition and ensuring variety are key to keeping guests engaged.
RPG legend behind Fallout: New Vegas does "everything" he can to stop save scumming, but he wishes he'd "been more cynical about player behavior" in Pillars of Eternity
RPG director Josh Sawyer discusses his approach to game design, particularly concerning player behavior and save scumming. He expresses regret for not being more cynical about player tendencies in games like Pillars of Eternity, contrasting it with solutions found in Baldur's Gate 3 and his design choices in Fallout: New Vegas. Sawyer emphasizes the importance of considering player psychology to create more engaging experiences.
Star Wars Zero Company Has Sold Through 1 Million Units in Its First Month – Rumor
Star Wars Zero Company has reportedly sold over 1 million units across all platforms in its first month, generating an estimated $50 million in revenue. PC accounted for the majority of sales, with North America and Europe being the primary markets. The article also notes that some employees at developer Bit Reactor were furloughed ahead of launch.
Here’s The Great New Tactics Game You Should Be Playing–And I Don’t Mean Fire Emblem Or Zero Company
Ex Sanguis is a highly recommended tactics game that builds upon the strengths of Othercide with a snappier roguelike gameplay loop and streamlined mechanics. While it may lack the deep narrative of its predecessor, its satisfying combat and rewarding progression make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Zero Company made an old Star Wars fan feel young again - Reader's Feature
A reader's feature praises Star Wars Zero Company for its surprisingly engaging storytelling, which reignited a childhood love for the franchise. The author found the narrative compelling, contrasting it with less impactful recent Star Wars media and games. The game's characters and voice acting are also highlighted as strengths.
Star Wars Zero Company Is Missing The Only Achievement I Wanted
The author expresses frustration with Star Wars Zero Company's lack of an achievement for completing the game without losing any squad members, especially when there is an achievement for losing one. Despite this personal disappointment, they praise the game and developer Bit Reactor, hoping for such an achievement in a potential sequel.
STAR WARS Zero Company Review | TheXboxHub
STAR WARS Zero Company offers a solid tactical RPG experience set during the Clone Wars, featuring deep squad customization and a unique bond system that differentiates it from XCOM. While the game's narrative and mechanics are engaging, performance issues and occasional bugs detract from the overall experience. Despite these technical drawbacks, it remains a worthwhile mission for Star Wars fans.
Why Star Wars Zero Company Keeps Pulling You Back In
Star Wars Zero Company has surprisingly found an audience, achieving the franchise's second-biggest launch on Steam despite performance issues and Electronic Arts' current focus away from single-player narrative titles. Developed by Bit Reactor, a studio comprised of former Firaxis employees, the game succeeds by not directly cloning XCOM 2, but by leveraging its core gameplay loop and strong Star Wars universe integration to create an addictive experience.
Strategically making Star Wars Zero Company, ft. Greg Foertsch
Bit Reactor CEO Greg Foertsch discusses the development of Star Wars Zero Company, his passion for in-game cameras, and inviting team members into the development process. The interview was recorded before news broke of significant layoffs at the studio.
Mardrömsmaskinen har slutat mala – nu är det spelhelg!
Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, spanning a variety of genres and platforms. Titles mentioned include Metal Gear Solid 4, Secret of Mana, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Fallout 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and StarCraft 2, among others, reflecting diverse tastes in retro and modern gaming.
The Blood Of Dawnwalker launch day interview – ‘there's constant stress'
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, co-director of The Witcher 3 and director of Rebel Wolves, discusses the launch of the new IP 'The Blood Of Dawnwalker'. He expresses a mix of excitement and stress about releasing a unique game with risky ideas, highlighting the challenges of creating new intellectual property in the current industry climate. Tomaszkiewicz also touches on the development process, positive preview feedback, and the team's focus on delivering the best possible experience.
Games Inbox: Has Sony lost the trust of PS5 gamers?
Readers express significant distrust in Sony Interactive Entertainment's stance on digital game ownership, with one reader vowing to boycott the PlayStation 6. Other discussions include praise for Star Wars Zero Company and Beast of Reincarnation, anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6's realism, and a retrospective on the inconsistent quality of Sonic games.
Okay, I wasn't expecting 'Rainbow Six XCOM' to be one of my favourite Gamescom demos
Despite a history of not enjoying the Rainbow Six series, the author was pleasantly surprised by a hands-off demo of Rainbow Six Tactics at Gamescom. The game effectively blends XCOM-style turn-based tactics with elements from Rainbow Six Siege, such as drone reconnaissance and destructible environments, making it one of the most anticipated games of the show.
