For those that have played this video game (I actually finished the first a couple of years ago and just downloaded the second during the Steam Summer sale), you probably know where I am going. For those who have not played the video, it is a squad based tactical game that has a semi-strategic level for base management. The goal is to save Humanity (obviously) from nasty alien invaders. The combat squad goes on missions, fights aliens, gathers rewards (Intel or Supplies or Other resources) that the XCOM leadership can use to investigate alien tech, design weapons, research tech, etc.
I have searched this site and the internet generally, not a lot of treatment. The few recommendations I found fall around X Conspiracy (I know nothing) and Savage Worlds (I know it but don't think it works for me) and 40K (not my cup of tea).
Key Features
-Tactical Combat (cover is a huge deal in the video game)
-Resistance Resource Management
-Role-based responsibilities (heavy gunner, ranger, psi, sniper, specialist)
-Support (engineering, logistics, science, etc.)
So, what do you think? Thanks in advance.
CONTACT
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/185975/CONTACT--Tactical-Alien-Defense-RolePlaying-Game
RPG based around being a tabletop XCOM.
Has everything in your list.
Basebuilding is pretty cool as is the research and scavenging minigame
Quote from: Ted;976244For those that have played this video game (I actually finished the first a couple of years ago and just downloaded the second during the Steam Summer sale)
> tfw turning into old man about to rant about these young whippersnappers
Hot damn, that sounds great. The websites are down for maintenance, but I am on that.
Quote from: TavelGorge;976251CONTACT
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/185975/CONTACT--Tactical-Alien-Defense-RolePlaying-Game
RPG based around being a tabletop XCOM.
Has everything in your list.
Basebuilding is pretty cool as is the research and scavenging minigame
Quote from: fearsomepirate;976260> tfw turning into old man about to rant about these young whippersnappers
Hey now, I am not bashing on the first game--heck that is why I even wanted to play the 2012 reloaded XCOM.
Let me fix that up for you: For those that have played this video game (I actually finished the
updated and revised XCOM 1 a couple of years ago and just downloaded
the updated and revised XCOM 2 during the Steam Summer sale) . . . .
I think he's referring to the X-Com game from the 90s, which is still a fair bit of fun but I agree the reboots are a lot of fun as well. Not sure I can see the appeal of an RPG as it is so combat oriented and already plays like a minis or boardgame.
I ran it using GURPS. Alternated straight up UFO assaults and terror missions (which were mainly unabashed tactical combat sessions), with more investigative stuff, VIP protection, reconnaissance etc... Developed an R&D system where the players allocated points between sessions to various projects, and research reports were posted on our private forum.
One of the benefits of GURPS over most non-dedicated options was the ease with which I was able to scale up weapons and armour, since the game already covers a pretty wide range of technology. I had to beef up lasers a bit to make them a viable option, and my aliens didn't make as much use as they realistically should have of exceptionally dangerous anti-armour weaponry, but it was relatively easy to implement a gradual increase of available tech and the competence and danger of alien forces as the game progressed.
Some of my mission briefings can be found on an old thread on RPG.net. There are some links to some of my other stuff later in the thread as well. https://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?645310-Modern-Sci-Fi-Mission-Briefings
My version was based on the original and sequel, not the recent releases, but took significant liberties in any case.
AKA Games' First Contact: X-corps may be of interest. It runs on Open D6.
Link: First Contact - Home - Aka Games (http://aka-games.com/website/?page_id=1319)
The reboots are fantastic---I expected them to screw it up, and they nailed the spirit of the originals. It's just that when someone calls the reboots the "first and second" instead of UFO Defense and Terror from the Deep, it makes me rap my cane on the porch and holler at you to get off my lawn.
Always thought Shadowrun was a good option (3e or 4e... no idea about whatever edition they are now).
I actually didn't like the reboot. They had the spirit, but it was too console-ish and too cinematic and weren't so close to UFO mythology as the original. And I missed the procedurally generated mission maps which made everything so unpredictable.
There's actually a new X-com style game from the designer of the original X-Com (Julian Gollop) called Phoenix Point. It's going to be more mutants and lovecraft than aliens though.
Anyway, if you can put up with a lot of rules, the Stargate SG-1 RPG (powered by Spycraft) has a lot of X-com feel. Battling aliens (some from UFO mythology) with small military squads. Doesn't have the base building stuff though.
Quote from: fearsomepirate;976419The reboots are fantastic---I expected them to screw it up, and they nailed the spirit of the originals. It's just that when someone calls the reboots the "first and second" instead of UFO Defense and Terror from the Deep, it makes me rap my cane on the porch and holler at you to get off my lawn.
Yeah, I get you. Those first edition XCOM games were the whole reason I even gave the reboot a chance--very glad I did. In fact, I think the most recent version XCOM2 is the better that its immediate predecessor.
Great suggestions from everyone, much appreciated.
I have played the "first half" of the original 1990s X-Com, and the new first X-Com, but I stopped liking them at the point where the tech arms race starts being about psionic power and turning your men into half-robots. I love the part about trying to keep troops alive, wild tactical combat, etc., but having my men mind-controlled into shooting each other is a nightmare I'd rather not endure. As is being required to turn them into cyborgs in order to keep up in an arms race that doesn't really make much sense and feels fake-o because it's just scripted level balancing so progress is really just change, which I find utterly annoying and spoiling of the aspects I liked.
An RPG could be interesting.
Oh many, I loved the mind-control aspect. You'd get some rock-star grunt who laid waste to everything around him...only to discover his psionic resistance is complete garbage, meaning you are hard-pressed to find a replacement for the endgame.
Good times.
Quote from: JeremyR;976490And I missed the procedurally generated mission maps which made everything so unpredictable.
XCOM 2 adds procedurally generated missions, among other things.
Conspiracy X uses Unisystem Classic from Eden Studios. The books are nice, plenty of options for building up a base. You play as one of various professionals who moonlights in the secret organization fighting the alien conspiracies and their allies. A solid work with a simple generic system.