Jagged
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2004
- Posts
- 3,659
Hi I'm a major fan of the 1994 classic strategy/roleplay game UFO: Enemy Unknown in Europe (known as X-COM: UFO Defense to us in North America). The first game of the series was the best and started you off in 1998 with the earth facing an alien invasion. To deal with this threat the world's finest pilots, soldiers, scientists and engineers, were put together as one multi-national force. This organization was named the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit or X-Com for short. The came was the spiritual godfather to the genera, and still has devoted fans to this day who keep modding it.
For those of you who remember the game it was a lot of fun, and though it let you have characters it didn't leave much room for actual roleplay, but there was plenty of combat. I always figured characters would hook up between missions since they were sharing space in their underground bases (as well as undersea facilities). If you haven't played the game please look at the resources below to get an idea of how it all works. I'm combining the first and second game to give more options along with my own "improvements," and adding a few other cultural things about UFOs.
I'm looking for pilots, scientists, engineers, operatives and of coarse soldiers. Fighting aliens around the globe and beyond is a lot of fun, and I plan to expand the original roles, and do things you couldn't do in the original game. Before I give any more details I wanted to see if there is interest. I"ve posted on both forums to see what kind of reasons I get, and to see how ideas differ and what people come up with. If your a science fiction fan or just love adventure let me know by posting or pm. Thank you
http://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-COM
http://www.ufopaedia.com/
Game Background
1947
----
Army Air Corps personnel from the 509th Bomb Group report the crash of a "flying disk" in the desert near Roswell, New Mexico. Some reports claim that there were two objects, and that one actually housed three alien beings: two dead and one alive. Before the end of the day, Army Air Corps officials retract the story, claiming that the object that crashed was actually a weather
balloon. The existence of alien beings is categorically denied.
All of the "weather balloon" debris and other physical evidence of the "Roswell Incident" are quickly whisked away to Wright Airfield in Ohio.
----
1997
----
Reports of the UFO activity increase thoughout the world. At first, the sighting are relatively rare, and serious scientists write off the reports as hype surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident. However, as reports continue to increase, the legitimate press joins the tabloids in plashing "We Are Not Alone" headlines across the front page of major metropolitan newspapers all over the world.
----
1998
----
Documented cases of human abductions by UFOs become commonplace in areas of sparse population in countries throughout the world. World governments step up their military readiness, and there is a general news blackout in most of the affected countries. Scientists try to make contact with
the aliens, but there is no substantial response.
Many countries begin to contemplate a direct military strike against the aliens. Japan, taking the lead with it's stereotypical blind bravery and courage, forms the 'Kiryu-Kai' , an anti-alien combat force. After five months of operation, using the best equipment available, the group is unable to intercept even a single UFO. Due to lack of funding, Japan is forced to disband the Kiryu-Kai in November of 1998. On December 11, 1998, the United Nations Security Council holds a clandestine summit in Geneva, Switzerland. After much debate, it is unanimously decided that a covert, multinational force should be formed to investigate, combat, and (hopefully) defeat the aliens. Assembling the best
pilots, soldiers, engineers, and scientists from all the funding nations, the Geneva council establishes X-COM - the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit.
Writer's Note....Though it say the UN this is a separate group within the UN, so no Blue Helmet stuff just your authorized and most member governments don't know about you.
Examples of Alien Missions
Alien Infiltration
This Alien mission represents the worst threat to X-COM. Earth governments can be infiltrated by Alien agents which are Human in appearance. This can result in official contact between Aliens and governments at the highest level. The climax of this activity is characterized by intense UFO activity in the vicinity of major cities. The aliens will attempt to sign a pact with an earth government by offering knowledge of their superior technology. In return, the government will allow the Aliens to conduct their activity unhindered.(See Below)
"If a government agrees to a pact then its funding will cease. If successful, an alien base will also be constructed."
"Initially, several Scouts will perform investigations prior to the main infiltration attempt."
In the main Infiltration wave, A Large Scout will appear, followed by a Terror Ship, Supply Ship and two Battleships......
Alien Research
The Alien research mission is used for collecting basic data on Earth and its inhabitants. Small vehicles are predominantly used, with occasional landings in deserted areas. This type of Alien activity poses the least threat to X-COM, with little concern from governments or the public.
Alien Harvest
The Aliens have many uses for Earth's fauna. Animals are abducted secretly, and returned with various organs removed. Cattle mutilations are predominantly reported along with UFO sightings. This type of Alien activity causes great concern by governments and considerable anxiety amongst the population. This type of activity occurs mainly in farming land. The theory behind the 'Alien Harvest' suggests that Alien races originally "seeded" the planet with its flora and fauna, and now they have returned to reap the harvest they have sown.
Alien Abduction
This is the most insidious form of Alien activity. The abduction by Aliens is widely reported, despite the Aliens' attempts to erase the experience from their victims' memories. Abductees report being subject to humiliating physical examinations, including impregnation of alien fetuses and bizarre genetic experiments. The purpose behind this activity appears to be linked to genetic mutation and manipulation of the Aliens own genetic material. This activity causes great alarm, and occurs in populated areas or cities.
Alien Terror
When the Aliens terrorize a city, they will deploy some special forces with awesome powers. Civilians will be directly threatened, and governments will be forced to evacuate whole areas. The main purpose behind this activity is to generate sufficient public hysteria so that governments will threaten the X-COM project.
Changes and Updates
The fans of the game will know what I'm talking about here.
-Capturing intact ships. Used to drive me crazy that you would scrap a fully functional battleship or other craft. Once you learn how their tech works you should be able to refit their ships. You'll need bigger hangers and bases, but that isn't so bad is it? The smallest alien ship doesn't have the same fuel source as the other and if you do capture one on the ground you should be able to use it after some work is done. Wouldn't an alien abduction ship be great for medvac? A terrorship to move in your troops to stop them in the city?
-Use all the alien tech. You'd find enhance clothing, but no new jumpsuits. You'd research their surgical equipment, but your troops were stuck with the same old hospital care. Alien alloys should be used on the old fighters as well as body armor. Maybe improved ammunition for your old school weapons to keep them in the game. Also cloning and other technology was never fully explored by the players and that will change.
-Multinational force should have more access to different weapons systems. Operatives that track aliens like spies should also be available to play with undercover identities like UN observes and reporters. Always wished I could combine Jagged Alliance 2 and X-com back in the day. Soldiers should be allowed to take on all different kinds of training for land and sea combat, and learn different
-Expanded roles for the player characters. Besides being soldiers and now spies players never got to be engineers and scientists. Probably because their role was routine, but what about combat engineers and field scientists. They can make a difference on the battlefield. Also want to fly in combat?
-Aliens should be more scary. There are at least two races that can breed many fierce warriors quickly. City fights need to be larger, and more civilians. Speaking of which you never get to rescue UFO abduction victims. That needs to change along with rescuing X-COM P.O.W.'s something else you could never do in the old game. That being said is there a change that they're brainwashed or can the aliens find the location of the base from them? This could all be very nasty.
-Roleplay! In the old game you just had a character's name and his stats. Now you can have backgrounds and do things at the base and take leave. The X-com world is wide open, but I like it that your either in a city or farm country on land. With men and women isolated for long periods of time their are going to be hook ups. Also you should have more dealings with member countries.
For those of you who remember the game it was a lot of fun, and though it let you have characters it didn't leave much room for actual roleplay, but there was plenty of combat. I always figured characters would hook up between missions since they were sharing space in their underground bases (as well as undersea facilities). If you haven't played the game please look at the resources below to get an idea of how it all works. I'm combining the first and second game to give more options along with my own "improvements," and adding a few other cultural things about UFOs.
I'm looking for pilots, scientists, engineers, operatives and of coarse soldiers. Fighting aliens around the globe and beyond is a lot of fun, and I plan to expand the original roles, and do things you couldn't do in the original game. Before I give any more details I wanted to see if there is interest. I"ve posted on both forums to see what kind of reasons I get, and to see how ideas differ and what people come up with. If your a science fiction fan or just love adventure let me know by posting or pm. Thank you
http://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-COM
http://www.ufopaedia.com/
Game Background
1947
----
Army Air Corps personnel from the 509th Bomb Group report the crash of a "flying disk" in the desert near Roswell, New Mexico. Some reports claim that there were two objects, and that one actually housed three alien beings: two dead and one alive. Before the end of the day, Army Air Corps officials retract the story, claiming that the object that crashed was actually a weather
balloon. The existence of alien beings is categorically denied.
All of the "weather balloon" debris and other physical evidence of the "Roswell Incident" are quickly whisked away to Wright Airfield in Ohio.
----
1997
----
Reports of the UFO activity increase thoughout the world. At first, the sighting are relatively rare, and serious scientists write off the reports as hype surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident. However, as reports continue to increase, the legitimate press joins the tabloids in plashing "We Are Not Alone" headlines across the front page of major metropolitan newspapers all over the world.
----
1998
----
Documented cases of human abductions by UFOs become commonplace in areas of sparse population in countries throughout the world. World governments step up their military readiness, and there is a general news blackout in most of the affected countries. Scientists try to make contact with
the aliens, but there is no substantial response.
Many countries begin to contemplate a direct military strike against the aliens. Japan, taking the lead with it's stereotypical blind bravery and courage, forms the 'Kiryu-Kai' , an anti-alien combat force. After five months of operation, using the best equipment available, the group is unable to intercept even a single UFO. Due to lack of funding, Japan is forced to disband the Kiryu-Kai in November of 1998. On December 11, 1998, the United Nations Security Council holds a clandestine summit in Geneva, Switzerland. After much debate, it is unanimously decided that a covert, multinational force should be formed to investigate, combat, and (hopefully) defeat the aliens. Assembling the best
pilots, soldiers, engineers, and scientists from all the funding nations, the Geneva council establishes X-COM - the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit.
Writer's Note....Though it say the UN this is a separate group within the UN, so no Blue Helmet stuff just your authorized and most member governments don't know about you.
Examples of Alien Missions
Alien Infiltration
This Alien mission represents the worst threat to X-COM. Earth governments can be infiltrated by Alien agents which are Human in appearance. This can result in official contact between Aliens and governments at the highest level. The climax of this activity is characterized by intense UFO activity in the vicinity of major cities. The aliens will attempt to sign a pact with an earth government by offering knowledge of their superior technology. In return, the government will allow the Aliens to conduct their activity unhindered.(See Below)
"If a government agrees to a pact then its funding will cease. If successful, an alien base will also be constructed."
"Initially, several Scouts will perform investigations prior to the main infiltration attempt."
In the main Infiltration wave, A Large Scout will appear, followed by a Terror Ship, Supply Ship and two Battleships......
Alien Research
The Alien research mission is used for collecting basic data on Earth and its inhabitants. Small vehicles are predominantly used, with occasional landings in deserted areas. This type of Alien activity poses the least threat to X-COM, with little concern from governments or the public.
Alien Harvest
The Aliens have many uses for Earth's fauna. Animals are abducted secretly, and returned with various organs removed. Cattle mutilations are predominantly reported along with UFO sightings. This type of Alien activity causes great concern by governments and considerable anxiety amongst the population. This type of activity occurs mainly in farming land. The theory behind the 'Alien Harvest' suggests that Alien races originally "seeded" the planet with its flora and fauna, and now they have returned to reap the harvest they have sown.
Alien Abduction
This is the most insidious form of Alien activity. The abduction by Aliens is widely reported, despite the Aliens' attempts to erase the experience from their victims' memories. Abductees report being subject to humiliating physical examinations, including impregnation of alien fetuses and bizarre genetic experiments. The purpose behind this activity appears to be linked to genetic mutation and manipulation of the Aliens own genetic material. This activity causes great alarm, and occurs in populated areas or cities.
Alien Terror
When the Aliens terrorize a city, they will deploy some special forces with awesome powers. Civilians will be directly threatened, and governments will be forced to evacuate whole areas. The main purpose behind this activity is to generate sufficient public hysteria so that governments will threaten the X-COM project.
Changes and Updates
The fans of the game will know what I'm talking about here.
-Capturing intact ships. Used to drive me crazy that you would scrap a fully functional battleship or other craft. Once you learn how their tech works you should be able to refit their ships. You'll need bigger hangers and bases, but that isn't so bad is it? The smallest alien ship doesn't have the same fuel source as the other and if you do capture one on the ground you should be able to use it after some work is done. Wouldn't an alien abduction ship be great for medvac? A terrorship to move in your troops to stop them in the city?
-Use all the alien tech. You'd find enhance clothing, but no new jumpsuits. You'd research their surgical equipment, but your troops were stuck with the same old hospital care. Alien alloys should be used on the old fighters as well as body armor. Maybe improved ammunition for your old school weapons to keep them in the game. Also cloning and other technology was never fully explored by the players and that will change.
-Multinational force should have more access to different weapons systems. Operatives that track aliens like spies should also be available to play with undercover identities like UN observes and reporters. Always wished I could combine Jagged Alliance 2 and X-com back in the day. Soldiers should be allowed to take on all different kinds of training for land and sea combat, and learn different
-Expanded roles for the player characters. Besides being soldiers and now spies players never got to be engineers and scientists. Probably because their role was routine, but what about combat engineers and field scientists. They can make a difference on the battlefield. Also want to fly in combat?
-Aliens should be more scary. There are at least two races that can breed many fierce warriors quickly. City fights need to be larger, and more civilians. Speaking of which you never get to rescue UFO abduction victims. That needs to change along with rescuing X-COM P.O.W.'s something else you could never do in the old game. That being said is there a change that they're brainwashed or can the aliens find the location of the base from them? This could all be very nasty.
-Roleplay! In the old game you just had a character's name and his stats. Now you can have backgrounds and do things at the base and take leave. The X-com world is wide open, but I like it that your either in a city or farm country on land. With men and women isolated for long periods of time their are going to be hook ups. Also you should have more dealings with member countries.
