10 replies to this topic

[Kloreep]

BTW, I just completed the game for the first time (Experienced level).

So... just after summoning the Patton, I received a message that the alien device was in the last stages of construction and that I should hurry.

So... two questions:

Am I correct in thinking that this message is triggered by summoning the Patton?

Does an actual countdown begin once this message appears, after which you lose the game, or is it just for atmosphere?

[Cpl. Facehugger]

No. The alien message is not triggered by the summoning of the Patton.

And a countdown, no. It's just that if the aliens get enough parts to build the doomsday device, you lose. So I guess that could be considered a time limit, but it was already built into the game.

[Kloreep]

Ah, interesting. I guess I got in right in time, then. Next time I'll have to expand faster so I can intercept more freighters.

[dipstick]

Depending on the level of difficulty a percentage of freighters (hyperwave anomalies) pass through XCOM space - so just pick them off as top priority.

Additionally, there are 'ways' of slowing the game down indefinitely, which are NOT cheating or editing the game, merely oversights on the designers' part.

[Kloreep]

What "ways" are these?

[Tuoppi]

Never research alien messages. They are triggers to make aliens upgrade equipment, start anomaly-convoys and so on... So always research them when you have nothing else to research and you think you are rich enough.

[dipstick]

Yes, but be careful, because the aliens are permitted to start shipping some of the pieces immediately after you RECEIVE the message, NOT research it. I would store the messages, but be aware that the aliens are not really hampered by your efforts, merely stalled slightly. In addition, the aliens MAY build all of the pieces, and they can wait until you have researched the message, and ship the lot out. So be warned.

[Tuoppi]

Just make sure that you have a small reserves to intercept any convoy you see. IIRC a single medium/heavy fighter should be more than enough. (crappy escorts they have)

Edited by Tuoppi, 08 September 2004 - 09:07 AM.

[dipstick]

I wouldn't go in without a wingman, that is just asking for it. The freighters are often escorted by a squadron of drones at higher levels, and you have to disable the freighter to get rid of most of them (unless you are a VERY good shot!!!!!!) then you also have timelimit of anywhere as low as 30 seconds!! You need a wingman to take care of the escorts so THEY don't pound you too!

[Kloreep]

I agree with you there from my limited experience. Due to the time limit, cover is essential.

[Tuoppi]

It is not that hard, really... Just speed through coverfighters, (you can down 1 here), waste the tug with the time you bought with speed. Then fight the escorts and lastly destroy drones and freigter as you have all the time in the world after getting the tug. It is just that you need 3 fighterbays in a base to have more than 1 reserve when having full squadron of 5 on another mission.