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Hi everyone,

I just wanted to throw an idea out there that occurred to me when playing the game last night, to see what people think and also whether it's feasible from a coding point of view.

The idea is that each Alien type has certain traits, that effect it's behaviour and capabilities in ways beyond certain species just having more health, or better accuracy etc.

Some examples of traits could be: (these will largely depend on the alien AI in the final version I'd imagine, I don't think there's anything here that's flat out unrealistic though)

Cautious - While not afraid to die for the Alien's cause, this creature understands that it's of more benefit alive than dead. Lacking the defensive prowess of some other species, it therefore takes particular care to protect itself on the battlefield.

The alien receives a bonus defensive benefit from taking cover (could apply to Caesans)

Sniper - An expert at finding a strong defensive position and lying in wait for Xenonaut troops to enter it's kill zone...

The alien favours reserving action points for reaction shots over movement during it's own turn and recieves a bonus to it's reaction fire accuracy when firing from a cover position.

Enraged! - As this beast charges the Xenonaut lines, their panicked reaction fire only succeeds in enraging it further. It's pace quickens, ever more eager for carnage...

Reaction shots made against this alien add 4 ap to his movement during that turn. I'm thinking this could apply to Xenonauts version of the Chrysallid)

Nocturnal - A night time predator who strikes from the darkness to prey on the Xenonaut troopers.

The alien's perception is not affected by night time missions.

Elite - A war weathered veteran who's experience helps them keep focussed and on mission, even in the face of stiff resistance.

The alien is less likely to panic.

Warrior's Pride - Rather than skulking in the shadows, this alien strides openly toward the humans, intent on being the one to claim the honour of the first kill.

If the alien ends it's turn in the open it automatically gains the required amount of action points to make a snap shot reaction fire action, regardless of how many action points it expended during it's turn. (thinking of the Muton equivelent here)

So, would something like this add a bit more variety to the engagements do people think? Would there be balance issues? And most importantly, is it a practical possibilty to code?

Cheers all.

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From what Chris has mentioned the aliens will have different traits already.

He mentioned the Androns will not bother with cover in a terminator style way while Sebillians will prefer close range fighting over long range.

Great! If that's true then shut my face and consider me happy. :)

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Yeah a bit of variation in the tactics used by aliens will be worth looking out for.

Androns are possibly going to ignore walls as well and walk straight through them.

That could certainly be a shock when it happens :P

O_O

I hope those guys don't have a terror unit that's anything like the Chryssalid, then...ow.

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KOKON I do not see the WoW connection at all tbh. Cover works both ways in wow since it breaks line of sight. The three last ones arent appliable at all to WoW. The only thing I could see remotely wowish is the enraged trait which was my favourite in that list.

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Hey guys, I was thinking; if these kind of individual talents and abilities are being applied to the aliens, do we have any word on if there'll be anything similar for your own troops, as they level up? Again, it'd be great for variety if rather than just higher stats, your experienced troops became even more unique and valuable to you due to gained skills.

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Personally I'm against individual traits for soldiers. That's more of a core mechanic and shouldn't be tacked on afterwards as an afterthought. either you build the game (well the level up system atleast) around it (like diablo fallout etc) or you leave it out.

Right now I cant think of any game with multiple chars (6+) and a trait system for individuals that hasnt flt lacking either because it wasnt done right or because it was just plain wrong doing it at all.

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Hey guys, I was thinking; if these kind of individual talents and abilities are being applied to the aliens, do we have any word on if there'll be anything similar for your own troops, as they level up? Again, it'd be great for variety if rather than just higher stats, your experienced troops became even more unique and valuable to you due to gained skills.

That's more a trait of the species as a whole. It is how they act, what makes them, them. Seeing as you control your troops actions, you can have them do whatever you want to. If you want a team of close combat specialists, go right ahead!

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Personally I'm against individual traits for soldiers. That's more of a core mechanic and shouldn't be tacked on afterwards as an afterthought. either you build the game (well the level up system atleast) around it (like diablo fallout etc) or you leave it out.

Right now I cant think of any game with multiple chars (6+) and a trait system for individuals that hasnt flt lacking either because it wasnt done right or because it was just plain wrong doing it at all.

Well, you could just have them apply to characters sort of at random, or base it on stats. Like, get 70 accuracy and your guy gets a +5% crit bonus when using snipers... something like that. But I figure that in the end when you have many soldiers, the point of it will disappear and the game is better without the added layer of complexity.

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Well, you could just have them apply to characters sort of at random, or base it on stats. Like, get 70 accuracy and your guy gets a +5% crit bonus when using snipers... something like that. But I figure that in the end when you have many soldiers, the point of it will disappear and the game is better without the added layer of complexity.

I'm not sure why you are quoting me and without solving the problem of it being a horrible idea if you tack it on like you are suggesting right there.

It's something that intrigues players becasue at first glance it sounds like a cool idea but unless the game is centered around it its going to be absolutely horrible.

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Fair enough, Chris. I have to admit the idea of traits only came about when I was playing the other day and something about the tactical combat gave me a really strong feeling of playing Necromunda (Games Workshop tabletop game from back in the day, for those who might not know) and I thought the ability to individually tailor your gang members skills as they leveled up might translate quite well to Xenonauts.

Great to hear that the alien species will have defining characteristics though. Looking forward to discovering them all! Ooh, I wonder, will these traits be immediately apparent in combat or will they make performing autopsies even more valuable to uncover every last detail about the different races? Looking forward to finding out.

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