Hello all together,
I had some time to keep track and check the current beta and I wanted to share my impressions as a feedback by somebody, who enjoied x1 and is patiently waiting ever since then.
First, I really dont feel a difference toward X1. It has been some time, so I am not comparing the details, but the impression and feeling. And it feels as I am playing X1. Not a single time I was surprised, annoyed, amazed, scared ... whatever I did, I was used to it. I cant grasp any feel-able changes, which confused me and risks to evolve into boredom.
Second, right now there is no sense into any geoscape. either air-combat, or strategic basebuilding or command centeres: it does not make any difference. whatever I do, it feels the same in every aspekt. It does not matter how I equip the jets; which command center I get first; where I build a base and if I devolp a base into any specialisation -- it does end up all in the same way. So after a coulpe of weeks I dont care, I just speed up and click at some buttons.
Third, the storytelling shocked me after the first genocide. the second one made me uncomfortable, the third one was a mere acknowledgement. With that major thread most of the other things just did not matter any more. If there is any raid, base, UFO or whatsoever, I merely noticed the difference. There wernt any other elements in the storytelling, which cought my attention, nothing else made a difference. And after the 6th destroyed city this it started to feel hollow and meaningless. I was asking myself: Why do I have to struggle with some minor fundings if the apocalypse is knocking on the door and every nation does not care if their best/technological most advanced/tactical superior chance is choking on some scientist. In short: I am missing the interaction with the world -- anything of it.
Fourth, the tactical layer feels good for the most part. I linger for some more variety at the start of a mission: a bordcanon for the dropship; any feeling for special operation forces and some elite soldiers which I really care for -- but all in all it feels good. some suprises might be nice for the sake of dramaturgy and the curiosity for the one next mission which will surprise me.
Fith, I am missing some game-changing science-stuff. It does not really matter what it is, as long as it breaks the redundance of the mechanics: UFO, Mission, Home. Something like the psionics in the other xcom-clones - I dont know exactly. I am aching for suprises, or for the chance to to anything different. Maybe a rescue-mission for a hostage/agent with a timer, some stealth-missions or a strategic mission to track UFOs by some stealth-fighter without a fight.
So far some spontaneous impressions.
cheers
m