Granner

I, personally, kinda hoped that Vipers wouldn't be so similar to xenomorphs despite looking like them. You nailed Gargols though, it was thoroughly disturbing.

Actually, you can't. Article 3 of Geneva Conventions specifically, as an exception, applies to ALL conflicts, not only to international ones. So no, you can't ignore it no matter what.

What, how? Can you elaborate? I can't imagine how restricting vision can make tiles impossible to see.

I agree. That is why when AKs-74U, a carbine version, was developed, vehicle crews and RPG operators were issued them instead of pistols. But it started appearing in the army only in mid-80s, later then game timeframe. Though, I do think that Xenonauts need some sort of starter carbine. If you noticed, xenonauts use HE, not HEAT, ammunition for their rocket launcher, there is AP(HEAT) rocket in game files, but i'm not sure if it is used anywhere now. I do agree on general lack of power on explosives, but that's for balance purposes i guess

I actually never heard about that particular restriction, and existence of special RPG and other grenade launcher ammunition for countering troops in cover, and that they regularly used for that purpose seems to contradict that. I actually made a mistake. It's not 9, it's 8 people + IFV/APC with crew of 2: driver and turret gunner. So no, he is fighting on foot during engagments. But he and assistant never separate, and assistants main purpose is covering RPG operator, because he doesn't have a rifle. Operator on the other hand is usually looking for armored treats. They act in essence like a single soldier. I also would like to remind you that in Xenonauts, we are fighting against aliens that are MUCH tougher than humans, and some of them are armored enough targets to warrant a heavy weapon. You shouldn't think of Xenonauts engagements as infantry only battles.

Actually, that is not really the case in all armies. For example: In USSR/Russian army, motorized infantry squad, that consists of 9 men + APC/IFV (pretty close to what we have in Xenonauts), always has an RPG team: RPG Operator + RPG Operator Assistant. Operator carries RPG-7, 1 additional rocket and a pistol, while assistant carries 3 more rockets and a rifle. While I am not as familiar with squad composition of other countries armed forces, and can't say if any use similar composition, my point is that having a dedicated rocketeer is both realistic and reasonable at Xenonauts squad size.