[(Mod Update) XNT Into Darkness V5.3 - "The Firebat" (DISCUSSION THREAD)]

Btw. gib feedback on Viper/Gargol lore. I want to know how many people I managed to traumatize <moaar evil>

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.

[New Steam review from X-Com veteran and Military Veteran]

Hence we can throw them in Guantanamo bay indefinitely, without pay, etc...

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.

[New Steam review from X-Com veteran and Military Veteran]

Going back to the night vision point, you can't actually restrict the soldiers vision any further without making it impossible to see certain tiles. Its a hard limitation of the game engine and tile system that can't be overcome.

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

[New Steam review from X-Com veteran and Military Veteran]

I'd take a rifle over a pistol any day, even if I had a rocket.

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.

Even here, a RPG should be overkill, as it contains a shaped charge to pierce the armor

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

[New Steam review from X-Com veteran and Military Veteran]

Geneva and Hague conventions forbid the use of rockets and similar weapons against anything other than "Equipment" (tanks and vehicles) and "Supplies."

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 would think that since they are mechanized infantry, and the unit has an APC/IFV, which likely has a turret weapon, he may also be the turret gunner during these fights

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.

having a soldier who's sole purpose was to carry an RPG and a pistol to a fight against infantry would be very silly

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.

[New Steam review from X-Com veteran and Military Veteran]

My point on rockets is it should treated as something handed to a strong GI who uses a rifle, as a potential tool for certain circumstances, not a main weapon for a heavy weapons soldier.

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.