Sigh... So much misunderstanding and misinformation in the comments.
First you have to understand what this expansion actually is. It's not a follow up to the story, it's the same game with tons of added content and modified content. Like a gigantic patch that changes the existing gameplay combined with DLC, all in one package.
If you are on PC, it's just like the Civilization expansions which is something that hasn't been done on consoles before to my knowledge. That's probably why it's released as a new standalone game rather than straight DLC for console. The nature of this sort of expansion is most likely stuck in an awkward place in the policies of Microsoft and Sony due to the heavy modification of content.
$40 for console and it's ''standalone'' so it includes the base game, the previous DLC and the expansion all in one. It's the best value if you are a newcomer and the worse if you have it all already.
$30 for PC and it requires the base game. It's the best value for someone with the game and the worst for a newcomer.
What we know so far
-More maps (About 50% more) -New aliens -Genetic modification of soldiers -Cybernetic modification of soldiers -Mech suits -New facilities to be built -New resource which actually change the game -Balance changes -New research opportunities -New upgrades -New soldier gear -International ''voice pack''
@raycpt The console version is $40 because it's stand alone, you don't need the original game. The PC version is $30 because it still requires the original game. It's an expansion, not a DLC or a sequel, the price and content is pretty standard for an expansion.
Also that last sentence makes no sense... If you are afraid of it ''ruining'' your favorite Xcom, how about not buying it, keep on trucking with the original game and calling it a day.
@Flamerdragon Games are made from tools, the same tools that are used to mod. There is a massive difference between modding on a PC and creating content in a game like LBP... The artistic content and sometime the tools (engine) are made from scratch. It's not made from scratch in most case, why do you think Unreal 3 is so popular with devs...
The vast majority of content is made within the tools and knowing the tools is the primary skill required for every other jobs beside the highly technical jobs. It takes people to import everything in the game, place it, adjust the various stats, properly configure and implement a bajillion assets. Wasting your programmers or artists time with that would be really stupid unless you are a small company.
Leave it to gamespot comment section to make me facepalm. Some of the worst negative garbage I read in days.
By modding standards, this is very impressive. Using the toolset provided IS skill, those who say it's easy should start by opening a toolset, create something of worth and come back telling everyone how ''easy'' it was. Hell Bioware has been known to hire people who do nothing but work with a specific aspect of their tools to create cinematic cutscenes for their games. There's more than just programmers and artists...
Considering the toolset of the Elder Scrolls games hasn't changed much since freaking Morrowind, this kid has legit chances. At least it provides something on his resume.
DLC that bridge the gaps wouldn't be so bad if Bioware handled it differently. I'm not talking about the quality of it (which can be questionable) but how they choose to distribute and price it is completely unacceptable to me. On PC, you are forced to buy Bioware points and the DLC never drop down in price. You know how much bridging that gap cost? $35 in points, that's just for the story DLC in Mass Effect 2. The game cost $20 but you need to slap $35 on top of that to get the whole picture ($55 total, that's a new game). That is insulting to me when probably 95% of the developers leave DLC distribution in the hands of retailers (like Steam) who eventually have deals involving that DLC that goes 50-75% off. According to some people and Bioware's logic, apparently we're less of a fan because we refuse to pay ridiculous prices for a 2 years old game. What if you were a fan, paid $60 for the game then came back for another playthrough just to discover you need to chug another $35 to catch up. It's insulting, that's what it is.
I think people hating on large corporation is warranted to some degree, there is a reason why everyone loves Valve and Steam while hating on EA and Origin. Valve's approach to business is in their own words, experimental and it's very successful. They managed to create win-win situations for their business, their partners and their customers. It granted them the respect of gamers and in turn, their money and trust. PC gamers as a result have developed a symbiotic relationship with Steam. Meanwhile companies like EA or Activision would rather stick to old corporate ideals and outdated business models. Charging as much as you can until you make the customer angry is never a good way to win over the respect or trust of your customers. They end up having this very dysfunctional love-hate relationship with gamers as a result. We love the games (usually) but hate the way they conduct business. Just recently there was this whole debacle with Battlefield 3 and pre-orders bonus, gamers were loud and clear on that one and they backed off, yet here they are again with yet another controversial business practice (day 1 DLC) who angers many. I feel, as a gamer, violated by this kind of attitude. I'm sure many like me are also tired of having to constantly oppose this and if we stop doing so, it often ends up being mistaken as a sign of acceptation. When you constantly push people around, be ready to be pushed back.
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