1. Preview build doesn't last long enough to have to start making tough decisions, but I foresee it being an issue down the line. Panic also appears to make subsequent abduction missions harder. For example, I ignored Russia the first time around and then the second time it was up it was rated as very difficult(and was considerably harder with more aliens to clear).Ultratwinkie said:
2. Yes and no. I think certain aspects have become easier, but more so in that they've become less clunky. Normal difficulty didn't feel like much of a challenge, expect for that mentioned higher difficulty mission. However, it still has those XCOM moments of missions spiraling rapidly out of control, like missing a 90% chance to stun. One new thing I constantly wrestled with was Will, which appears to basically replace Bravery, but unlike Bravery your soldier's Will gets reduced when they suffer critical wounds. So for example, my best assault class had my worst Will score. She'd wreck face, but as soon as something when wrong she'd be running around for cover and screaming for extraction.
3. Again the preview build doesn't run long enough to encounter them, if I maybe gamed what I believe to be the triggering event for it to end I could get a little further.
4. See #3.
5. Unfortunately also see #3.
6. I didn't notice anything extra deadly about them, but I'm always like to take the high ground early. Yes though there are multi-level structures.
7. From what I saw they either start in random or predesignated spots(the maps are random rotation somewhat so even repeating the same mission wouldn't let me test), but once you first establish line of sight they scatter for cover.
8. Floaters are annoying fast and deadly this time around, they like to jet in close and gang up now. It also appears to factor in their altitude for firing at them, so they are not often in cover but they are a little harder to hit since they are just a little further away usually. Like being next to one isn't a perfect shot with a shotgun.
