2021 set: Aliens Predator: Fireteam

[Axlotl]

The plan for a 2021 set is centered on Aliens: Fireteam Elite, with a little bit more Predator: Hunting Grounds for seasoning (and, well, Predator cards).

The theme for the set is cooperation and upgrading. This means effects that are dependent upon combinations of characters rather than the individual, and a larger emphasis on Attachments.

I'll put out a few early previews this month, but expect most of the cards to only drop after I finish the game in August (obviously).

On a related note, I'll be streaming Fireteam Elite with some friends on twitch.tv/aphanaphis and uploading the videos to my channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_ZQvykZNReL0ys4J7uBEA (I'm also currently playing AvP: Extinction if that interests you, and if you're interested in co-op shooters the same group just finished Left 4 Dead 2).

[doctordolemite]

I am looking forward to everything you just said! I subscribed to your channel when you were doing the Rimworld AvP. This also gives the opportunity to update the weapons from Premiere with new templates.

[Axlotl]

First up, recreating the Fireteam Elite experience in the CCG. The upcoming Loadout conditions provide a bunch of extra equipment to a single character with the appropriate resource at the start of the game, and with the Fireteam Elite Condition, you can begin with a small squad of individually outfitted marines, provided they each have a different Loadout.

[whiteumbrella]

First, as soon as I saw previews for the game, I was hoping it'd get made into a set..

How much extra gear are we talking here? Enough to warrant using a single Loadout rather than any of the other Condition cards? Granted, most of them aren't that powerful in the first place, so even two or three items including a Military Arms might be worth it, especially if they don't reduce your party size on their own or cost you Combat Pool. Be interesting to see what they all do (besides the obvious weapon + armor + consumable item?)

[Axlotl]

Right now looking at 3-4 items per condition, with one Loadout providing Marine access to PUPS.

[whiteumbrella]

More than anticipated, but should work. Also assuming it'll use actual depletable special weapons, instead of the more game-y 'cooldown', yeah? (ie, consumable weapons go away when you run out, rather than waiting for you to find a 'reload station').

Also drawing a blank (and so is Google) about what PUPS is/stands for..

[doctordolemite]

Jul 25, 2021 13:53:49 GMT -5 whiteumbrella said:

More than anticipated, but should work. Also assuming it'll use actual depletable special weapons, instead of the more game-y 'cooldown', yeah? (ie, consumable weapons go away when you run out, rather than waiting for you to find a 'reload station').

Also drawing a blank (and so is Google) about what PUPS is/stands for..

The orbs with red scanning lasers from Prometheus. The geologist used them to scan the pyramid.

[Axlotl]

^That. The card already exists, in Hidden Agendas

Yes, some initial drafts for new items are limited use, with no plans for a "reload" mechanic. Items are only being added for distinctive new items added in Fireteam (and Predator Hunting Grounds) where as items close to existing items won't get new variations.

[Axlotl]

Locations get their own riff on cooperation mechanics with locations that care about their placement. For example:

[whiteumbrella]

Oh, definitely like that effect, though it does restrict you to one of the less-played location types...or at least, I think City has less locations than others?

[Axlotl]

Its fairly balanced right now, I think, but City might be down a few cards. It was patched up a bit with Hidden Agendas and Earth Hive, but a lot of the City locations are older too, and Lost Colony might have pushed Jungle/Wasteland ahead a little bit.

Its usable in both City or Jungle scenarios, like the official Planetfall scenario, so it has wider application than most Outdoor locations.

[Axlotl]

In keeping with the theme of cooperation, the emphasis for Predators in this set will be more support for Hunting Packs.

The current plan is 5 new honorable Predator Main Characters, 3 focused on Hunting Packs, 1 flexible mid range Pred, and 1 high-honor solo Pred. Outcasts get 3 new Outcasts, that make up a legal Hunting Pack (that is to say, only 1 is Adaptable).

[Axlotl]

An example of some of the basic coop effects in the set.

[whiteumbrella]

Wow, Spotter outclasses a LOT of To-Hit bonus cards.. only one that's close is the Resistance MC, since he's reusable..

[Axlotl]

I def wanted it to be good, but it does come with a few downsides: You can be outflanked to cause some counter-play on it since it picks a target location (any instant movement can hard counter it too), and its useless once your Scout/s are gone. Its designed as a sort of counterpart to Crossfire, in ideal cases a full +2 to hit to your entire team, but with some limitations. Scouts a bit rarer than Tactics, too, so that also factored into the balance.