Few questions regarding combat

[JoSputnik]

Hi there, very glad to see another turn and pixel based rpg is shaping up!
However, I have some questions regarding the combat:

I play Wasteland 2 at the moment and the thing I dislike the most is the combat. Its ok but I'm more into a Jagged Alliance or Xcom UFO kind of combat rather than the more simplistic Wasteland 2 approach.

How is UnderRail?

- Does it have a squad?
- If so, can you move all your squad members one after another other and then hit "done" and let the enemy do the same, or is it like in Wasteland where the initiative decides which character moves first?
- I it possible to crouch, lay?
- Does it have cover mechanics?

Really like the oldschool look of the game and love to get involved, but another game with as a simplistic combat system as Wasteland or the new Xcom is a deal breaker for me.

Thanks in advance,
cheers

[Karol13]

So far I commanded only my one character... one man army so far.
I don't recall seeing "crouch" or "lay" options/button.
Cover...hmm.. only cover I was using was hiding behind corners... but then of course I could not shoot/throw/PSI-cast... so if you expect something like getting defense bonus when being behind a barrel ... maybe you will be disappointed.

I don't think that Underrail has simplistic combat, but of course, regarding your questions, it may strike you as simplistic.

[JoSputnik]

Thx karol,
hmmm but i wonder why it is fun to only command one person in a turn based game? I mean, wasn't turn based invented for commanding multiple guys in combat?
Strange.
Does anyone know more about that?

[Yarn W. Cotton]

there are areas, wear you work with ally's, you cant quite predict what they will do.

[Karol13]

I see your point about "turn based is great for group, why only one character to control?"

First, it gives me much deeper and thrilling "I am alone" feel, what is just the base of this specific post apocalyptic game.
Second, the options available (grenades, special mental attacks, planting traps, using energy shields, selecting between different weapons : acid/mechanical/fire/electric) well, after 15+ hours the pop up windows containing all the available actions :
http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/34098854580070973/B6A67E3DD61CBF4613F31A9FC8F36958B1643019/

Also one has to choose carefully, as each choice means refusing other builds. There are different types of grenades, traps, weapons... having a group at least of 3 chars, would allow to have all abilities: where would be the selection thrill then?
There could be maybe later implemented followers, who would have their own hard coded skills. But for sake of maximum excitement, just one Mr. Terminator is enough.

It actually makes the game-play more challenging, what is good. One hero, one life, one try... each mistake can be the last one. Less guys in combat does not make the combat less interesting or easier, no way!

With your expertise of tactics from UFO and JA, you should really give this game (type: one man army) a chance, to at least live/feel the other way of tactical battle. I just can't describe here all the tactical tricks a game with only one hero made me to come up with to survive just another battle after 4th reload. With simple change in tactics one can make impossible battle to easy peasy lemon squeeze ... on the way one will have to consider the sequence of all grenades, hiding and planting traps/mines, distance, psi attacks, nearest corner to hide.. maybe less chars to control, but not a bit less fun :D

[JoSputnik]

hey! very helpful answer, thank you.
I guess you sold one more copy of the game ;)
I will wait for the full release though, since I've not finished wasteland 2 yet. But I very much looking forward to try underrail myself now. the one hero one life thing sounds very convincing and interesting. also I'm so much into this pixel art, it looks simply amazing.
thx again!

[Karol13]

Also what is worth to call out, apart from battle differences, is the story difference.
Like when we compare Fallout 1,2 with Fallout Tactics.
In game with more characters, it makes little sense to prepare story-based challenges. (As these challenges are interesting only if one has to sacrifice something to beat them, this something are skill points)
In Fallout one could solve a problem by alternative skills (repair, speech, barter, doctor, science..) this would make little sense for Fallout Tactics, where player started with 3 chars and could have up to 6. So each char can specialize in different area and one group can master all skill (together). So Fallout Tactics was created more "Mission Driven" and players focus was fully centered on combat. There was story line and side quests.. all fine, but it never could have the story feel and alternative solutions touch as Fallout 1, 2 did.
As in F 1, 2 so in Underrail it may well happen that due lack of specific skills one will not be able to enter some areas, use some special attacks or even weapons/armor. What is good about this? That's easy : the thrill at each level-up.
The forever-lasting decisions : I want create my own armor / weapons, but which of the three main groups should I max out? Mechanics (metal armor, pistols, SMGs, Assault RIfles) or Tailoring (Tabi boots, light armor..) or electronics (energy pistol, energy shield, regenerative armor, plasma pistol)
Which weapon would most fit my future strategy? Silent and deadly crossbow? Or hiding in shadows and slicing enemy throats (not working on robots..) or heavy tank throwing flash grenade and full-burst a machine gun over the battlefield? Or the new PSI attacks that can freeze/burn/immobilize enemies?

And good luck with Wasteland 2, I know that it was hell difficult to beat Wasteland 1 :D