Added a "Free aim mode" option on starting a new game in any game mode
It converts *most* STAR and SWEEP pattern ranged weapon attacks to FREE pattern attacks
The 2.5X close-burst bonus is still AVAILABLE
PASSTHROUGH attacks (Sniper rifle: Pinpoint strike, Laser Scorcher: Line scorch, Flamethrower: Line ignite) will still aim in STAR pattern
The setting will persist through that playthrough (i.e. stored in the save) and you can't change it, like you can't change Difficulty
The setting doesn't incur any "penalties" for using it outside the fact that the original game difficulty is not balanced around it
Added a button to sort units by assigned squad (if applicable) on the Campaign roster panel
OPTIMIZATION
Further optimizations to the audio engine
FIXES
Fixed a critical bug in the Campaign where some spaceship special missions were not generated and booted back to the main menu, blocking progression with that mission
Fixed a critical bug in the Campaign where the first phase of spaceship special missions wrongly required a "datadisk" to be extracted; the fix is retroactive, you can continue such a mission
Fixed a bug where you could assign unspent Skill Points indefinitely in Campaign mode if you had an item selected in the inventory while doing so
Fixed a bug where you weren't able to put turrets in ammo slots contrary to the tooltip
Fixed some environmental objects (a few pipes in particular) being indestructible and/or fully blocking the path
Fixed inconsistent buying/crafting of the Painkillers item in Campaign
Various minor UI fixes
Various minor fixes to Hungarian localization
Hotfix -- v1.00.2a (b240720)
USC:CF v1.00.2a, build 240720
FIXES -- CAMPAIGN
- Fixed a few rare issues tied to Sector management after defending a base. - Fixed an issue with the skill reset feature. - Fixed missing localization for the "Add to Squad" button.
Hotfix -- v1.00.1a (b240719)
USC:CF v1.00.1a, build 240719
This update fixes a few minor issues reported by players and our ongoing internal testing since the v1.0 launch.
We're continuously monitoring the state of the game and updates will be released in a timely manner, prioritizing the more severe issues (if any).
A balance update may be released after a bit longer period of observation, if we deem it required.
Thank you for playing the game, and happy hunting!
FIXES -- CAMPAIGN
- Fixed loaded ammo disappearing when you stocked a weapon. Now the ammo will be also automatically stocked. "Stock all" will now also stock loaded weapons. - Fixed the "Custom" avatar kit only having 30 Skill Points instead of 32. - Fixed an autosave being made after the player avatar is killed in non-Hardcore session types.
FIXES -- MISC.
- Fixed an extremely rare bug where the End turn dialog would appear when the AI ended their turn [unreproduced issue, preventive fix]
Content update -- v1.00.0a (b240718)
USC: Counterforce -- v1.00.0a, b240718
There was a little mishap with the publishing of the patch note, here it is!
NEW
CAMPAIGN MODE
Full version now available!
Saves from the Beta are not compatible; they will be automatically removed when going to the Campaign Menu
Full story with narrative elements, special missions, cutscenes, multiple final outcomes
Fixes & changes, and balance tweaks based on our internal testing AND on community feedback! ;-)
New languages:
Hungarian
German
Spanish
OPTIMIZATION
New data compression for reduced game size and a shorter initial loading time
Audio engine optimizations
FIXES
Various UI and gameplay fixes
We're going to monitor the state of the game and address reported bugs and balance issues regularly.
USC: Counterforce 1.0 update is out NOW!
Hey marines, duty is calling!
Our 1.0 update is now available on Steam: prepare your squad, engage in turn-based fights, manage your marine roster, prepare for the Campaign mode, experience a non-linear story depending on your choices and the missions' outcomes! The game is featured at the TactiCon showcase, and to celebrate the 1.0 milestone, you can buy it at a 40% discount! This sale ends on July 25.
Lead your Space Commandos in our revival of turn-based squad tactics inspired by UFO/XCOM and Aliens. Utilize in-depth skill & combat systems in multiple game modes, including a full campaign. Discover the truth behind the demise of colony MC83-A and join the USC in defending humanity!
Check out our Supporter Pack!
What changed during Early Access?
Thanks to your contributions, the game has become much more packed, approachable, yet demanding. In our most recent update, we included the Campaign Mode beta, which is one of our most significant additions ever. We've been working really hard to prepare for the 1.0 release and beyond!
During Early Access, we released multiple updates, including major ones that added the biggest changes and improvements made possible by the community:
We can't wait to hear your thoughts on these new additions and changes! We've come this far thanks to your support—let's continue expanding the world of USC with your contributions!
The USC: Counterforce team
Full launch discount!
Hey marines,
Ready, set, fire! We're excited to be part of the TactiCon! The 1.0 update bringing the full Campaign Mode is here, and to celebrate this milestone, USC: Counterforce is 40% off from July 18 to July 25!
Update Highlights - Full Campaign Mode
After a few weeks in Beta, the Campaign Mode is now finalized and fully implemented! This marks the end of Early Access with the 1.0 update today! Create your avatar, choose your affiliation, manage your marine roster, and embark on the first missions of the Campaign. Experience both global and small-scale operations using the strategic map! Thank you for helping us make the best game possible!
40% Off - Limited discount & bundles during TactiCon
Love turn-based tactics games? Get our complete-the-set bundles with Xenonauts 2, or with Shardpunk and Cyber Knights: Flashpoint!
Enjoy the new content? Then support us, get USC: Counterforce in 1.0 release on Steam if you haven't already, and leave us a review!
Happy "bug" hunting!
The USC: Counterforce team
1.0 Release Details & Word from the Team!
Hey marines!
The full launch is fast approaching, and we know you have questions about the release in 1.0 on July 18 during TactiCon showcase (July 18-22). Here are some answers you’re seeking!
First, Aliza & Csaba have something to tell you:
As we approach the launch of USC: Counterforce, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Your support and enthusiasm have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.
The past four years have been full of challenges and hard work, but we've persevered thanks to your unwavering encouragement.
To our followers, thank you for your passion. To our early access players, your feedback has been invaluable. To our publisher and colleagues, your dedication has made this game a reality. We are honored to work with such an amazing team.
We're excited to announce that the campaign feature will be ready soon. We can't wait to share it with you.
As a small developer team, we are humbled by the tremendous support we've received. We look forward to creating even better experiences for gamers worldwide. Thank you for believing in us and our game!
With sincere gratitude,
Aliza Wenders & Csaba Bak
_
Full Campaign incoming!
The 1.0 launch will bring the full Campaign after a few weeks in Beta. Your feedback is instrumental in improving it, and we can't wait to see you discover its content!
Read more about what you can experiment with in the Campaign mode until July 18, before we release the rest of its features and content: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1574870/view/4259923998301587494
Release Timing
Check out the map to lock down the release time in your zone and mission sector!
Prices
The game's price will remain the same with the 1.0 launch at 19.99€, $19.99, £16.75. However, to celebrate this huge milestone, a -40% off discount will be applied for 7 days!
Localization
We will have a new localization at release. The game will be available in these languages:
English
German
Simplified Chinese
Spanish
Hungarian
Supporter Pack and Bundles
We also have a Supporter Pack that you can buy at $4.99. It includes:
Exclusive Squad Logos
2 Wallpapers
New emoji
Exclusive Team Colors (Lime + Violet)
The Duckodämmerung
Ducky Grenade
Over 20 Profile Pictures for your social networks
Do you love fighting against alien invasions? Deep tactical turn-based games? Check out our complete-the-set bundle with Xenonauts 2 to have a -10% discount on the game!
If you're here, you probably are a turn-based lover, we also have a surprise for you: a complete-the-set bundle with Shardpunk & Cyber Knights: Flashpoint coming with a-10% discount off (because we never have enough tactical and turn-based games)!
We're so thrilled for the upcoming release. Got more questions about the game? Drop 'em in the comments or hit us up on Steam Discussions!
Stay sharp, marines, and keep your eyes peeled for the next step: release day!
The USC: Counterforce team
Steam Summer Sale discount!
Hey marines,
Lock and load! We're thrilled to be taking part in the Steam Summer Sale! USC: Counterforce is 40% off from June 27 to July 11. We just released a new update ahead of the 1.0 release, including new features and the Campaign Beta.
Update Highlights - Campaign Early Access
Get an early preview of the Campaign mode ahead of its full launch with the 1.0 release on July 18! Create your avatar, choose your affiliation, manage your marine roster, and embark on the first missions of the Campaign. Experience both global and small-scale operations using the strategic map!
Read more about the new update in these patch notes: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1574870/view/4259923998300724432
40% Off - Limited discount during the Steam Summer Sale
Enjoy the new content? Then support us, get USC: Counterforce in Early Access on Steam if you haven't already, and leave us a review!
Happy "bug" hunting!
The USC: Counterforce team
Content update -- v0.90.3a (b240625)
USC:CF v0.90.3a, build 240625
NEW
CAMPAIGN MODE -- TECHNICAL BETA
A technical beta version of the Campaign mode is now playable!
Features:
Player avatar creation
Affiliation system - buy upgrades, prototypes, nukes + use the black market
Campaign map: sector-based missions (hordes, derelict sites, nests), horde movement, build & defend your own bases, scan & nuke sectors, weather & day-night systems
Persistent unit mechanics: unique marines, XP & leveling system, status system (available, returning from mission, injured, KIA, etc.)
Persistent inventory mechanics: what you spend is spent, what you get is yours
Roster management
Inventory stock system
Currently available mission types: engage horde, eradicate nest, explore derelict site (multiple kinds), defend base; outdoors missions adapt to daylight and weather
New environment: crystal caves (nest missions)
Chinese localization for the campaign beta is currently only partial, and will default to English for currently untranslated terms.
Features NOT yet available, but coming in v1.0:
General campaign progression
Story & narrative with special missions and events, and multiple outcomes for the campaign
Player avatar-related mechanics (game over, personal stake)
Corporation-given special missions (tied to the affiliation system)
Cutscenes
Campaign-related "microtutorial", in-game help system
Balance changes & minor feature revisions
Saved games will NOT remain compatible with 1.0!
FIXES
UI: fixed DTB mission info sometimes not showing rewards properly (based on difficulty) after reloading a game
UI: fixed a minor bug where the Acquisitions screen could show "Mark X" for prototypes that were actually "just" Mark IX (max. level) (did not affect functionality)
Various additional UI fixes
Various gameplay fixes
Campaign mode Beta update!
Hey marines,
A new update is live now! And as the Summer has just begun, it is time to start your mission and the long-awaited Campaign mode Beta! It's an open Beta, you can try this new mode and let us know your thoughts! The Steam Summer Sale is starting, and USC: Counterforce is 40% off until July 11!
Explore what the Campaign mode has in store for you and experiment with its exclusive mechanics and features! You will be able to create your avatar, choose your affiliation, manage your marine roster, and go on the first missions of the Campaign, both on a global and small scale, with the strategic map!
Here are some important elements to know before you dive in:
The translation in Simplified Chinese for the Campaign is still ongoing. This means that the Campaign Beta is currently only partially localized in Simplified Chinese and will default to English for currently untranslated terms.
The Campaign Beta previews its exclusive mechanics but lacks final narrative content and objective progression. Expect potential issues, and saved progress won’t carry over to v1.0. Full features will launch with the final update.
Player Avatar Creation and Affiliation System
Customize your Campaign and make impactful choices that influence your tactical opportunities while offering diverse pathways and outcomes, making each journey distinct and impactful.
Avatar creation: In the new update adding the beta version of Campaign mode, you can now enjoy the feature of creating your own avatar and customizing it to reflect your unique style and preferences. Affiliation system: Additionally, you will be able to choose your affiliation. You can buy different upgrades, prototypes, and even nukes through each unique affiliation and make use of the black market for acquiring critical resources.
Strategic Map and Persistent Mechanics
The Campaign mode introduces the strategic map with global dynamic events but also small-scale sector-based missions. Your progression in the Campaign mode is persistent, this includes your inventory and marines.
Sector-based missions: Each sector presents its own challenges, and you must strategically build and defend your bases against the ever-moving hordes of aliens! These missions will let you engage against alien hordes with a task force, explore derelict sites, and eradicate nests on-site. Strategic map layer: The map also features a dynamic weather and day-night system that affects outdoor missions, adapt your plan to the events of the map. Take direct control of any sector by landing squads and establishing an outpost, and also manage on a global scale by monitoring any activity on the planet, including alien hordes and weather events. Gather information and organize your course of action by scanning the sectors and nuking dangerous areas. Persistent progression: What you obtain, lose, and consume is persistent throughout the whole Campaign. This works for both units and inventory, which means that a death is permanent. All your marines are unique and have their own XP bar and leveling systems, along with a status system tracking their availability, injuries, and condition, adding depth to the roster management and making each of your decisions critical for your long-term success or demise. New environment: Step into the crystal caves, available in nest missions!
Upcoming Features
The Campaign mode Beta already brings a big part of what you will find in the full version on July 18. However, while the beta version showcases many new features, several key elements are still under development and will be available in the full release. These include the general campaign progression, the story and narrative with special missions and multiple outcomes, and your personalized avatar mechanics, including the game over and personal stake. Other content like corporation-given missions tied to the affiliation system, cutscenes, the Campaign tutorial, and the in-game help system are not yet implemented. It's also important to note that save files from the Beta will not be compatible with the final release!
Get the game at a 40% discount from today to July 11! Experiment with the Campaign modes and its new and unique features!
We can’t wait to know what you think about the Campaign, feel free to share your feedback with us in the Steam discussions! Stay tuned for the full launch of the Campaign and the 1.0 release!
