- Fixed a bug in Tranquilization effect calculations that led to the maximum paralysis level (P, 80+) being applied as soon as buildup hit 20 or more. This affected both marines and aliens.
- Fixed a bug with items with a Tranquilization buildup (side effect) where this effect also scaled with the user’s item usage effectiveness
- Fixed a bug where the UI erroneously resized to an extremely small size in some cases when an autosave was created (mostly in Hardcore mode)
- Reduced the duration for which “Saving…” is being displayed when a game is saved
- Saved game thumbnail images will no longer show the UI (as it was causing unexpected issues in some circumstances); this may be re-enabled at a later time
- Saved game preview panel will now display 0 for Score even if it was negative (in extreme cases)
USC: Counterforce
Minor update -- v0.20.3a (b230731)
Minor update -- v0.20.2a (b230728)
- Units will now automatically extract if they’re standing in an extraction zone when the deadline expires
- The Encyclopedia is now available from the Squad Assembly screen
- Added a tooltip for “Debilitating strike chance” on the Attack mode panel
- Added floating text for Neutro usage effects
- Removed the display of Squad Points value from items’ tooltips during missions; it was irrelevant, but also confusing, as in non-Campaign game modes you don’t carry looted items back to Squad Assembly (to sell them, etc.); instead, you “get back” all the items you used up during the mission (i.e. your loadout is restored). To improve your squad, item unlocks, crafting materials, and weapon blueprints are available. (Note that all items in inventory DO carry over between different Phases in Operations.)
- Adjusted the Score multiplier for Operations from 1x/1.25x/1.5x/1.75x to 0.5x/1x/1.5x/2x per difficulty, respectively (Beginner/Standard/Hard/Ultimate)
- Fixed mission info showing “0” for map seed if the mission was generated through multiple Iterations
- Fixed some typos in the Tutorial
- Fixed unit voice pitch “Preview” and “Random” buttons having a wrong tooltip
- Fixed tooltips shown in the Single Mission menu getting stuck on the screen when returning to the Main Menu in some cases
- Fixed a graphical glitch where the planet surface was briefly visible before loading the next mission after the Briefing in some Operations
Five tips to start USC: Counterforce
To set you up for success and ensure you keep your focus on what matters most, we've compiled five essential tips. These insights will guide your mindset, highlighting key priorities and crucial elements to watch out for in the game.
Before you board that spaceship to take out the alien threat, there are a few things you should know, whether this is your first time on the planetary body M-8322 or not. A well-advised marine is better than a dead one. Get ready to immerse yourself in strategic gameplay and embark on an exciting adventure in USC: Counterforce!
Here are some tips to improve your chances of surviving and succeeding:
Summary
Tip #1 Balance and Adapt Your Squad
Tip #2 Analyze the Environment
Tip #3 Loot, Upgrade, Craft
Tip #4 Combos & Buildups
Tip #5 Encyclopedia/Wiki
#1 Balance and Adapt Your Squad
USC: Counterforce places a strong emphasis on teamwork and coordination.
When forming your squad, ensure a good balance of different classes and abilities to cover various roles on the battlefield. Experiment with different combinations and adapt your squad composition based on the objectives and challenges you face during each encounter.
A Medic for example who is versed in BIOChemistry to make sure your squad does get out of it alive is a great pick.
#2 Analyze the Environment
The game features diverse maps and environments, each with its own advantages and challenges. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the maps, and study key locations, chokepoints, and objective areas. Understanding the layout will allow you to plan strategies, find advantageous positions, and anticipate enemy movements.
The Pull/Push of objects will become your biggest friend.
#3 Loot, Upgrade, Craft
USC: Counterforce incorporates elements of looting, upgrading, and crafting.
Throughout the game, you'll find resources, weapons, and equipment.
Collect these items and utilize the crafting system to upgrade your gear, enhance your abilities, and gain an edge over your opponents. Pay attention to resource management and make strategic decisions on how to allocate your resources effectively.
#4 Combos & Buildups
Mastering the combat mechanics and understanding the synergy between different abilities and weapons is crucial.
Experiment with different combos and buildups to maximize your damage output and tactical advantage. Discover how certain abilities and weapons can complement each other, creating devastating combinations that can turn the tide of battle in your favour.
For example, you can use a cryo weapon to build up enough frost to freeze a target and shatter/instakill it with a high-impact attack.
#5 Encyclopedia/Wiki
To deepen your understanding of USC: Counterforce, make use of the available resources like the in-game encyclopedia or an external wiki.
These resources provide detailed information about the game mechanics, classes, weapons, abilities, and strategies. Refer to them to gain insights, learn advanced tactics, and stay updated on any balance changes or updates to the game.
Now, you're (almost) all prepared! With these tips, you are no longer a rookie. Training will empower your strategic prowess and prepare you for the challenges ahead. The aliens are many, fierce and relentless. You fall and rise again and learn from your mistakes until you manage to save humanity from this alien threat.
Gear up and get ready to join the USC for this mission now in Early Access on Steam!
The USC: Counterforce team
Minor update -- v0.20.1a (b230726)
― Fixed Tutorial panel position in non-16:9 aspect ratio screen resolutions
Early Access is live on Steam NOW!
Marines,
USC: Counterforce is releasing on Steam today in Early Access. Your tactical skills will be your strongest advantage in the conflict you're about to enter. Face dreadful encounters and more in this immersive sci-fi environment!
The game is available in English and Simplified Chinese during Early Access.
Lead your Space Commandos in a thrilling revival of turn-based squad tactics. Featuring in-depth skill and combat systems, many game modes and inspired by games like UFO/XCOM, Space Hulk, and Aliens. Uncover the truth behind colony MC83-A's demise and join the USC in protecting humanity.
Engage on the battlefield with hours of gameplay already available. Enter a deep strategical experience that includes multiple game modes, customizable commando units and deadly alien hostiles to defeat. Master combat and find the perfect combination of skills in order to repel the alien threat.
You will have access to four special operations and an endless list of randomly generated missions available in Single Mission mode providing a strong replayability. Community feedback during Early Access will allow us to improve and update the current features and any upcoming additions to the full release version. The final version will include a full, open-ended campaign mode with a non-linear storyline.
Assemble the Ultimate Squad!
A well-advised marine needs to be prepared for every situation! Fully adapt your marines to the task ahead with a class-free system, assign and change their passive abilities and gears depending on your objectives and the threat you are about to face.
Make the best of the varied weapons and tools!
You can equip your marines with a large set of items. Use melee and ranged weapons with various perks and types of ammunition to eliminate the enemies. But don’t forget other useful equipment: hacking tools, mines, turrets, and more to help you survive and complete your mission.
Interact with your surroundings!
Explore and battle in entirely destructible and interactive settings. Reorganize the battleground to your advantage, lay traps, build barricades, avoid and exploit environmental hazards and more.
Play multiple game modes!
Fully customize your experience and challenges with a wide range of settings, from the environment to map size, difficulty level, objectives and more with the Single Mission mode. Choose how you want to play: solo or co-op? Team up in co-op multiplayer modes and play in classic hot seat or use Steam's “Remote Play Together” feature to bring a fellow soldier along online.
Your troops can exploit every resource and opportunity to overcome a dire situation. However, preparing your squad is equally important. To increase your chances of success, gather your marines, assign them roles and abilities, gear them up, and store supplies of medicine, armor, and ammo. Examine the terrain; each map has its own advantages and disadvantages. The future of humanity is at stake, so be alert, focus on your objectives and leave no one behind!
Each mission's outcome is greatly influenced by your tactics and capacity to hold your ground in battle.
You are on your own, soldiers. In space, no one can hear you scream.
USC: Counterforce is now out in Early Access on Steam.
The USC: Counterforce team
Livestream with devs to celebrate launch!
To celebrate the Early Access release of the game, kormakrtv and the developers at Angry Cat Studios will be live on Twitch!
Livestream: July 25, at 5PM GMT+2 on Twitch
Join us there and ask all your questions, we will be more than happy to reply and show you the game!
The USC: Counterforce team
USC: Counterforce—Why Early Access?
Explore a thrilling sci-fi universe requiring tactical skills to defeat deadly aliens threatening the fate of humankind.
USC: Counterforce is a retro squad tactics turn-based game where you lead a team of marines on a planetary body M-8322 to investigate and destroy alien forces. Each marine can be assigned unique skills and passive abilities that can change the battle's course.
The depth of the combat system allows you to exploit every opportunity and element to overturn critical situations. Squad preparation is crucial, leave no stone unturned or you will fail.
What is an Early Access release and why?
Early Access is the stage of a game's anticipated release that is still under development. This means that you can buy, own, and play the game as it develops. The game will evolve with your feedback, and you will actively contribute to its enhancement and final shape.
The game's Early Access version already has several hours of gameplay and strong replayability. An Early Access release gives us the chance to continue developing the game alongside our community, because your feedback is essential to making the best game possible. With USC: Counterforce, we want to create a unique experience, and who better to join us on the journey than the players themselves? We are really thrilled to enter a new step in the development cycle and keep working with you, our community, as we did with our playtests.
What will be in the game at launch?
The game already includes all of the core tactical features. The game will be regularly updated and more content will be added during Early Access. Thanks to your feedback, we will also further improve various mechanics and make balance adjustments. For the final version of the game, we plan to release a full, open-ended Campaign mode with an adaptive storyline.
The Single Mission game mode has an infinite number of procedurally generated missions, you’ll never play the same mission twice! There are also four special Operations game modes, providing hours of playtime.
The game will be available in English and Simplified Chinese during Early Access. The full release will then be localized in other yet to be determined languages.
However, please do expect occasional bugs, unexpected behavior, and minor gameplay balance issues that will be fixed as they arise during development.
You are on your own, soldiers. In space, no one can hear you scream.
D-8!
USC: Counterforce will be available on Steam on July 25th in Early Access.
The USC: Counterforce team
Why Early Access?
Explore a thrilling sci-fi universe requiring tactical skills to defeat deadly aliens threatening the fate of humankind.
USC: Counterforce is a retro squad tactics turn-based game where you lead a team of marines on a planetary body M-8322 to investigate and destroy alien forces. Each marine can be assigned unique skills and passive abilities that can change the battle's course.
The depth of the combat system allows you to exploit every opportunity and element to overturn critical situations. Squad preparation is crucial, leave no stone unturned or you will fail.
What is an Early Access release and why?
Early Access is the stage of a game's anticipated release that is still under development. This means that you can buy, own, and play the game as it develops. The game will evolve with your feedback, and you will actively contribute to its enhancement and final shape.
The game's Early Access version already has several hours of gameplay and strong replayability. An Early Access release gives us the chance to continue developing the game alongside our community, because your feedback is essential to making the best game possible. With USC: Counterforce, we want to create a unique experience, and who better to join us on the journey than the players themselves? We are really thrilled to enter a new step in the development cycle and keep working with you, our community, as we did with our playtests.
What will be in the game at launch?
The game already includes all of the core tactical features. The game will be regularly updated and more content will be added during Early Access. Thanks to your feedback, we will also further improve various mechanics and make balance adjustments. For the final version of the game, we plan to release a full, open-ended Campaign mode with an adaptive storyline.
The Single Mission game mode has an infinite number of procedurally generated missions, you’ll never play the same mission twice! There are also four special Operations game modes, providing hours of playtime.
The game will be available in English and Simplified Chinese during Early Access. The full release will then be localized in other yet to be determined languages.
However, please do expect occasional bugs, unexpected behavior, and minor gameplay balance issues that will be fixed as they arise during development.
You are on your own, soldiers. In space, no one can hear you scream.
D-8!
USC: Counterforce will be available on Steam on July 25th in Early Access.
The USC: Counterforce team
Early Access is coming July 25th on Steam!
USC: Counterforce is inspired by classic 90s tactical turn-based games. You will assume leadership of a team of marines dispatched to the planetary body M-8322 to investigate and destroy the alien forces stationed there. To overcome these fearsome foes, each marine is equipped with their own set of unique skills and passive abilities that have the potential to change the course of the battle.
The aliens are unforgiving and they put the very future of humanity in danger. They are relentless, numerous and deadly. Waves of enemies await your marines as they unveil the mystery behind a distress call they received. Take a peek at this universe in today's Teaser!
The depth of the combat system will allow your marines to use every opportunity and element at their disposal to overthrow a critical situation. But squad preparation is just as important. Assemble, assign skills and roles to your marines, gear them up, stack ammunition, armor and medicine to improve your chance of success. Study the terrain, each map has its own perks and obstacles. Mind your surroundings, use them to your advantage: blast barrels, exploit hazardous areas, close doors, hack security, hide, take cover, find the right formation to advance while staying safe. Be aware of your objectives and leave no one behind, the fate of humanity is in the balance!
Your strategy and ability to secure your position in combat will play a big part in the outcome of each mission.
You are on your own, soldiers. In space, no one can hear you scream.
USC: Counterforce comes to Steam on July 25th in Early Access.
The USC: Counterforce team
USC: Counterforce—Early Access is coming July 25th on Steam!
USC: Counterforce is inspired by classic 90s tactical turn-based games. You will assume leadership of a team of marines dispatched to the planetary body M-8322 to investigate and destroy the alien forces stationed there. To overcome these fearsome foes, each marine is equipped with their own set of unique skills and passive abilities that have the potential to change the course of the battle.
The aliens are unforgiving and they put the very future of humanity in danger. They are relentless, numerous and deadly. Waves of enemies await your marines as they unveil the mystery behind a distress call they received. Take a peek at this universe in today's Teaser!
The depth of the combat system will allow your marines to use every opportunity and element at their disposal to overthrow a critical situation. But squad preparation is just as important. Assemble, assign skills and roles to your marines, gear them up, stack ammunition, armor and medicine to improve your chance of success. Study the terrain, each map has its own perks and obstacles. Mind your surroundings, use them to your advantage: blast barrels, exploit hazardous areas, close doors, hack security, hide, take cover, find the right formation to advance while staying safe. Be aware of your objectives and leave no one behind, the fate of humanity is in the balance!
Your strategy and ability to secure your position in combat will play a big part in the outcome of each mission.
You are on your own, soldiers. In space, no one can hear you scream.
USC: Counterforce comes to Steam on July 25th in Early Access.
The USC: Counterforce team