PC GAMING - XCOM 2

My rig:  Win7 Pro 64bit Desktop

XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux in February 2016, and for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September 2016.  The game is the sequel to 2012's reboot of the series, XCOM:  Enemy Unknown.  Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, it follows the continuity that XCOM, a military organization trying to fight off an alien invasion, has lost the war, and is now a resistance force against their occupation of Earth.  The expansion XCOM 2:  War of the Chosen was released in 2017.
-Wikipedia

My Game Rating:  4 out of 10

XCOM 2 would be an excellent game IF it could actually be played Off Line.  You can't.

1. When you first launch XCOM 2 you must have Steam OnLine AND be connected to your network.
2. When you start you are forced to logon to the 2K "Social Club"
3. Only after creating you "Social Club" account, you can take Steam OffLine (this is how I normally play)
4. But to avoid problems you still have to play XCOM 2 connected to your network (I normally disable my network during gaming)
5. XCOM 2 has a Crash Dump interface.  To avoid problems caused I had to disable this function by renaming the crash-dump files (CrashDumpPermission.exe and CrashDumpWatcher.exe)
6. Another problem is with MODs you load via Steam, the game fails to see what MODs you have enabled on first launch.  I had to find a solution (see below).
7. Last and worst, when you exit the game on a crash, you will get the 'game already running' message on Steam Launch, even though there are no [Applications] or [Processes] for XCOM listed in Task Manager.  (see my solution below)

MOD Launch fix:

I created a MOD Launcher shortcut to ModLauncherWPF.exe in my game menu.

1. On first launch of XCOM 2 I start the game in Mod Launcher (I could have an error) I then use Task Manager to kill this version.
2. I restart the MOD Launcher and the MODs are listed, I check all and [Quit]
3. Now when I start my Steam XCOM 2 Launcher the MODs are listed (I ensure all are checked)

Post Crash Game Start Fix:

I simply use the MOD Launcher, count 10sec, then [Quit].  This allows your system to actually close XCOM 2.  You don't get the 'already running' notice.

XCOM 2 Console Cheats:  See XCOM 2 Console Commands
Shows how to enable the console and the cheat commands.

See:  13 Tips for Playing XCOM 2 for help.

As I said the game play is very good, if it wasn't having to have my network online.

XCOM 2 casts the player as the commander of the eponymous military organization, now reduced to a resistance force opposing the ongoing alien occupation of the planet.  Players take control of the Avenger, the new mobile base for XCOM.  Players are tasked to give commands to squad members in battles against aliens during missions, while commanding the engineering and research department of the base between missions to create and research improved and new gadgets, weapons and technologies to assist players in battle.  Soldiers can be recruited, with each soldier class having their own skill trees and abilities.  For example, the Grenadier class can gain access to explosives and grenade launchers, while the Ranger is equipped with melee weapons like swords.  Armor and weaponry can also be researched and upgraded by the player in the (randomly located) Avenger Base.  Each mission's environment is influenced by the world's state, while maps are procedurally-generated to create a wide variety of levels, in which every map features different terrain and buildings in each play-through.  Mods are also supported.  Campaign, class and enemy types can be created by users and can be shared through Steam Workshop.  A one-versus-one multiplayer mode also returns from Enemy Unknown.  New enemies are also featured, such as units from the new faction, ADVENT, and more alien types like the Viper.
-Wikipedia

My MODS:

• Free Camera Rotation

• Numeric Health Display

• Stop Wasting My time - Legacy

• New Countries