Real-Time vs Turn-Based (Apocalypse)

Overview

Here we'll discuss the merits of Real Time vs Turn Based in Apocalypse.

Real Time

Real Time combat has a number of benefits. Firstly, everything happens in real time, though you can pause and play at different speeds. This can give you more (or less) time to react to threats. It also means your agents react essentially as fast as you can give them orders. This makes brainsuckers and poppers a lot less dangerous - you get free shots at them as they come at you, no matter your agent's current actions.

Real Time combat can also be more intense, realistic (seeing as each side is not taking turns), brutal, and at the same time easier. If you're more familiar or more comfortable with it, it can be a viable option. The game pauses at important moments (such as reporting that a unit is under fire, a new enemy has been spotted, and so on) so you can't easily get overwhelmed. The events that cause the game to pause can be selected from the options menu during any real-time combat at any time.

Real Time adds one more significant benefit to the mix - Dual wield. In turn-based, wielding two weapons decreases accuracy and you can't fire both at once. Real time is not restricted in this fashion and agents can fire both weapons at the same time.

Real Time can also make it a lot harder to accomplish certain goals such as capturing live aliens, as combat is far more frantic and it can be harder to account for gunfire when you are trying to capture certain aliens.

Grenades also work differently than in turn-based, mainly because of the priming function; a specific time can be given from 0.25 to 7.5 seconds ( in 0.25 second increments ), giving both far more accurate and a lot more trickier control over the detonation. Impact mode is also available in real-time combat.

Turn Based

Turn Based can be a lot messier in combat, especially when it comes to brainsuckers and poppers. For example, if one compares the loss record of two games - one with all battles conducted solely in real-time, and another solely in turn-based, the losses in turn-based combat are significantly higher.

However in turn based you have plenty of time to plan your moves and think about your next strategy. This isn't usually the case in real time.

Summary

Ergo, RT is more suited for survivalists (or those who prefer to minimise losses) and those with fast reactions and fast thinking.