I've been playing Frozen Synapse constantly as of late. The simultaneous turns make the combat super satisfying, as you must outwit your opponent (or the computer) with feints and unpredictable moves, while also reacting to their changes. Viewing match replays with each turn going one after another feels like building a watch: you spend hours working on each little moving part, and it's a beautiful thing when all your little machinations sync together.

So who plays this as well? And more importantly, can someone recommend or shoot down the RED expansion? $10 seems like a hefty chunk of change for what seems a rather light expansion, so I just don't know if it's worth the cost...

Also, I'd like to share this

I try to play it and i feel dumb afterwards. :(

Do you have trouble with any particular aspects? Maybe I can help you out!

I play it, and also have the RED DLC.

I'm on one of the Texas servers (can't remember which), username's same as here.

No, I just suck at it. :/

I play it, though i stick to single player, i'm really not into multiplayer [LAN parties are an exception]. I suck at it, i usually end up barely making the goal. I don't have the RED expansion, because, sadly, Mode 7 are into 'equal' regional pricing, and 10 euros is way too much, especially when i'm not in the Euro zone to begin with.

I have the RED expansion, because Mode 7 are pretty awesome and I wanted to support then, and from my limited experience, the shield unit is fairly interesting. I also must say the supposed "top feature" - RED mode - is actually now my preferred way to play. Though in retrospect, as I too play the game primarily in single-player, the value-proposition for FS:RED leans heavily towards those who do multiplayer.

In short, if you love FS, the expansion/DLC offers more of the same, but if you're not too heavily into multiplayer, you may not find it a compelling value.

I've been training for multiplayer readiness. I don't want to dive right in and wash out my account statistics. I suppose I can hold off until I'm ready to do the MP. I just started playing a couple weeks ago (have had it much longer and dabbled before). The game reminds me of Laser Squad Nemesis.

Glad Im not the only one!

From what I heard and read about it I was really looking forward to playing it.

I wouldnt have been so eager had I known how quickly it would make me look stupid!

If, like me, you're simply awful at FS, there are some really helpful blog posts that I found at They Came From The Deep, highlighting things like CQB tips, squad tactics, and tips on how to use the sniper and the shotgunner.

Keep some of these principles in mind and you will do fine:

1. Battles between units of the same type will be determined through 4 factors: cover, changing stance (switching from crouched to standing in-turn, or vice versa), stillness (not moving) and aiming (not just facing, but using the actual aiming cone).

2. Unless your machine gunner absolutely must end a turn on the move, try to always leave him aiming in one direction behind half-height cover, preferably watching the back of another character (but not open if there are snipers!). It's always easier to work from the defensive, and part of your strategy should be trying to lure the other player into your hornet's nest.

3. Shotgunners have exceptional speed, which can often outrun the aim time for machine gunners and snipers when moving from cover-to-cover in the open (aiming times get reset everytime the unit aimed at falls back out of sight). Use "continue on sight" for instances like this, and remember that they can also provide a valuable distraction while you move another unit into position for a kill.

4. Grenades can be aimed different distances, and the longer your distance the faster the grenade travels and thus, the farther it will bounce. Also remember that grenades do not destroy walls like rockets do.

5. Speaking of rockets, always remember to move them back behind a wall after a shot. They have a cooldown and it's really easy to forget to move them after you set up their shot.

6. Play the campaign before you jump online. It does a great job of teaching you basics and easing you into complex mechanics, and will help you to get comfortable before you start skirmishes with the computer and, finally, against real people.