Back in 1998, I created this site to commemorate the X-COM games. Since then, a lot has happened, but not much changed. What does that mean? A lot of projects were created, but never got to see the day. After X-COM Interceptor, only one game made it to the shelves in 2001, Enforcer.

So why recreate a new site from scratch when the X-COM series is dead? Because X-COM is not just another game. It's not just a software. Not just binary code. Once you play X-COM, it becomes part of you. Only then you become addicted to it, and that's what I call the "X-COM Syndrome". Anyone that is affected by this syndrome knows what I am talking about. X-COM frees your mind from reality, and let you be a serious world savior. And you do take the matter seriously...

I'd like to dedicate this website to the philosophy that hides behind X-COM. Here you won't find tips and hints on how to better yourself at the game, but you will experience the other side of the medal; what the games really are. Facts, beliefs and opinions are what you will find here; making this site unique by giving a different perspective on X-COM. I believe it is the reason why X-COM is still finding new fans every day, and also why it is important that we support a community that is so strong.

If there is one message to send to the owners of the X-COM licence, it's this one:

Bring back Genesis !

(excerpt from Shades of Gray)

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I grew up in a mature environment (I have 2 older sisters with an age difference of ten and twelve years), and with a strict religious background. At the end of the teenage crisis, I got to know very special friends, and that's where I started to really have fun (and started skipping classes!). But at the same time, I discovered love; and love didn't spare me. That's when my entire life reversed gears.

I had suicidal thoughts at the age of nine, and again around my twenties. I discovered what love was all about at the age of eighteen. I had to learn the hard way, that is the easy way actually exists. Although my best friends could confirm that it was a difficult transition for me during that time, I've lived so much during these few years, retaining so many great memories and moments of joy that I could never turn away from them.

One day, one girl changed all that, and now not only she married me, but she proudly carries our little baby girl in her womb. But before I got to know her, it was in these dark times that I was inspired, and reflected on my past experiences. What you can read on this Web site is as close to what I felt inside during that dark chapter of my life (but like any good writer, some of it is fiction, however it's up to you to find out what's real and what's not!), and I hope that you will be able to benefit from these “Shades of Gray”.

I believe myself to be a thinker, a dreamer, a man with a cool head and a heart burning of passion. I'm the kind of guy you can count on when you need it. I've always made myself helpful, and I hold a special place for my close friends that I've made over the years. My wife actually had a lot of problems understanding the close relationship I have with my best friends.

I am what people would call a "night owl", meaning I always stay up late (as long as I sleep my morning!). And most of the time, it is at night that I find refuge inside of myself and become inspired. Most of my writings were written at night. Some are dated with precise date and time, so if you are curious enough, you can take a closer look!

I've been into computers for about ten years now. I finished my high school diploma and did some courses in electronics, but then got pushed out into the real world where everybody works full time. Now I have started my own business (part time) developing websites, just like this one (and that got me into web design). You can visit my company website here:

Phenomix Web Solutions

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Additional information on file:

I discovered X-COM back in 1994. I had purchased Terror From the Deep even before I had bought my computer! I am a loyal fan of the strategy XCOM games (I never played Interceptor except the demo, nor Enforcer). I believe that XCOM is not just another game that you own, it's more than that. It grows into you, finding itself a sweet spot in your mind, and holds on tight for as long as you live. It helps you to develop a keen mind, sharp instincts and good strategies. It takes a lot of brain processing to be able to command such an epic adventure, when you're no cheating of course... - Arky

Want to read more about my ideas about the XCOM series? visit my Philosophy section.

Now that you know who Arky is, let's dive a little more on the subject:

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