The XCom style combat isnt the issue - and actually works well in this game, in my opinion. The problem seems to be that the math on the strategic layer doesnt add up, meaning any choices you make there are overly simplistic and have no strategic effect on the game (upgrading breweries as an example).
The bigger issue is the radio silence from the devs (for almost 2 years now) - especially when you consider that those of us who bought the "season pass" are still owed a second DLC. Ive more or less given up at this point, but my trust in Romero Games is pretty much gone and my respect for Paradox has taken a definite hit.
I uninstalled the game months ago but would love a reason to reinstall.
This is weird since the Romeros are usually very forthcoming about things. Heck, John Romero is pretty approachable even in his age now with all the wealth and stauts he has. He recently release a free WAD for doom and is super communicative with the community, while offering die hard fans "collectors editions" to support future work.
I suspect that the game was simply taken over by the marketing team, the Romeros are probably using this as a cashcow by now for what its worth and have moved on to other things.
I honestly feel that neither Paradox nor the Romeros are to blame for this.
The fact that people know that there are issues with Early Access games in general and Paradox releases prior to patches in particular and still pre-pay for the game and 2 DLCs is on you guys. I´d take the money and run. Capitalism is about incentive and while it is cool that we can have consumers funding projects that they like, it should be done one project at a time.
This probably falls under some consumer protection laws. If you truly feel wrong, contact Paradox games and ask for a 1/3rd refund.
According to UK consumer laws you have the following expecations:
www.legislation.gov.uk
Incl but not limited to:
Every contract to supply a service is to be treated as including a term that the trader must perform the service with reasonable care and skill.
In that case the contract is to be treated as including a term that the trader must perform the service within a reasonable time.
Also a bunch of stuff about there being expecations of reasonable communication on behalf of the company.
On the other hand, Im sure the product will come out eventually. Back in the day expansions took a year sometimes two to make. Romeros are oldschool, their expansions seem to be fairly big, not simple DLC / added content stuff. So if you want to wait it will probably slowly improve.