Which X-Com game should I buy?

[ZombieGenesis]

Essentially; between Apocolypse and UFO Defence.
Heard the games were great and figured I may as well give them a play.

Also I heard terror from the deep was great, but it's very... aquatic, and that's just not my scene.

 

[DJDarque]

UFO Defense.

If you're willing to give Terror From the Deep a try, I'd say do it. I like that one best.

 

[Argtee]

I've heard that Apocalypse was pretty good.

I've only played UFO Defense though, but I do have Apocalypse.
So, I guess you could start with UFO Defense, then if you like it, play Terror From the Deep and then Apocalypse.

Or: You can get all 5 X-Com games off of Steam for $15.

 

[ZombieGenesis]

I bought UFO Defence off steam (didnt get the £9 deal though) and I have to say... even on BEGINNER mode its kicking my ass! I spent two hours trying to complete the same mission. Even against these puny low-grade aliens they keep getting one hit kills on my team and during the terror attacks.. those turrets! I don't stand a chance o_o
Are there any...hints on how not to be slaughtered in this game?

 

[kypsilon]

UFO Defense is the best one IMHO. I've got a lot of great memories from that game. Anything after Terror from the Deep is a waste of money.

 

[FFHAuthor]

UFO Defense. Apocalypse is a good game, but if you want to play true Xcom, get UFO defense, I STILL have my original CD.

 

[NickCaligo42]

UFO Defense.

If you're willing to give Terror From the Deep a try, I'd say do it. I like that one best.

Pretty much this. While you can get all the X-COM games for $15, those are really the two that're actually worth the price. Maybe Apocalypse, but I haven't tried it and it looks... off. Stay clear away from Interceptor and Enforcer, though.

 

[Antari]

Essentially; between Apocolypse and UFO Defence.
Heard the games were great and figured I may as well give them a play.

Also I heard terror from the deep was great, but it's very... aquatic, and that's just not my scene.

UFO Defense or Terror from the Deep are the only ones worth looking at

 

[Cogwheel]

I bought UFO Defence off steam (didnt get the £9 deal though) and I have to say... even on BEGINNER mode its kicking my ass! I spent two hours trying to complete the same mission. Even against these puny low-grade aliens they keep getting one hit kills on my team and during the terror attacks.. those turrets! I don't stand a chance o_o
Are there any...hints on how not to be slaughtered in this game?

Nah, that's pretty much the result of X-Com hating you. That said, a few tips.

Be prepared to take losses. Rookies are essentially mooks, after all. Be very careful, try not to attack at night, avoid terror missions at first if at all possible (just my take, some have other ideas), and don't walk in through doors too often, since that can be a deathtrap.

Research lasers, go up to rifles ASAP, and once you have UFO material to research, do that: it leads up to Personal Armour, which means you get one-shotted slightly less.

Also? Get a tank. Seriously, tank. Make sure it's the first thing out of the dropship. With any luck, it won't get taken out in one hit. That only happens if the RNG is really, horribly spiteful.

Oh, wait.