Dev 2.5 ersion, hard campaign, June, 10 scientists, 1 lab. Didn't actually research anything beside some autopsies. Still use starting weapons because I like them, but begin to wonder how far I can go since I need to empty a SMG magazine at point blank range to kill a Taman in armor. Has been super fun so far.
Just began working on Plasma weapons. Second lab is just about to finish, plenty of scientists to recruit. Way more than I need. Some with workers, but I guess I don't have anything to produce yet...
I used my starting money and fundings to build extra bases for radar coverage and interceptor pads + a small garrison. Kept the nations super happy and the money rolling, but my research is way behind what other players probably have at this point. But that's just my approach, I like it a lot.