storyline question: Why is phalanx a secret organization?

[bluereaper75]

I mean the intro of the game talks about UFO's attacking cities and killing thousands... the panic caused by this worldwide must be immense, so why is phalanx a secret organization? It seems to me that the government could go public at this point, since the alien/human war is hardly a secret, and because it would be a morale booster to know something like this.

[Borsti67]

Phalanx is a very small Organization. What would you think about your government, when you hear your family (and thousands of others) was slaughtered by Aliens and all they (seem to) do is an investigation department?
The technology Phalanx has (and later on finds and develops) is nt available all over the world, and since you only have this one base (= this one chance) any publicity would make it an easier-to-hit target.

[homunculus]

[...]

finally, someone explained this mystery : ))))
all the story and everything makes sense now.
to think that it was so obvious all along.

president: a secret army is protecting earth from aliens.
people: secret army? how many soldiers?
president: 8 million. we might have to raise taxes.

[Flying Steel]

president: a secret army is protecting earth from aliens.
people: secret army? how many soldiers?
president: 8 million. we might have to raise taxes.

 

[Nutter]

So, basically, it's cheaper to just have a secret army of 8, then?

[TrashMan]

The explanation does not stand really.

It's redicolous to think the only thing the nations are doing is Phalanx. You'd think that multiple plans and initiatives would be under way. And if Phalanx is the only solution, then why give it so little funding and persnell?
Gamepaly balance? But why should lore/common sense and gameplay be at odds?

It would make sense for the wrold to have multiple initiatives, with Phalanx being their best bet, but not the only one.
The only secrecy required is the base location. People knowing of their existence doesn't make it easier to hit for the aliens.

[Flying Steel]

I strongly agree with TrashMan.

In fact I'd also like to point out an important gameplay incentive to having AI controlled, non-phalanx, human soldiers. It's the fact that it takes a while to move 8 units around tactically, 12 or 16 much more so. Bulking out the player's side with AI driven, fellow earth-defending soldiers means larger battles can be fought against more aliens without taking so very long or leaving the player hopelessly outnumbered.

[TrashMan]

That would allow for some very interesting setpieces and battels.


For example, helping defend a military base.
Holding a defenisve line while civilians evacuate in the event of a major alien attack.

Even an early assault ion a large ufo, with the military attacking from one side and providing a distraction.

[Nutter]

Could probably make a nice first stage if the base assault ever becomes a multiparter.
First you have to get to the door, take it down and then proceed inside while your extendable buddies secure it.

[geisthund]

hmm I wonder if the game mechanics would allow for splitscreen simultaneous concurrent battles between two squads and two sets of aliens... I'm guessing not.

that might be exciting though. First squad of 8 secures the base, second squad inserts. First squad stands guard outside but gets attacked by aliens "coming home"...

[Hertzila]

I always thought it was more for security reasons than anything else. You know how the USA kept denying the existence of the NSA for a long time and how they still stop people from taking pictures of NSA, CIA and FBI offices? Most likely it's just to stop the possible alien infiltrators from recovering anything useful to use against PHALANX.

[headdie]

Its funny you mention the NSA because signals intelligence is a good reason behind total secrecy.

While there might or might not be alien sympathisers we still have the issue that global communications is not only insecure but we are constantly beaming signals into space for satellites to bounce back which is very easily intercepted by the aliens.

If they learn how to translate these signals a publicly known organisation aimed at combating the alien threat would be a priority target, thus starting the hunt for the base. 

By keeping the organisation it a secret it removes that obvious target and PHALANX operations blend into the pre-existing military responses.  The early improvement in response and technologies would possibly be dismissed by the aliens in that it can be expected for Earth's combat forces to adapt hence why the aliens have improved equipment ready to go when Earth steps things up.

By the time it would become obvious that Earth has a dedicated response, PHALANX is in a much better position to defend itself (well if the player plays properly they will anyway)

[Kildor]

I`ve always thought that it is part of UN, and works under UN patronage.

[headdie]

Yes it is a UN group but my understanding is that the UN has evolved in its methods into something with more teeth, perhaps this also involved the use of covert forces.

[TrashMan]

I always thought it was more for security reasons than anything else. You know how the USA kept denying the existence of the NSA for a long time and how they still stop people from taking pictures of NSA, CIA and FBI offices? Most likely it's just to stop the possible alien infiltrators from recovering anything useful to use against PHALANX.

What alien infiltrators?

And while the US may officially deny the existence of Delta Force or NSA, we all know they exist.