While I agree with opinion that its most promising Laser Squad tactics game so far (or Xcom if you like, but I do know its a bit older), I do understand frustration of new players when playing first time even on rookie.
My proposal is to create some sub-rookie shortened and easier campaign for total newbies e.g. ending with Scylla kill. We will see how new tutorials will do
It certainly was. Rebelstar Raiders was a two player game with no AI. So when Laser Squad came out, it was incredible. There was even a game before Laser Squad based on the Alien/Aliens movie which I think was called Rebelstar II.