X-Piratez mod for OpenXcom

well technically yes and no, yes because N4.x.x has some mechanics it was removed or nerfed on later versions and it could cause some crashes or soft locking you on the research queue, in the other side, you don't need it start a new campaign if your campaign is on the first year, ok?

Go into the ruleset file in the XpirateZ directory, open it in notepad, scroll to the bottom to find the game options. Somewhere in there is the part that defines what score results in defeat for each difficulty level. Find the one you’re using, and add like two zeroes to the end of the number.

You couldn't be more wrong on the "game forces you to read wiki" and "game forces you to play a certain way" arguments.
Piratez is one of the least challenging games there is in the "tactical simulation" genre. Some specific missions and cases may end up very challenging and you will have losses and setbacks, but on the whole it's extremely hard to lose the game entirely, unless you specifically refuse to do anything at all.
Of course, there are exceptions, like the hardest difficulty (which is made specifically for people seeking challenge), or the recent (M) versions where enemy activity ended up being overtuned.

As for the information, the in-game encyclopedia contains literally everything you need to know about the game. Sure, it starts pretty empty, but you'll fill it up. And no, knowing all those things that you're going to unlock *in advance* is not required.

this review made my day, it cracked me up XD , "Also Dota 2 is a live chess game, where you do need to use your brain to play." got me grinning but the best part was the specific research path one. just as a example, do you want to follow the higher powers? , chose one of 4 paths that enables 4 different playstyle focuses which gives you different units, vehicles, and research focuses from magic power to hypnotic strippers and power armor. Do you want to allow male troops? Lesbian superiority movement? do you wanna be a mutant communist rebellion (most powerful building in my opinion) Yes, reading the in game database is a MUST, the game tells you so deliberately in the beginning, it literally says READ OR DIE!!!! How the hell are you gonna lead a rebellion against alien overlords on a planet that was conquered hundred of years ago if you don't bother reading intelligence reports? heck, even if you are behind in research, reading things can give you an edge, like the AP transfer from the runt outfit, I sneaked up once on a nazi tank with a fusion torch and refilled the ap with the runt suit ability since you need like 90% ap to use it, and the thing absolutely MELTED the tank, when nothing else I had could even scratch it. yes the game is insanely complex but it also allows for amazing emerging gameplay. If you don't like that maybe just go play dota 2 and use upgrade path guides for the current meta, unless that is too much "specific pathy" for you. XD

Nuked by Discord due to malicious complaints made by a deranged individual.