I just picked this up from the Steam summer sale and have been enjoying it a lot. I feel your pain for the loss of Spitfire. There is something so horrifying about losing one of your squad members in this game. With how much you come to rely on them all, it seems more intense to see them on the brink. I am much more cautious now with moving my team after losing Squaddie Jaiteley, my support I had made into a medic on my fourth or fifth mission. But, he saved four of his squad mates and I couldn't ask for more than that.
I'm excited for you. Few things can bring the highs and crushing lows like XCOM. From hitting a 20% shot and saving an ally to missing a 95% and losing your beefed up Assault. Such a fun game. If you haven't, the DLC "Enemy Within" adds gene modification and MEC suits to the game. Really lets you diversify your squad and you can end up with some really awesome guys.
RIP Jaitely, you were the truest of heroes.
Nice! Nothing wrong with the original. I'd say that it's honestly harder than Enemy Within, since your soldiers are just regular dudes. The best "powers" they get are aiming better or getting a free action somewhere. Watch out for Chryssalids!