After a 6 month lull, I decided to try the SVGA patch again. AND IT WORKS. WOOHOO. In conclusion, try reinstalling X-com a few times, it's bound to work sooner or later. Now blow up the Cult Temple again and again.
Well this is the latest in a long series of crushed hopes on my part. First there was the issue with the buffers then the svga error. But, I struggled through all this determined I would play this great game again. Finally I find the patch on this site and install it with trembling hands. I start the game and........... IT WORKS! I send a few minutes re-organising my men and equipping my hover-bikes. Suddenly an alert, with a spring in my step, I go merrily on my way to kick some alien ass when THE POXY GAME CRASHES TO THE DESKTOP. It crashes everytime I start a battle, right before the agent teams screen comes up. Did I install the patch wrong or can anyone help me?