Video Game

Close Encounters of the Tactical Kind

Posted by David McKenzie on

Video Game Review: XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Its Expansions

Overall Rating: 9.0/10

  • Gameplay: 9.5/10
  • Graphics and Art Style: 8.5/10
  • Sound and Music: 8.0/10
  • Replayability: 9.0/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 9.0/10

Introduction

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, developed by Firaxis Games and released in October 2012, is a reimagining of the classic 1994 strategy game UFO: Enemy Unknown. This turn-based tactical game places players at the helm of the XCOM project, a clandestine organization tasked with defending Earth from an extraterrestrial threat. Combining strategic base management with intense squad-based combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown has been lauded for revitalizing the strategy genre.

Gameplay (9.5/10)

The gameplay of XCOM: Enemy Unknown masterfully intertwines strategic oversight with tactical ground missions.

Strengths:

  • Strategic Depth: Players manage resources, research alien technologies, and expand their base, making decisions that have lasting impacts on the game’s progression.
  • Tactical Combat: Turn-based missions require careful planning and execution, with a variety of soldier classes and abilities adding layers of complexity.
  • Permadeath Mechanic: The permanent loss of soldiers adds emotional weight to decisions, fostering a deep connection to the player’s squad.

Weaknesses:

  • Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the multitude of mechanics overwhelming, though the game offers tutorials to ease the onboarding process.
  • Randomness in Combat: The reliance on hit percentages can sometimes lead to frustrating outcomes, though it also heightens the tension and unpredictability.

Graphics and Art Style (8.5/10)

XCOM: Enemy Unknown presents a visually engaging experience that balances realism with stylistic elements.

Strengths:

  • Detailed Environments: Battlefields are diverse and destructible, adding to the tactical considerations during missions.
  • Character Design: Soldiers and aliens are distinctly designed, allowing for easy identification and adding to the game’s immersive quality.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Animation Variety: Some character animations can become repetitive over time.
  • Occasional Camera Issues: The automatic camera angles may sometimes obstruct the player’s view, though manual adjustments are possible.

Sound and Music (8.0/10)

The audio components of XCOM: Enemy Unknown enhance the game’s atmosphere and tension.

Strengths:

  • Atmospheric Soundtrack: The music complements the game’s suspenseful and urgent tone.
  • Immersive Sound Effects: Weapon sounds and alien noises contribute to the immersive experience.

Weaknesses:

  • Repetitive Voice Lines: Soldier voiceovers can become repetitive, potentially diminishing immersion over extended play sessions.

Replayability (9.0/10)

The game’s structure and content offer substantial replay value.

Strengths:

  • Procedurally Generated Maps: Each playthrough offers different mission layouts, keeping the experience fresh.
  • Multiple Difficulty Levels: Various settings cater to both newcomers and veterans seeking a challenge.
  • Ironman Mode: This mode disables manual saving, making player choices irreversible and heightening the stakes.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Mission Variety: While maps are varied, mission objectives can become repetitive over time.

Performance and Optimization (9.0/10)

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is well-optimized across platforms, providing a smooth gaming experience.

Strengths:

  • Stable Performance: The game runs consistently well, with minimal reports of crashes or significant bugs.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Available on multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices, with controls adapted appropriately for each.

Weaknesses:

  • Load Times: Some players have noted longer load times on certain platforms, though these are generally within acceptable ranges.

Expansions Overview

XCOM: Enemy Unknown has received several expansions and downloadable content (DLC) that enhance and extend the base game.

  1. Elite Soldier Pack:
    • Content: Offers additional soldier customization options, including new armor designs and color schemes.
    • Reception: While primarily cosmetic, players have appreciated the added personalization options for their squads.
  2. Slingshot Pack:
    • Content: Introduces a series of linked Council missions featuring a unique character and new story elements.
    • Reception: The new missions provide additional narrative depth, though some players felt the content was relatively short for the price.
  3. Second Wave Options:
    • Content: Adds a set of gameplay modifiers that allow players to customize their game experience, increasing replayability.
    • Reception: These options have been praised for adding depth and variety, catering to players seeking new challenges.
  4. Enemy Within Expansion:
    • Content: A substantial expansion introducing new soldier abilities, enemies, maps, and a new resource called MELD, which enables cybernetic and genetic enhancements.
    • Reception: Widely regarded as a significant enhancement to the base game, Enemy Within has been praised for its depth and the new strategic options it introduces.

Conclusion

XCOM: Enemy Unknown successfully revitalizes a classic franchise, offering a compelling blend of strategic management and tactical combat. Its expansions

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