XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Strategy, science fiction, turn-based, isometric view, tactics, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A science-fiction turn-based strategy game that came out as a reboot of the cult series, UFO: Enemy Unknown, launched back in 1994 by Microprose. This new title was created by Firaxis Games, a studio founded by Sid Meier. The story of XCOM: Enemy Unknown does not follow any of the plotlines started by its predecessors. Instead, it tells a new story of the war between humans and an aggressive alien race.
Last Update: October 17, 2012
XCOM: Enemy Unknown Game Guide
XCOM: Enemy Unknown Game Guide contains key information about the new Firaxis Games' production.
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Videos and Screens
[13:18] XCOM: Enemy Unknown First 15 minutes
[2:57] XCOM: Enemy Unknown graphic comparison
The main pros of the game
- Gameplay Depth: Many users appreciate the tactical depth and strategic planning involved in the game, noting that it offers a challenging experience that keeps players engaged.
- Replayability: The game has a high replay value due to its variety of missions, character customization, and different playstyles available.
- Content Variety: Players enjoy the numerous maps and mission types, which contribute to a rich gaming experience.
- Nostalgia and Classic Status: XCOM: Enemy Unknown is regarded as a classic in the turn-based strategy genre, with many players having fond memories of it.
- Affordable Pricing: The game is often available at significant discounts, making it a great value for the amount of content provided.
- Polished Mechanics: Despite its age, the game is considered well-designed and polished, with decent graphics and sound.
The main cons of the game
- Technical Issues: A significant number of reviews highlight persistent problems with launching the game, particularly on newer operating systems like Windows 10 and 11. Many users report getting stuck on "updating executable" and having no resolution to the issue.
- DRM Problems: Users express frustration with the game's DRM, which they believe is causing the game to be unplayable for many.
- Randomness in Gameplay: Some players find the RNG (random number generation) elements frustrating, particularly when experienced soldiers miss high-percentage shots, leading to unexpected and often unfair outcomes.
- Lack of Updates: There are complaints about the lack of support and updates from the developers, especially concerning compatibility with newer systems.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Quality of Life Improvements: Players note that the game lacks certain modern conveniences that newer games have, such as clearer visibility of enemy stats and movement ranges, which could enhance strategic planning.
- Compatibility with Modern Systems: Many users feel that the game should not be sold on platforms like Steam if it cannot run properly on current operating systems.
- Improved Save Systems: Some players desire better save mechanisms to avoid the need for save-scumming, which is often necessary due to the game's difficulty and randomness.
- Enhanced Graphics and UI: While the game is still visually appealing, some users wish for updates that improve the user interface and overall graphical fidelity to match contemporary standards.
Summary
- Overall, while XCOM: Enemy Unknown is praised for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth, it faces significant criticism for technical issues and lack of support, particularly affecting its playability on newer systems.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 1957 votes. 379 players anticipated the game.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown Description
XCOM: Enemy Unknown for PC, AND and etc. is a tactical game developed by the experienced Firaxis Studios. The game revives the cult series originated in 1994 with the release of UFO: Enemy Unknown.
Story
Story-wise the game does not expand on the original trilogy from the 1990s. Instead, it re-tells the story of the first conflict of humans and an aggressive alien civilization who decided to colonize our planet. In order to deal with the threat, Extraterrestrial Combat Unit (abbreviated XCOM) was established. Its goal is not only to repel the alien invasion, but also discover the secrets of their technology. The player takes on the role of the chief commander of the organization.
Gameplay
The gameplay has two layers – the strategic one is played in real time, whereas direct confrontations with aliens are turn-based. During strategic phases you can conduct research, examine alien technologies, and produce weapons and gear. XCOM activities are not cheap, so the economy requires a lot of attention. The global council that sponsors the organization includes sixteen nations, and it is necessary to keep them satisfied with your achievements. Choosing a continent for the main quarters grants specific bonuses, such as lower satellites and fighters costs, or instant autopsies. All this takes place on a large map consisting of the entire planet. Here you set up a base of operations, and then fill it with staff, and build new facilities and laboratories.
From time to time you receive news of the alien activity, and you send a squad to eliminate the threat. At this point the game switches to a turn-based combat mode. Here you command a small squad of highly trained soldiers, the objective usually being to kill all the aliens on the map. In fight, a huge role is played by the fog of war and the line of sight, and the fallen soldiers cannot be revived after a mission. While in combat, soldiers earn experience points, which can then be spent on new skills.
Technology
Most missions (except from the ones that are key to the story) in XCOM: Enemy Unknown for PC, AND and etc. are randomly generated, both in terms of starting positions as well as the location of enemy units. The game engine allows a high-level of environment destruction. The combat is also enriched by the morale system. Inexperienced soldiers are likely to panic, and a death of their teammate adversely affects their performance.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
14
GAMES
in XCOM Game Series
Game Series
XCOM Series
Maintained in science-fiction reality series of tactical strategies. The brand was created by Mythos Games and MicroProse studios. Currently it is the intellectual property of Take-Two Interactive and is developed by subordinate development teams (including Firaxis Games, 2K Marin and Irrational Games).
14 video games
XCOM: Enemy Unknown Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows October 9, 2012
Android OS April 23, 2014 November 12, 2014 (EOL)
Apple iOS June 20, 2013 November 12, 2014 (EOL)
PlayStation 3 October 9, 2012
Xbox 360 October 9, 2012
Developer: Firaxis Games / Blind Squirrel Entertainment (PC) / Blind Squirrel Entertainment (X360) / Blind Squirrel Entertainment (PS3)
Publisher: 2K Games
XCOM: Enemy Unknown System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM (4 GB RAM - Vista/7), graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 9800 GTX or better), 20 GB HDD, Windows Vista/7, Internet connection
XCOM: Enemy Unknown Was Supposed to be an RTS With Vehicles
Some interesting information regarding XCOM: Enemy Unknown has come to light. It turns out that initially, real-time combat was planned instead of a turn-based system. The devs also wanted to introduce vehicles to the battlefields.
video games
Adrian Werner
February 8, 2021