XCOM: Enemy Unknown

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 21 November 2014