Snipers, for example, may take either an extreme boost to their range, or the ability to move and shoot early in their tree. Each upgrade dynamically changes the gameplay style of the soldier, but usually comes at the cost of another equally powerful ability. As a soldier levels up from combat experience, they gain skills and abilities off a relatively shallow tech tree.
There are four possible classes for a soldier to be given: Assault, Heavy, Sniper and Support. The player is given command of up to six soldiers and tasked with achieving a number of objectives, ranging from disarming bombs to rescuing civilians. Combat is played as a squad-based tactical shooter. This tension is enhanced by the extreme fragility of your soldiers. This creates a constant sense of tension that permeates the entire game. Whilst the core tenets seem simplistic, it is impossible to keep all the balls in the air at once - and when something finally gives, the results can be catastrophic. You play as the faceless commander of XCOM, tasked with the construction and maintenance of the home base whilst simultaneously appeasing the governments of the world and commanding the tactical squads fighting back against the alien threat. Whilst the story is simple and a tad generic, it acts well as a skeleton for developers Firaxis to justify the constant stream of new features and enemies. An intergovernmental organisation, XCOM, is created to help turn the tide of the battle and repel the alien invaders. In the near future, aliens have begun invading Earth for unknown means, abducting civilians and destroying cities. It might be a cruel mistress, but it is one of the most unique and enjoyable tactical experiences of the last decade and well worth the trauma involved with investing in it.Įnemy Unknown is a modern reboot of the classic XCOM strategy series, drawing heavily from the first title, 1994’s UFO: Enemy Unknown. At the same time, it never delineates into becoming unfair, and provides ample room for player growth. It is at times infuriating, and will frequently have players reaching for the “reload” button.
A poor tactical choice will take that battle-hardened veteran soldier and introduce him to the business end of an alien rifle, squandering hours of gameplay with a single button press. It is unforgiving, relentless and constantly ready to crush your hopes and dreams in a single, fell swoop. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is damn hard, and it knows it.
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