I have been playing the original
X-COM: UFO Defense since 1994, back on an old IBM PS/2. When this reboot game was announced, I was jazzed and hoping to snag a copy with a bonus. Imagine my surprise when I booted up Steam and my brother had gifted me a pre-order copy as a gift because he was just as jazzed about the game as I was.
11 years and many play-throughs on at least 4 different systems (PC, 360, PS3 and PS4) later, I can honestly say this is one of the best strategy games I have ever played. I am consistently presented with challenging scenarios, impossible odds, and the lure of that shiny alien tech. Every game is a mad blitz to the overseer, with the same excitement I felt as I was playing the original back in 1994 at 6 years old. Of course, I have a much firmer grasp on strategy now, but I'm still no wizard.
We all have those games where we have a special moment. For me, it was the conclusion of my first playthrough. Madeline "The Missionary" Roux, a sniper from Canada, ended up being my volunteer. The impact of the sacrifice made the game's gravity shift, and I have to say... I loved it.
The gameplay is pretty solid. Battling EXALT, aliens and public opinion in and of itself is a delicate balancing act. Strategy applies to more than mere combat maps. You have to strategize every step of the way. What continent should my base be on? Should I buy that Officer Training School upgrade? Would I be better served launching the satellite in France or Australia? Do I have enough interceptors to handle a large UFO? These are the decisions the Commander of the XCOM force must make.
Multiplayer is surprisingly fun, and surprisingly still up! (Which is weird, because
XCOM 2's multiplayer servers are down for Windows, but still up for Linux and Mac.) The point-buy system of the multiplayer balances things out wonderfully and creates infinite strategy, a never-ending list of combinations to try, and a new thrill every time you match with someone in the lobby.
Graphics can be hauntingly beautiful in this game. Watch an Outsider emerge upon contact, or an Ethereal mind control your soldier with the highest will. Watch the car explode after being hit by a stray laser or plasma round. Take it in as the Muton beats its chest. Crap your pants the first time a Chryssalid gores an unsuspecting civillian and then... well, you know. Admire the craftsmanship that the graphics designers put into this game.
Sound is decent, and it got even better with the
Enemy Within expansion. I really love the touches of the soldiers from various countries being able to respond to orders in their native languages, and the effects are top notch. The voice acting is superb, and all of the VAs did a fantastic job... even the one for Dr. Vahlen, though I have never quite pinned down if she's meant to be German, Austrian, Swiss, what have you (the accent varies occasionally).
Controls are pretty basic on PC. You point. You click. Keyboard shortcuts exist, but are largely not necessary. I do utilize a handful, but it's primarily because they line up perfectly with the keyboard macros from my day job. I can rest my hand in the same location of my keyboard in order to react. It doesn't get much simpler or more intuitive than this.
Overall, this game is a modern classic. Every serious gamer should have a strategy game in their library, and this is a stand-out choice in the genre. Those with tactical prowess and those without (like me!) can both appreciate a game that was crafted with a deep, obvious love by the developer. It's a hell of a challenge, but I don't want the 350 hours of my life I spent earning all 85 achievements back. That final achievement is my proudest gaming accomplishment, and I have no regrets (except the facepalming during my impossible campaign).
5.0