XCOM: Enemy Unknown for Xbox 360 Reviews by Gamers

When the reboot of X-Com was announced I pre ordered it they were marketing it as the dos original with better graphics which made me think I could get some nostalgia without having to break out the ps1 mouse. Sadly it was not as it appeared to be the game was dumbed down for the modern ultra casual gamer and some of the best features such as aliens raiding bases and having more then one base were removed. Infact so much was removed and so little was added that I realized I was cheated out of the $60 I paid for it. That said if you're looking for a tactical turn based stratergy game this is the best this gen can offer it's like FFT with guns and a terrible storry and less customization. The ai while dummer then the original are more clever then pretty much any tatical game out this gen. Not that the market is flooded with them.
Pros: Smart AI
Actual challenge forced onto the player
Disposable characters
Late game dosn't get as repetative as most other games

Meh: Small squads
If you miss somthing ealry on it may make the game impossible to finish

Cons: Limited amount of content
Game breaking lag and glitches
Less content then original it's based on

Xcom is one of those games that is easy to pick up and play, but extremely difficult to master. I am new to the strategy series, but Firaxis' FPS take on the old strategy PC game is solid. It's gotten lots of praise for good reasons. Xcom makes you pay for every decision, and it's a hugely deep game that will have you replaying the campaign over and over to try new strategies.

I found Xcom to be an extremely difficult game, but the more I played the more I didn't want to put it down. You're in control of a large base in order to save the world from the alien invasions. You can totally customize a huge base and also a squad that you command for the on screen TPS gameplay.

THE BASE is like your home where you can conduct research to develop new guns, ammo, perks, and so much more. It's crucial to stack scientists to boost your research skills. ENGINEERING is where you can physically build what you've found in RESEARCH. Equip those killer new alien guns you researched to your squad, and develop new fighter jets, grenades, guns, etc.

You can also manage a world map of Earth controlled by continents. You have to manage panic levels by completing missions, using satellites, etc. It's very hard, and decisions you make are crucial.

When you choose certain missions, you'll be on the ground and actually control individual squadmates. The map is hidden until you move there, then aliens and you switch off taking turns. It's crazy how much strategy is involved in your moves, shots, and cover positions. So much fun though. If squadmates die here, they are dead forever, so SAVE OFTEN. Level up to get new killer armor, abilities, perks, weapons, etc.

All in all, Xcom satisfied me with a great new strategy shooter, something I'm new to playing. I gave it a shot and it paid off. But it can be deadly difficult on the higher difficulty levels, so if you're up for a killer challenge, check out Xcom.

Milt Drucker
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