XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM: Enemy Within is a rare type of game since it is an expansion of a title previously released in 2012. However, this expansion grew so big that developer Firaxis Game and publisher 2K Games decided to release it as a standalone for PC, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 in 2013. The game’s reception was overwhelmingly positive and seemed to please critics and fans at the time, the game was praised for its perfecting and improving its predecessor’s achievements while providing significant content added to it.

The Extraterrestrial Combat Unit

The Council of Nations united to create the XCOM, a military and scientific organization with humanity’s cutting-edge technology, and weapons tasked with defending Earth against alien attacks. Players are then tasked with a commanding position within the unit and are responsible for managing XCOM headquarters while developing strategies for their soldiers in the turn-based combat missions throughout the game.

As XCOM’s missions start to succeed and more information about the aliens, their anatomy, biologies are discovered, players realize that they are just the bottom of the alien ranks and that severe problems must be heading earth’s way. The mission then becomes to discover the next steps of the alien attack by capturing a live specimen. The storyline evolves as players discover that the aliens have special powers and that they have been experimenting on humans. Without delving into spoiler territory, the narrative of the game evolves into a big climax that delivers an action-packed Hollywood-like conclusion to the journey.

Unidentified Gaming Object

Gameplay-wise this title is very similar to its predecessor. The tactical turn-based and strategic aspect that made this shooter outstanding is still here. With over 70 unique missions around the world, the game feels massive, and each mission challenges the player’s creativity and puzzle-solving. Add to the mix a brand new resource called meld players will be able to purchase new genetic and cybernetic enhancements which completely refresh the old content while pushing the new content into new realms of excellence. One of the best things about this new resource is the fact that it changes how the game can be approached from the go.

XCOM: Enemy Within has a lot of content to offer with various new items, new Foundry projects, improved performances, forty-seven new maps, and an expanded multiplayer environment. For players who haven't experienced this series yet, this might be the best entry point you could ask for.

Conclusion

XCOM: Enemy Within takes the best part of XCOM: Enemy Unknown puts it on steroids and gifts players with what could arguably be one of the best strategy games of all time.

PROS:

• Impeccable Strategic Combat
• Highly Replayable
• Huge Amount of Content
• Visually Stunning
• New Classes, Weapons, Enemies

CONS:

• The Second Half of The Game Isn’t as Challenging
• Eventual Glitch/Performance Issue