XCOM 2

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1694 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,117 out of 1694
  2. Mixed: 275 out of 1694
  3. Negative: 302 out of 1694
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  1. Lasa
    Feb 18, 2016
    8
    XCOM 2 have some performance issues, glitches and so on but play like it is great.
    People complaining about forcing player to finish mission fast like in 8-12 turns.
    Those people like to stay in overwatch for 15 turns until eventually enemy runs into them, or when they run into a tough encounter they dash out off sight and wait again in overwatch, and they call it strategy well i am glad    XCOM 2 have some performance issues, glitches and so on but play like it is great.
    People complaining about forcing player to finish mission fast like in 8-12 turns.
    Those people like to stay in overwatch for 15 turns until eventually enemy runs into them, or when they run into a tough encounter they dash out off sight and wait again in overwatch, and they call it strategy well i am glad that kind of strategy is not possible.
    if you claim the game is to difficult it means you are rushing through the game and not planning your moves. I recommend to watch beaglerush videos who is like an expert in the game.

    The AI might shoot you when triggered if you out of cover, great
    No more overwatch camping, great

    the only thing it botters me is the fact the AI is still so damned stupid like sectoid is last enemy and he is flanking you and he raises a zombie instead shooting you in the head. sectoid never uses the plasma pistol unless he is flashbanged    … Expand
  2. Blahqqbirds
    Feb 20, 2016
    8
    Great game but gets repetitive. For people complaining about it being too hard; research faceless asap and get as mimic balls. This will make even legend ironman mode a joke.
  3. shinyary2
    Feb 24, 2016
    8
    Wow, this game has really divided the fan base. Personally I really liked it (as I'll explain in my review), but I can understand why some people didn't and I wonder if Firaxis made some huge mistakes.

    To establish credibility, I have completed two runs: one on Veteran (Normal), and one on Commander (Hard) with Iron Man turned on. I would like to address the following: timed    Wow, this game has really divided the fan base. Personally I really liked it (as I'll explain in my review), but I can understand why some people didn't and I wonder if Firaxis made some huge mistakes.

    To establish credibility, I have completed two runs: one on Veteran (Normal), and one on Commander (Hard) with Iron Man turned on.

    I would like to address the following: timed missions, difficulty curve, and what I can only call terrible design decisions.

    - Timed missions
    The timer forces you to spend a lot of time on every turn planning out the most efficient possible way to use every character in your squad. If one character is out of position and you can't wipe out the current pod of enemies in a few turns, you are probably in trouble. Flanking is incredibly important in this game, as is getting a bigger squad and getting the right offensive tech to give you enough firepower to very quickly overwhelm the aliens.

    This is different from Enemy Within, and I understand that it's a change a lot of people don't like. Yes, it does limit what decisions you can legitimately make and still expect success. Does that make the game worse? I suppose it depends on your point of view. For me, the answer is no; it makes the game better, because in a way I never felt in Enemy Within (one of my favorite games, ever), I felt an incredible weight behind every decision, knowing that if I don't make a good decision, my game could end very badly.

    - The difficulty curve
    This one's sticky business, and one of the reasons why I'm giving the game an 8 instead of a 9. In my opinion the difficulty curve is almost inverted in this game. The first mission is incredibly difficult on Commander and Legend difficulties and I felt very much at the mercy of the RNG in a way that the second mission and on simply didn't. Aliens can and very often do hit you even if you are behind full cover and they should supposedly have very low odds.

    As I said before, the game is about efficiency. You will absolutely not survive an extended battle against a pod of aliens without a scratch (until you have better armor), but on the first mission your classless soldiers give you nearly no options for finding a more efficient strategy for killing your enemies. This is the only mission where I felt that the only way to survive intact was to save scum. It's really too bad, as once all of my soldiers were promoted at least once, I don't think I ever felt that something bad happened to me that wouldn't have been avoided with a better overall strategy. It's a particularly awful problem on Legend, where they throw a mind-controlling Sectoid at you on the first mission with no chance of getting the items that counter them.

    Then again, maybe I am simply doing something wrong.

    - Terrible design decisions
    This is a catch all category as there are a number of really bizarre design decisions in this game.

    The worst one is the fact that the game is constantly pressuring you to make bad decisions. You absolutely should not rush to complete the story objectives; you should mill around, doing random missions, collecting resources, and leveling up your squad. The global game timer does not count up as quickly as the NPCs want you to think it does, and what this does is force people to lose because they were playing the way the game tells you to play. I understand that the devs wanted to create an atmosphere of tension, but it's a problem when the only way (as far as I could tell) to enjoy the game is to ignore everything it tells you.

    This problem pops up again where if you build base structures in the order the tutorial tells you, you will probably lose.

    There are also numerous other random issues, such as arbitrary "wait" times added to nearly every action (they are clearly unnecessary because there is a mod that removes all of them, making the game far better). When you return from a mission the game sits there "loading" for 30 seconds to a minute no matter how good your hardware is, and if you hit caps lock it will just skip immediately (thanks Reddit for this amazing time saving tip!). So, it was obviously unnecessary.

    I would also like to mention that most of the intro logos are skippable and the ones that aren't are quick. If you are really annoyed by them there is a launch option to get rid of them. Every cutscene in the game except the final one is also skippable if you hit the Escape key.

    - Final remarks
    I really loved this game. It is unfortunately plagued by a few issues, but the bottom line is: if you like the idea of spending every turn thinking about how to get maximum efficiency out of every squad member, you will love the game and should buy it now (if you have a computer that can get around the poor optimization). If you would rather try to create intricate strategies that take a lot of turns to set up and execute, maybe give this one a pass or use the timer removal mods.    … Expand
  4. Huzardadi
    Feb 26, 2016
    8
    Gameplay is 10 of 10. Lower score because it is GLITCHY.

    People who complain about the timers should lower the difficulty. Sometimes you get a bunch of missions in a row that have them and sometimes you don't. The timers make the game much more interesting forcing you to make risky decisions.

    BUGGY BUGGY BUGGY. Don't play ironman until this game gets figured out from the back end.
  5. Marcecritic
    Feb 27, 2016
    8
    This game is fantastic ! It is a worthy sequel with acceptable graphics and gameplay that grabs you from the beginning of the game. characters very similar to the first XCOM
  6. Cougargames
    Nov 5, 2019
    8
    Now please dont mind my seven just beacuse metacritic gives 7s a yellow colour doesnt men i hate the game its quite good in fact it does almost everything that xcom did right besides the fact that they have timed missions. One of the most satisfying feeling (atleast for me) is that i could creat the perfect stealth attack and suprise my enemies. You can still do that but its all veryNow please dont mind my seven just beacuse metacritic gives 7s a yellow colour doesnt men i hate the game its quite good in fact it does almost everything that xcom did right besides the fact that they have timed missions. One of the most satisfying feeling (atleast for me) is that i could creat the perfect stealth attack and suprise my enemies. You can still do that but its all very limited beacuse you almost dont have the option to take your time. Now Im not gonna spoil xcoms ending but what i can tell you is that everything you did in Xcom 1 basically dosent matter, wich fel like a big f*** you to the players.… Expand
  7. Metas
    Mar 28, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think it is an excellent game if you can learn to tolerate the resource hog of an engine that runs it.
    But the thing is, it is not hard. I played on commander (3rd) difficulty with self-regulated iron man mode. I just had one character (modeled after my wife) that I didn't want to lose. So I wowed to only load if I lost her, and this happened just once. To be specific, battles are maybe slightly harder than previous versions (first few battles should always be considered a proving ground for inexperienced crew) and that "shaken" status is just badly badly implemented. Unlike most I loved the sense of urgency turn counter in many missions gave me. My first lost soldier was not killed but captured because I failed to evac him in time. But my problem is not the slightly harder battle, Your crew is meant to die and you should feel the burn. it is the childishly easy global strategy.

    I understand the new system is much more promising than the original which just required you to spam satellites. But this one is too easy. Flag a few zones and you are set to go. There are no more irreversible losses on the global map. No bothering to cover the globe to improve reaction times since you ALWAYS get there in time. You can skip half the missions and make up for it by contacting regions, building radio towers and sabotaging facilities. (At least I suspect if I played in insane difficulty it would be viable). In both my playthroughs countdown mode only triggered when I willfully allowed it (because it looks pretty cool). I wish there was separate difficulty setting for battles and strategy, I would certainly increase the global strategy difficulty without making my battles any more harder..    … Expand
  8. ExtremeXT1
    Mar 29, 2016
    8
    Pros:Game characters and story is very good. The mechanics and graphics are also good. I got it installed with 3rd patch so no bugs or persistent crashes. Few occasional frame dips which occurs in most games. The upgrade system/weapons/armor are all cool.
    Cons: The Single mechanism action is not fit for games in 2016, if it was 1996 it would make sense. For instance, the player cant move    Pros:Game characters and story is very good. The mechanics and graphics are also good. I got it installed with 3rd patch so no bugs or persistent crashes. Few occasional frame dips which occurs in most games. The upgrade system/weapons/armor are all cool.
    Cons: The Single mechanism action is not fit for games in 2016, if it was 1996 it would make sense. For instance, the player cant move or give order to attack to multiple members. You gotta move em ONE BY ONE which is very frustrating and makes the game so unreal. This was mastered in SC2, you could select groups of enemies and give orders. Imagine how long SC2 would've been if we had to move every goddamn unit one by one!    … Expand
  9. ashyyay2
    Oct 7, 2016
    8
    بازی ایکس کام 2 یک بازی بسیار خوب است.اما متاسفانه برای افرادی که با ژانر استراتژیک یا حتی استراتژیک نوبتی اشنا نیستند بازی بسیار بدی است همچنین دارای مشکلات زیدازی هست و بهینه سازی بسیار بدی روی سیستم های ضعیف دارد
  10. Bruno2rech
    Jan 20, 2017
    8
    the game is brilliant I love the random generated maps and the intresting game play and tactics that you need to use is like playing chess on steroids. I also love the caricature props and the different research options thou I would prefer more of a research tree and I would also like to see. it would be nice thou if they could allow you to build your own resistance out posts at land basesthe game is brilliant I love the random generated maps and the intresting game play and tactics that you need to use is like playing chess on steroids. I also love the caricature props and the different research options thou I would prefer more of a research tree and I would also like to see. it would be nice thou if they could allow you to build your own resistance out posts at land bases at captured resistance settlements and then defend them against attackers. the only thing that bugs me with the game is the bugs and that at higher levels of difficulty they do not increase the amount of enemies you fight they only lower your percentage hit chance which is not all that great.… Expand
  11. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good X2
  12. DeathReis
    Jul 5, 2022
    8
    GİRİŞ

    Şunu belirterek giriş yapmak istiyorum ilk oyun olan Xcom Enemy Unknown'u oynamadım yani her hangi bir karşılaştırma yapamayacağım Xcom 2 nedendir bilmem ilk gördüğüm anda beni kendisine çekmişti uygun bir fiyatı olmasından dolayıda direk aldım oyunu (full paketi 45tl) ve şunu söyleyebilirim oyunu modsuz oynamak kesinlikle işkence, gelin inceleyelim ARTILARI +Harika    GİRİŞ

    Şunu belirterek giriş yapmak istiyorum ilk oyun olan Xcom Enemy Unknown'u oynamadım yani her hangi bir karşılaştırma yapamayacağım

    Xcom 2 nedendir bilmem ilk gördüğüm anda beni kendisine çekmişti uygun bir fiyatı olmasından dolayıda direk aldım oyunu (full paketi 45tl) ve şunu söyleyebilirim oyunu modsuz oynamak kesinlikle işkence, gelin inceleyelim

    ARTILARI

    +Harika grafikleri

    +Güzel optimizasyon

    +Sağlam yapay zeka

    +Binbir çeşit upgrade seçeneği

    +Askerlerin "bio" kısımları oldukça detaylı ve bu sayede bazı askerlerle bağ kurmanıza sebep oluyor(cidden bazı askerlerim öldüğü için neredeyse yas tutacaktım)

    +Bölüm tasarımları şahane

    +Scriptli eventler fena değil

    +Hikaye tırt olsada nadiren "wow" dedirtiyor

    +Silah ve Sınıf çeşitliliği yeterli düzeyde

    +Düşman çeşitliliği ise çok iyi

    +Oyun süresi gayet iyi(dlcler ile uzatabilirsiniz tabiki)

    +Steam atölye desteği

    +Görevler öncesi doğru planlama yapmanızı gerektiren dizayn seçimi

    EKSİLERİ

    -Tırt hikayesi

    -Tırt karakterleri

    -Çoğunlukla tahmin edilebilir olay örgüsü

    -Silahlar ve Sınıf çeşitliliği "yeterli" düzeyde olsa da maalesef oyunun oynanış süresi göz önünde bulundurursak yetersiz kalabiliyor

    -Sonlara doğru tekrara düşüyor

    -Oyunun düşmanı vurmanızı hesaplayan sistem çok gaddar(bununla ilgili modlar var kullanmanızı tavsiye ederim)

    PUANLAMA

    82/100 100: Mükemmel(Kusursuz) 99-90: Harika(Kusursuz Değil ama yakın) 89-80: Çok iyi 79-75: İyi 74-70: Ortalama Üstü 69-65: Ortalama 64-60: Ortalama Altı 59-55: Kötü 54-50: Çok Kötü 49    … Expand
  13. Kotofon
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    XCOM2 - это продолжение признанной игроками и критиками стратегии XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Двадцать лет минуло с тех пор, как человечество проиграло войну с захватчиками из другого мира, и на Земле теперь царит новый порядок
  14. GarethB
    Nov 2, 2018
    8
    An excellent turned base game full of action and plenty of customisation. There are a huge host of mods available to tailor the game further to your needs!
  15. PeetApiwat
    Nov 3, 2019
    8
    "Save scumming because I love all my soldiers"

    The Good: presentation, challenge gameplay, graphic, ability to customize soldier.
    The Okay: some camera angle problem.
    The Bad: some situation seems unfair where you just have to lose (or save-scumming :D)
  16. Genek13
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    Great sequel to one of the best tactical games.
    Campaign is enjoyable and long enough.
    Visuals and sound effects are outstanding - especially comparing to the previous one.
    During playtrough had some technical problems, but not gamebreaking ones.
  17. DoctorDeath
    Jun 29, 2020
    8
    Continued and, in fact, a repetition of the first part. Few new ideas. But still good gameplay. For fans of the strategy and tactics genre.
  18. Gonzaked
    Jul 10, 2020
    8
    Hey... Do you remember when Donald Trump, Darth Vader, Hatsune Miku and the Ultramarines saved the World ? Yeah... Me too...

    Coded with the feet and optimised with knees, this game didn't get any real update to solved it issues. Like an other game who likes to shoot you in the knee, you HAVE to install mods to get an acceptable experience : Balancing the game, Getting new    Hey... Do you remember when Donald Trump, Darth Vader, Hatsune Miku and the Ultramarines saved the World ? Yeah... Me too...

    Coded with the feet and optimised with knees, this game didn't get any real update to solved it issues.

    Like an other game who likes to shoot you in the knee, you HAVE to install mods to get an acceptable experience :

    Balancing the game,
    Getting new classes, new weapons, new foes, new everything.

    The campaign is cool, the gameplay is okay... but it has some stupidities like stealth being misexploited.

    Soundtrack is great
    Graphism are mediocre.

    But hey, even Archer and his crew are joining the party !
    Thanks 2K games, but a bigger thanks to the modders !    … Expand
  19. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    May 5, 2022
    8
    A great game if you are into the genre. In my opinion its leaning a bit too heavy into the overworld / basebuilding management wich is janky and tedious. Be warned there are quite a few bugs (gameplay / audio / visual). Also the combat could be sped up just a tiny bit. The optimazation is also quite horrible. I liked the high difficulty of each mission.
  20. OldManGamerOMG
    Dec 7, 2020
    8
    While the game is leaps and bounds better than the previous XCOM, I would be amiss to not recommend that you play the previous XCOM to get the full amount of enjoyment out of this game, as well as back story.

    The previous XCOM was badly designed around RNG, but this game has fixed much of that, allowing for strategy to be stronger than the ridiculous RNG missed shots. There is still    While the game is leaps and bounds better than the previous XCOM, I would be amiss to not recommend that you play the previous XCOM to get the full amount of enjoyment out of this game, as well as back story.

    The previous XCOM was badly designed around RNG, but this game has fixed much of that, allowing for strategy to be stronger than the ridiculous RNG missed shots. There is still times that you will miss that 99 percent success shot, but it isn't game breaking as it was in XCOM Enemy Within. The game is also far more inclusive to the tempo that you take the game, as opposed to feeling rushed in every sense of the way.

    The layout of the base is not make or break based on the layout that RNG gave you at the start as well. This makes it less stressful in starting the game, and wondering where a steam vent is, or if you can get that Sat link without the Steam Vent being in the way.

    The engineers and scientists are far more interesting and fun. I wish there was more we could do with them, but they are vastly better than just getting a number higher.

    In short, I enjoyed XCOM 2 vastly more than XCOM EU and EW. I definitely recommend this game, though wait to get the DLC/Expansions until they are on sale. They are quite overpriced currently.    … Expand
  21. sparkdiamonds2
    May 12, 2021
    8
    One of my favorite games! I always have a good time with XCOM. Love the combat especially
  22. eefeef
    Aug 31, 2023
    8
    This game is about battles for the sake of battles, and those battles are fun every time, until you get tired of them and then the game is over.
  23. Hyperfailure
    Nov 27, 2022
    8
    (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
    ┻━┻ ︵ ヽ(°□°ヽ)

    ┻━┻ ︵ ＼( °□° )／ ︵ ┻━┻

    ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)

    (ﾉಥ益ಥ）ﾉ ┻━┻

    ┬──┬ ¯_(ツ)

    ┻━┻ ︵ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻

    ┻━┻ ︵ ¯(ツ)/¯ ︵ ┻━┻

    (╯°Д°）╯︵ /(.□ . )

    ʕノ•ᴥ•ʔノ ︵ ┻━┻
  24. PR9Gaming
    Aug 12, 2023
    8
    XCOM turned up to 12, but on amps that should really be at 10 max. It gets way crazier, but still follows the formula of being a strugglebus in the beginning to being a cakewalk without any challenge at late game.
  25. CaptainChaos
    Jan 14, 2020
    7
    I loved XCOM1 and I wanted to love this game also. I do in many ways but there are WAY too many FRUSTRATING things about this game that wants to make me uninstall it every few hours.

    You should know that in my first full playthrough of XCOM I barely cheated (maybe reloaded a misplaced grenade shot I didn't understand where it was going), and playing on normal difficulty I almost won (I    I loved XCOM1 and I wanted to love this game also. I do in many ways but there are WAY too many FRUSTRATING things about this game that wants to make me uninstall it every few hours.

    You should know that in my first full playthrough of XCOM I barely cheated (maybe reloaded a misplaced grenade shot I didn't understand where it was going), and playing on normal difficulty I almost won (I lost the last battle). I LOVED the challenge and difficulty and brutality. I find much of this game is just nonsensical a lot. random and just frustrating. For example

    1. The ingame instructions are fair to miserable. Half the time I have no idea how to use certain weapons, or abilities or who has them, nor do I understand much of the UI.

    2. Unlike AOW Planetfall which tells you the percentage chance to hit something BEFORE you move to a tile this does not. I had to search REDDIT to even know that there was a tiny target thingy over enemy units that is displayed when you mouse over a potential tile to which you might consider moving, so that at least you know if you can even "see" the unit to shoot at it (you still don't know if your to-hit is 10% or 100% until after you move, although before you shoot).

    3. I'm stuck on one mission b/c one of the characters you find has an important weapon to use on the last encounter - only they don't warn of you that and I used it already. Thanks guys! Good thing I don't trust any game and have 100 saves. I feel sorry for anyone else playing iron man mode or who doesn't save every other turn. EDIT: I had to go back about 20 moves and reload that save and now I'm passed it. Ugh. In all fairness though, turns out you can use the environment to help you but I didn't know that (like exploding generators - but I found out by accident).

    4. There's just a lot of ways to screw up the game for not understanding it and it is a very challenging and unforgiving game. I like challenges, but I can't tell you how many times on a timed mission I couldn't even figure out where to go or how to complete the objective when I got there forcing me to reload 100 times.

    5. Finally the overwatch / combat system is very very poorly implemented. Most missions you start off in concealment which is great. But then you engage, only YOUR FIRST UNIT and those units that were in overwatch basically get to attack (and those overwatch attacks only work if the enemy moves, not if they fire). That might have been an XCOM 1 thing also I don't remember, but then they should have fixed it. Every other "normal" system in the world would give your whole team a round of surprise attacks, but you have to set them all up in overwatch to do that. That also means you spend 3x as long as moving on the map b/c EVERYONE ELSE has to do overwatch FIRST (DO IT FIRST!!) b/c if your other team member stumbles on enemies when it moves, it blows it for everyone and anyone not in overwatch LOSES THEIR TURN essentially while the aliens go. STUPID. Really STUPID. Sorry.

    On the plus side, it is XCOM with way better graphics, so if you enjoyed the original and the frustrations don't make you pull your hair out, the rest of the game is quite fun and addictive.

    SAVE SAVE SAVE. Or you will put your hand through your monitor. You might still. I like this game. I want to love it. But ARG.    … Expand
  26. Masterhummel
    Feb 6, 2016
    7
    Prepare to be constantly reloading.

    Xcom 2 is definetly more refined then its predecessor and i, personally, don't see the timers as inherently unfitting. They just may appear in too much missions. Xcom 2 tries a different approach on some things like the covert mode at mission begin. Also you're forced to use more soldiers, trying to make it less dreadful if you loose a soldier. And    Prepare to be constantly reloading.

    Xcom 2 is definetly more refined then its predecessor and i, personally, don't see the timers as inherently unfitting. They just may appear in too much missions. Xcom 2 tries a different approach on some things like the covert mode at mission begin. Also you're forced to use more soldiers, trying to make it less dreadful if you loose a soldier. And sometimes it works, but othertimes the mechanics trip over themselves.

    For example, during the covert mode you can't see the sight radius of an enemy that you haven't discovered yet. Also, if you attack a target during covert mode, you pull every enemy that is in your visibility into the fight. Which means that you want to have as little sight as possible or else you might easily pull a cascade of enemies that will completly destroy you.

    Enemies are far more dangerous now, with more special attacks and variety. Which is cool, but they're too strong fot the most part. A pack of 3 vipers will disable 3 of your soldiers in one turn, leaving you with another 3. If you have pulled two or three groups, you might as well reload. A mission may either run perfect or not at all. Which is a shame, because like this, there are no stories your soldiers can develop. Because they either suceed or die. There is no in-between.

    Also there are some bugs and a rather questionable performance.

    Overall, it's a good game. But it feels like it could've done well with three months more balancing and bug hunting.    … Expand
  27. Skulb
    Jan 16, 2017
    7
    Easily the best Xcom game released since the 90s in my opinion. It addresses a few of the issues with the unimpressive first game in this particular reboot. The mission maps are larger so you have more tactical options and the strategic map has more interesting stuff happening on it. It's still far from perfect, and completely lacks the first contact element that made the original fromEasily the best Xcom game released since the 90s in my opinion. It addresses a few of the issues with the unimpressive first game in this particular reboot. The mission maps are larger so you have more tactical options and the strategic map has more interesting stuff happening on it. It's still far from perfect, and completely lacks the first contact element that made the original from 1996 so compelling. Instead the aliens are entrenched behind a global puppet regime, almost like real life bankers in our society. The problem with this is that it feels a lot less like a war against aliens and more like a war against uniformed goons, lab experiments and robots. There is a pop-up event where you get to salvage a crashed UFO, but it's the same one every time and offers no new opponents or anything else of note.
    Regardless; Xcom 2 is a lot of fun to play, and gives you a nice system of upgrades, promotions and researc. It even manages to give you a little base building inside your now mobile base. It isn't amazing but at least it's there this time.
    Still missing is a proper inventory for your soldiers, a more detailed action point system like the originals had, UFO hunting, actual aliens and above all a way to turn off the unskippable radio communications during missions. These are not fun when you're reloading a save.

    Pros:
    - Great graphics and physics. Even on low settings the game looks amazing, which is made even more impressive by almost fully destructible environments.
    - Satisfying tactical combat. Cover really matters, but almost everything you're able to hide behind can also be destroyed very easily. Moving around from cover to cover while trying to survive a hectic battle is always fun, and is done better here than in almost any game in the genre I can think of.
    - Good economy. Resources salvaged during missions are needed to build base improvements and gear for your soldiers, as well as providing you with objects for your scientists to research. This makes it hard to stop playing, as there is always something to upgrade or improve between each mission.
    - Good AI. Isolated enemies will sometimes retreat to join up with other groups of enemies, making the next fight that much harder for you. Enemies generally seem to want to stay alive if possible, rather than mindlessly suicide on your strong positions. They flank, teleport and do all sorts of things to get around your defenses, and it feels quite realistic sometimes. At least as realistic as fighting off an alien invasion could feel.

    Cons
    - Obviously designed for consoles and ported to the PC. The game therefore fails to take advantage of the PC's controls, and you end up with things like no inventories, simplistic menus and an overall reduction in the level of detail all over the place. The UI has to be kept simple for console users and this is a shame for PC users, who could handle more complexity. You're supposed to play this game with a hand controller, which PC users usually don't. It would be a very different game if it had been designed for the PC. More like the original Xcom maybe. Personally I would score it higher if it had been developed for the gaming system I am using. But it hasn't.
    - Horribly generic music. The usual awful horn assault to signify to simpletons that something heroic is occurring.
    - Similarly generic US brand militarism. This is of course completely nauseating to anyone who isn't an American, but also to quite a few people that are. Kidnap someone and they become a "package". Shoot or bomb them and they become a "target", a "bogey" or even "collateral", my personal favorite. The horrible man who serves as a narrator of sorts is something of a satire of a prototypical American war horse posing as a hero. Personally I wanted to go to war against him sometimes rather than the aliens. Go away John Wayne/Dick Cheney/generic Pentagon criminal!
    - Performance issues. Lags, crashes, long loading times and corruption of saves. Once all my saves even became completely impossible to load so I had to restart the game.
    - Unskippable parts are annoying. Some videos are like this and are sometimes tedious if you're seen them before. But mostly I have an issue with the awful, horrible man who keeps talking to me during missions so I have to stop what I'm doing to listen to his drivel. If you have radio communications during missions just run them in the background. Don't take control of the game away from me to tell me stuff I don't want or need to hear.
    - Skydiving mobs, groups of mobs that trigger fully if you move into the wrong square. This too is very console-y and a cheap, annoying way to structure the tactical combat. Trying to flank a group of mobs, just to take one example, is very likely to pull another group instead of giving you a tactical advantage. Individual mob reactions and some system of initiative would have been much better. As it is the game basically forces you to save scum to get anywhere    … Expand
  28. karmasleeper
    Feb 12, 2016
    7
    The game would deserve a higher rating, even with the massive performance issues most mainstream reviews ignored, if it weren't for the turn limits on most missions.

    When a low turn limit requires you to rush forward to reach an objective on the other side of the map you can't take the extra turns setting up ambushes requires with the new stealth system. You can't cautiously make your    The game would deserve a higher rating, even with the massive performance issues most mainstream reviews ignored, if it weren't for the turn limits on most missions.

    When a low turn limit requires you to rush forward to reach an objective on the other side of the map you can't take the extra turns setting up ambushes requires with the new stealth system. You can't cautiously make your approach always sticking to full cover and creating overlapping cones of overwatch fire. You absolutely must rush ahead to get there in time. When the majority of missions have a timer, whatever sense of urgency you feel the first few times you play them evaporates quickly. It soon becomes a repetitious formula.

    Other than this, the game is upgraded Enemy Unknown and is a worthy successor. New classes are fun, stealth mechanic is a lot of fun when you aren't restricted by time to set up the perfect ambush, and the new overworld mechanics with the resistance and flying mobile base are a welcome addition.

    My only other gripe would be that attacks still fly through cover (even full cover) and world geometry as if they weren't there. Part of this may be due to the fact that everything is procedurally generated this time around. A new class also has melee attacks that can hit enemies through windows and the adjoining wall, often completely destroying the structure as if a bomb went off. Enemy melee attacks will also connect in physically impossible ways completely destroying immersion and your carefully laid plans.

    Wait for a sale. There will probably be great mods and performance improvements by then.    … Expand
  29. Rtheom
    Feb 8, 2016
    7
    XCOM 1 is one of my Top 5 All Time games. XCOM 2 is okay, but not quite up to snuff yet, as others have said.

    Performance is just sad. The is the first game I've really had any problems with and its sounding like it isn't actually my computer doing it. Gameplay is good, very similar to the original, but it is all new levels of punishing. I like my XCOM challenging, but a team wipe    XCOM 1 is one of my Top 5 All Time games. XCOM 2 is okay, but not quite up to snuff yet, as others have said.

    Performance is just sad. The is the first game I've really had any problems with and its sounding like it isn't actually my computer doing it.

    Gameplay is good, very similar to the original, but it is all new levels of punishing. I like my XCOM challenging, but a team wipe every mission gets old fast.

    Major plus is the ability to pre-create and share characters. I used to spend hours every game making up new characters for my team. It's fun to just create a bunch and see who gets randomly thrown in there. This is a HUGE improvement over the last game.

    Verdict: Die-hards will still be pleased. New folks should just get XCOM 1 on rebate with the expansions and wait for this one to cook a little longer.    … Expand
  30. dobserver
    Jan 3, 2017
    7
    Never played XCOM before but played a lot of turn based strategy games before like Fire Emblem and Tactics Ogre. Obviously the graphics of this game are a lot better than those ones however the strategic element of it needs a bit of work. I played it on Veteran and found myself quite defeated as I got into the mid game with the enemies being much overpowered compared to my squad. INever played XCOM before but played a lot of turn based strategy games before like Fire Emblem and Tactics Ogre. Obviously the graphics of this game are a lot better than those ones however the strategic element of it needs a bit of work. I played it on Veteran and found myself quite defeated as I got into the mid game with the enemies being much overpowered compared to my squad. I restarted on Rookie, and amazingly it is still quite difficult if you do not research and prioritzie certain things over others. There are clearly 'better' research and resources compared to others in the game but the game does not really explain this. So a lot of the time is wasted doing things in a sub optimal way, which leads to the dark event bar filling up faster and the enemy progressing faster than you can. I am fine with restarting and retrying new ways, but I think the game is much too difficult in a 'rookie' setting then it should be.

    Good:
    - strategic elements like fog of war, cover, half cover, elevation, status effects,
    - squad customization, classes are interesting,
    - attack effects and destructible environment is fun and intersting
    - research options and engineering build options allow for a more varied squad

    Bad:
    - enemies some time ignore terrain effects and building cover
    - constant 'doomsday' clock and limited turns in both in game combat and the overall game
    - camera is frustrating when trying to zoom into multilevel buildings
    - research paths appear to be 'open' but in fact punish you for prioritizing and trying out new things
    - difficulty for 'rookie' is much too hard for a casual newbie in my opinion

    Verdict:
    - pick it up if you enjoy a good turn based strategy game, but understand the faults it has before and see if you can live with it    … Expand
  31. DeonCadme
    Sep 3, 2016
    7
    The original XCOM game is by many, seen as one of those genre defining games. It was thus a pleasant surprise to see such a good interpretation of the original game and this sequel improves the formula. The only flaw is that the game haven't really reached the success of the original games from the 90:s because the procedural system isn't really able to provide the same replay-ability andThe original XCOM game is by many, seen as one of those genre defining games. It was thus a pleasant surprise to see such a good interpretation of the original game and this sequel improves the formula. The only flaw is that the game haven't really reached the success of the original games from the 90:s because the procedural system isn't really able to provide the same replay-ability and the difficulty isn't hard enough without getting ridiculous. It happens on harder settings that the game decides to give you more of a challenge and this results sometimes in bullet-sponges with ridiculous weapons that one shot the whole team. At least I knew in the old games why these enemies appeared and where I have to do better with my research in the next playthrough. I guess this is needed though because the enemies can be ridiculous stupid at times simply gather at the same place, at a tight spot that you simply throw a grenade or two into... Or they come running at you in a perfect impression of Leroy Jenkins.
    Also, a lot of content doesn't feel important. I often researched past an armor or weapon without using it because I (1) Could very easily research something better (2) Already had something better (3) The upgrade was a pointless resource sink.

    Also, why is the robot part a DLC? :(    … Expand
  32. GoneTomrrow
    Feb 24, 2016
    7
    First of all, I'm one of those guys who cite the original 90's XCOM game, but I do it for good reason. In short, this latest XCOM installment is a very good game and will satisfy anyone who has at least played the previous XCOM:EU. The tactics, resource management, reverse engineering, are all there.

    However, as stated, I must compare this game to the original released so many years    First of all, I'm one of those guys who cite the original 90's XCOM game, but I do it for good reason. In short, this latest XCOM installment is a very good game and will satisfy anyone who has at least played the previous XCOM:EU. The tactics, resource management, reverse engineering, are all there.

    However, as stated, I must compare this game to the original released so many years ago. One huge element that XCOM:EU lacked, and that XCOM 2 severely lacked is the dark and scary tone. There is no mystery; we have a sequel to the previous where the aliens have a foothold and now rule the earth, but why? What made the original game so great was the fear of an alien invasion, not some sci-fi series inspired plot where the aliens rule humans.

    One minor element, the music, sums it all up. The music for XCOM 2 is very stock. You want better atmosphere? Turn it off. Please do yourself a favor and Youtube the original game's music - it's absolutely spellbinding even 20 years on. Take a lesson from Infrogrames Firaxis because you have underestimated the value of creepy music.

    I also must briefly address the most common gripe in other reviews: the frequency of timed missions. It's a fun challenge to occasionally encounter, but I must say that the majority of missions have turn-based time limits. Thank Bog for mods.

    Despite the above gripes, XCOM 2 is very engrossing. If you're a long time fan, don't hesitate. The spirit of the original is, albeit tenuously, there.    … Expand
  33. keredd1010
    Aug 28, 2016
    7
    If only the game worked as it should this could possibly get a 9 or a 10. Vastly improves on it's predecessor but riddled with bugs that no game should be released it that state. However, I will go as far as to say that this is the quintessential turn-based strategy game. This game is to turn-based what COD is to FPS. But dear god man is it buggy.
  34. Klewer
    Dec 15, 2016
    7
    I really want to love this game, but it makes it so difficult. It has all the core mechanics and game play to make this a great game. It just has issues with the combat, even on the lowest difficulty there feels like there is so much RNG involved. Worth a look for fans of these games but it can be tough at times.
  35. Alsvha
    Feb 6, 2016
    7
    A Tactical Approach game which forces you to forego tactical approaches...... strange design choice.

    The game overall is quite decent actually. For me it looks good, plays well and there's seemingly a lot to do. However the mission design is poor as the game forces you to rush forward most of the time, which means you do not spend much time being tactical, but hoping for luck with    A Tactical Approach game which forces you to forego tactical approaches...... strange design choice.

    The game overall is quite decent actually. For me it looks good, plays well and there's seemingly a lot to do.

    However the mission design is poor as the game forces you to rush forward most of the time, which means you do not spend much time being tactical, but hoping for luck with the *miss* roll engine.

    It seems like a half a try and that the developers expect modders to fix their game.    … Expand
  36. max1c
    Feb 8, 2016
    7
    The good:
    - Art/Graphics
    - Music - Cut scenes/Voice Acting - Story - Customization options The bad: - Numerous bugs - Sluggish interface - Inconsistent mechanics - Overly Repetitive I really want to give this game an 8, but I simply can not. I'm sure once all the bugs get ironed out and some performance improvements are made this game will easily be deserving of an 8 - 8.5    The good:
    - Art/Graphics
    - Music
    - Cut scenes/Voice Acting
    - Story
    - Customization options

    The bad:
    - Numerous bugs
    - Sluggish interface
    - Inconsistent mechanics
    - Overly Repetitive

    I really want to give this game an 8, but I simply can not. I'm sure once all the bugs get ironed out and some performance improvements are made this game will easily be deserving of an 8 - 8.5 rating. The biggest problems with the game are it's poor performing interface and a very inconsistent behaviour in mechanics. AI cheats/performs moves that simply should be impossible according to the rules of the gameplay.

    I enjoyed the cutscenes and the music. However, the game got repetitive and boring quickly. Overall, a good game plagued by bugs.    … Expand
  37. gromenawer
    Feb 11, 2016
    7
    The game is somewhere between an 7 and an 8.

    The bad things from the game are the glitch camera problems. Personally, I haven't experience any of the bad performance that people seems to have. I'm playing on a GTX980 thought. If you liked XCOM:EU and EW, you will enjoy this game too. If you didn't then don't bother with it; the game still have the two move system and the enemy pool    The game is somewhere between an 7 and an 8.

    The bad things from the game are the glitch camera problems. Personally, I haven't experience any of the bad performance that people seems to have. I'm playing on a GTX980 thought.

    If you liked XCOM:EU and EW, you will enjoy this game too. If you didn't then don't bother with it; the game still have the two move system and the enemy pool trigger, so if you didn't like those this is the same. Here is some of the new stuff:

    - Timed missions. You need to do something before time runs out. People are complaining that it is too difficult, I finished my first campaign, on normal, with an average of 2.75 turns left in the timed missions. I have started a new one in hard ironman and so far I can't see the problem.

    - Modular weapons and random research. You can get random bonuses to add to your soldiers. Is a nice thing and it force you to vary your tactics and adapt. I would had rather have a greater pool of options though. Also, I haven't find the use for the flamethrower over the default rocket.

    - Mods are a big thing now. This is why the game approach the 8. I can't wait to play a campaign fighting the Combine, and shooting down striders as the Earth resistance of the Half Life universe.

    - Story wise, meh, cheesy scifi. Is entertaining, not a great plot for sure, but it does the job. Weaker than the previous games in my opinion.

    My advice would be to buy XCOM:EU and EW since they are way cheaper. Try those, and see if you like the game first. The original XCOM games have different mechanics so don't base your purchase on those. XCOM certainly is not a game for all audiences. You might not like it, but I don't seem a reason to hate it.    … Expand
  38. TwoEars
    Mar 15, 2017
    7
    XCOM 2 is an amazing game which one year after release still feels like it never left the beta development phase, and as much as I had a blast playing it it's also really hard to recommend. There are so many parts of this game I love; the new flying base is awesome, the story has a kind of x-files vibe to it, upgrading and customizing my soldiers is kick-ass. And when you get your squad ofXCOM 2 is an amazing game which one year after release still feels like it never left the beta development phase, and as much as I had a blast playing it it's also really hard to recommend. There are so many parts of this game I love; the new flying base is awesome, the story has a kind of x-files vibe to it, upgrading and customizing my soldiers is kick-ass. And when you get your squad of trained marines into position and make a brilliant tactical move, or decimate the enemy using "overwatch" or "killzone"... man this game can be a blast. Pure tactical turn based bliss.

    So it's painful then that still one year after release this game never really comes across as "finished". Despite having the latest patch and DLC I experienced so many bugs and issues it's almost comical. I shot enemies through walls, got shot at through wall, enemies would grab me though wall, the keyboard controls stopped working, the game froze on loading screens, the mission timer is stupid and breaks the flow of the game (I modded it out), there are difficultly balancing issues early to late game, some enemies are just cheap rather than clever (hello archon king), the fps is doing roller coaster rides with anything between 20-80 fps. The list goes on.

    If you're already an XCOM fan by all means pick up XCOM2; you're going to have a few issues, but you're also most likley going to have a lot of fun. However - if you're new to the series go and play "XCOM Enemy Unkown" instead, and then you can play the "Long War" mod for that. It's not as good looking but it's a much more polished and less frustrating experience, and at the moment it's the better turn based game. And it's also cheaper.

    Currently XCOM2 is not worth its full asking price, unless they fix all the bugs and gameplay issues this isn't worth more than $20 or so. In no way is it worth the full sticker price with all the issues I had and saw. I have to wonder what the heck Firaxis is up to, it's been over a year since release and still the game is full sticker price and shock full with bugs. I'm a big fan of the series and would love to see XCOM3, but they have to step up their QC-QA and play testing. XCOM2 could have been a "Solid 9" score type game if it had spent maybe 6 months more in QC-QA and play testing.    … Expand
  39. doodk3wl
    Feb 9, 2016
    7
    Overall I like it. I was a huge fan of the original 1993 X-coms and I loved the 2012 re-imagining of the franchise. X-com 2 I think has done a great job of pushing the series forward and if you were a fan of the first I'm sure you will enjoy the 2nd.

    The biggest complaint I have is the technical issues. As many other reviewers have commented the game preforms poorly even on high end    Overall I like it. I was a huge fan of the original 1993 X-coms and I loved the 2012 re-imagining of the franchise. X-com 2 I think has done a great job of pushing the series forward and if you were a fan of the first I'm sure you will enjoy the 2nd.

    The biggest complaint I have is the technical issues. As many other reviewers have commented the game preforms poorly even on high end equipment. I wouldn't go so far to say it makes the game unplayable, but it certainly can ruin the immersion when the frame rate drops during a particularly cinematic battle.

    I also find the plot to be really silly. I mean these aliens invaded and nearly destroyed Earth so Im not really sure why it comes as such a shock that they turn out to be evil.

    I find the combat as enjoyable as ever and have to admit I really love setting up that killer ambush or sneaking my way through a map to an objective. I love the theme of being this small outnumbered, out gunned resistance cell.

    I have about 20 hours invested in the game so far and just started my 2nd play through after failing my first. While the game seems to be really opened ended and gives you a variety of ways to approach the campaign I cant help but feel like theres only one or two viable paths to victory. If that turns out to be the case it could really hurt re-playablity for me.

    Anyway technical issues side the game is great and Im having a lot of fun. I still think its a little rough around the edges, but as it stands its worth a buy in my book. I think the mods and inevitable expansion will only add to an already fun experience. If you loved the first then this is a must buy.

    Once the technical issues are resolved I would consider bumping my score up to an 8, but I will admit I have a favorable bias toward the game.    … Expand
  40. whatever523
    Feb 13, 2019
    7
    XCOM 2 is a good game, but a lot of things could have been improved.

    * The user interface could be better. HP bars cover half the screen, navigating the base has too many annoying animations, you can't see what items your team have equipped during the missions etc. * There are still quite some bugs. * Line of sight needs a lot of improvements, especially with storied buildings. * RNG    XCOM 2 is a good game, but a lot of things could have been improved.

    * The user interface could be better. HP bars cover half the screen, navigating the base has too many annoying animations, you can't see what items your team have equipped during the missions etc.
    * There are still quite some bugs.
    * Line of sight needs a lot of improvements, especially with storied buildings.
    * RNG seems even worse than in the first part and it's often frustrating.
    * Missions are kinda boring and repetitive.

    The strengths are the same as in XCOM. The gameplay and customization options are good, but there's too much that distracts from it. Feels like XCOM 1.5.    … Expand
  41. Ogurechka
    Dec 20, 2022
    7
    The game causes very mixed feelings. On the one hand, this is a good and modern representative of the turn-based tactics genre. In general, it is the restart of the XCOM series that the entire genre owes its recent revival. On the other hand, the game has a lot of ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ game design decisions, and some things were done, and as if they didn’t understand why, and just scored.

    All in    The game causes very mixed feelings. On the one hand, this is a good and modern representative of the turn-based tactics genre. In general, it is the restart of the XCOM series that the entire genre owes its recent revival. On the other hand, the game has a lot of ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ game design decisions, and some things were done, and as if they didn’t understand why, and just scored.

    All in all, if you've played Enemy Unknown (the first part of the reboot), you won't see many changes. Whether it's good or bad, everyone decides for himself. The plot continues the events of the reboot and you will meet some familiar characters. But you need to understand that the plot here is basically banal and for show. There are few story missions themselves, basically you will play the same random events with generated cards. The graphics have become much better, despite the fact that the game is already 8 years old (at the time of writing this review), and its system requirements are weak. This is basically a rarity for tactics. The dynamic camera during shooting and just moving units is also pleasing to the eye. The visual customization of the fighters is also well done. But all this was already in the first part. The destructibility of objects at the levels is present, but not ideal, you can often see a situation where the wall and roof of the building are destroyed, and the boxes and partitions remain hanging in the air.

    But bad innovations, in my opinion, much more. These include absolutely ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ system for calculating hits on the enemy. Units regularly and not on business smear, reboots do not save from this, despite the fact that sometimes the game looks like a simulator of eternal saves and loads. An annoying global timer on the world map - you can't calmly rebuild your base, do research and improve equipment, the game constantly pushes you to complete story missions, otherwise you simply won't have time and will have to start from the beginning. An even more annoying timer on almost all side missions, you are given a measly 6-8 turns to complete the task, otherwise the mission will fail. Because of this, you constantly have to substitute fighters in unfavorable combat situations, and as a result, lose them or get injured, and because of this, they will not be able to participate in other missions for a long time. And yes, the permanent death of units cannot be turned off, although even the famous and hardcore Fire Emblem has already allowed it to be done for ten years. The very number of additional missions and frequency of their appearance is annoying to the point of madness, and if you refuse them, you will simply start to lose funding for your organization from other countries and lose for economic reasons. The difficulty of the game is basically unpleasant, at least if you're not a masochist.And of course, all sorts of unnecessary little things like mods for weapons and characters, they fall out extremely rarely, and they have few varieties, this is just the example when for some reason they made mechanics, but seemed to have scored on it.
    Of the minuses of both restarts, it is also worth noting that there is no action point system, and all actions are divided into two stages - movement and shooting. You can run far, but then you won't be able to shoot on that turn. Reloads, heals also cost precious actions. Classes like Snipers can't fire their primary weapons at all after moving or reloading, making the class's usefulness often questionable.There are people who like this system more than the famous AP, but here it is not implemented very well.

    To summarize, it may seem that the game has more disadvantages, this is not entirely true. I am sure that someone will like these innovations, especially lovers of additional complexity. If you are a fan of the genre, or you really liked the first part, then you need to try XCOM 2. If you are a beginner, then, probably, this is not the best representative of tactics from which you need to start acquaintance, your ass will burn and discourage all desire to touch other similar games.

    I can rate it 7/10, but I'm afraid it's not more.    … Expand
  42. smilzoboboz
    Jan 10, 2017
    7
    A good XCOM game, probably not the best, somehow poorly optimized and a bit cryptic on its mechanics.

    I'd like to start off with what I hate (exactly) of this game: stutter and loading times (on an SSD). First things first I'm playing this game on linux and since the game engine makes use of OpenGl and it's based on the old XCOM game (at least I heard that was it) I was expecting a few    A good XCOM game, probably not the best, somehow poorly optimized and a bit cryptic on its mechanics.

    I'd like to start off with what I hate (exactly) of this game: stutter and loading times (on an SSD). First things first I'm playing this game on linux and since the game engine makes use of OpenGl and it's based on the old XCOM game (at least I heard that was it) I was expecting a few issues, but not at "medium" detail level on a GTX-1060 with 6GB of VRAM. About the loading times, I spend like a whole minute (or even more) staring at the loading screen before missions, that's a lot of idle time which gets added to already "long" cutscenes, etc. A lot of idle time.

    Performance aside, as I wrote before this is a very nice XCOM game, but of course it's still an XCOM game, meaning that after a few successful perfect or excellent missions, after you manage to get decorated soldiers and after you feel everything is going great, you miss a point blank 90%+ shot, your whole team is killed and your hardcore game experience ends there.
    The percentage system is really not my thing, point blank on a flanked enemy you shouldn't need to worry about anything, I don't care if you can get a lucky shot on a 30% enemy, as a tactician I don't even bother trying with percentages below 50.
    In general the RNG component on this one is quite more present than in XCOM: Enemy Unknown and this often invalidates any possible tactic, they made an harder game by decreasing your chances of actually influencing the course of action.

    The new introduced mechanics on the other hand are what makes this game worth the trouble. Even if a bit cryptic at first (it's quite more complicated than XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the non-combat phase of the game) every new mechanic fits perfectly and often mitigates the awful/typical XCOM games RNG percentage system. I won't spoil anything because I think part of the fun is to get a grasp on your tools and exploit them for the victory.

    Last but not least there are several bugs, often gamebreaking (like enemies standing still without attacking or moving), encountered a few after just 10h of gameplay.

    So in the end for me it's a good turn-based tactical combat games, a worthy successor of the previous XCOM: Enemy Unknown (and "Within"), but definitely not the best turn-based tactical combat game out there, check out "Invisible Inc." if you like the genre, you may enjoy it more than this one.    … Expand
  43. james2003
    Feb 27, 2016
    7
    A great game but riddled with problems both technical and gameplay wise. At times I like it and sometimes I wish it were more like the original 1995 version. The big issues for me are the overuse of cut scenes and waiting times, the constant glitches and tech problems, and the unbelievable difficultly of the levels.

    Then there are the nagging moments that makes me wonder if X-Com is    A great game but riddled with problems both technical and gameplay wise. At times I like it and sometimes I wish it were more like the original 1995 version. The big issues for me are the overuse of cut scenes and waiting times, the constant glitches and tech problems, and the unbelievable difficultly of the levels.

    Then there are the nagging moments that makes me wonder if X-Com is terrorist organisation? Alternating with the overwhelmed feeling of desperation, as the gameplay is absolutely punishing … sometimes it makes me think that an alien invasion isn't too bad…? I mean what have the Aliens ever done for us? World Peace, Cure the Common Cold, Clean streets … damn I am a terrorist!    … Expand
  44. Gades
    Apr 29, 2016
    7
    Lets be honest, i never liked this "x-com" reboot from the very beginning. The combat sequences are quite good i must admin (not great but good). The problem is management section: it's poor on details and descriptions.
    The graphic is average and nothing more than that.
    If you liked the first x-com (i mean the first of this "reboot", not the original one) this will be probably be what    Lets be honest, i never liked this "x-com" reboot from the very beginning. The combat sequences are quite good i must admin (not great but good). The problem is management section: it's poor on details and descriptions.
    The graphic is average and nothing more than that.
    If you liked the first x-com (i mean the first of this "reboot", not the original one) this will be probably be what you want from a sequel; too bad this is not my case.
    I give it a 7.    … Expand
  45. Carewolf
    Feb 8, 2016
    7
    Very addictive game, but buggy as ....!!

    it has several mechinics issues, some it inherited from its predecessor, but many new. In tactical combat, there is now only two states: Either the AI knows where you are, or they don't. You usually start concealed, but once unconcealed all AI that you can see will be omniscient and can find all of your members. The AI is also suicidal and    Very addictive game, but buggy as ....!!

    it has several mechinics issues, some it inherited from its predecessor, but many new.

    In tactical combat, there is now only two states: Either the AI knows where you are, or they don't. You usually start concealed, but once unconcealed all AI that you can see will be omniscient and can find all of your members. The AI is also suicidal and will rush any position to do any kind of damage without trying to protect themselves. Added to that is that melee now has twice the range than most "ranged" weapons, means suicidal melee fighters (half of all AI) can sprint from out-of-range to melee and make a full attack (which is 100% to hit and deadly) in a single turn. This means the only way to protect your troops is by playing as cheasy as possible. Abusing the mechanics that the AI only knows where you are if you can see them, so the best approach is to NEVER scout, since knowing anything triggers the AI.

    Overwatch is mostly broken. You only get one shot and only at longest range where you are sure to miss, and many enemy actions does not even trigger overwatch. For instance some AI can teleport right up next your soldiers and shoot them, but an enemy teleporting into the middle of your squad does not trigger overwatch.

    Also there are turn timers on more missions than I like, but they are not really a problem, only how common they are. Whenever there is a timer snipers are useless beause they take time to setup. On top of scouting being negative, it reduces the usefulness of most characters in most missions.

    Finally I had one great mission where I had to hack a computer. I managed to get all the way in without being noticed (by cleverly avoiding noticing any AI) hacked the computer and got out. The game considered that a mission fail because I didn't kill anyone!!.. The game really doesn't give a **** about strategy.

    Still I find the game addictive, and can find amusement in twisting the games stupid design decisions against it.    … Expand
  46. geschaftsreise
    Mar 26, 2016
    7
    I think that the price of failure and success is too high and this diminishes the experience.
    Darkest Dungeon has a better balance of this sort of thing. It should be ok to fail and learn a lesson.
    Dark souls and Darkest Dungeon don't go easy on us, but they provide room for risk taking and mistakes. One big foul-up in XCOM means restarting or restarting and a discontinuity of    I think that the price of failure and success is too high and this diminishes the experience.
    Darkest Dungeon has a better balance of this sort of thing. It should be ok to fail and learn a lesson.
    Dark souls and Darkest Dungeon don't go easy on us, but they provide room for risk taking and mistakes.
    One big foul-up in XCOM means restarting or restarting and a discontinuity of experience.

    Game players like me don't want things to be easy but we want to be immersed, while we're having our head bashed in.    … Expand
  47. jakeg313
    May 5, 2016
    7
    Assuming your pc can manage to play this hilariously un-optimized game, it's a fairly good addition to the franchise. There are some aspects of the game however that make me feel the need to dock some points off however. Firstly, the game is very poorly optimized despite running on the same engine as XCOM. Even with low settings and my gaming laptop boasting 24 gb of ram, I had manyAssuming your pc can manage to play this hilariously un-optimized game, it's a fairly good addition to the franchise. There are some aspects of the game however that make me feel the need to dock some points off however. Firstly, the game is very poorly optimized despite running on the same engine as XCOM. Even with low settings and my gaming laptop boasting 24 gb of ram, I had many framerate issues and even some crashes between loading levels(which takes forever by the way). Rigging an external graphics card made this a much more enjoyable experience, but no one should have to use a $400 eGPU to make a game playable on a contemporary gaming laptop (Asus Predator 17).

    Secondly about 85% of all levels are timed and the campaign is too due to dark events and the avatar project. I enjoy taking my time fighting off alien hordes, so this bothered me quite a bit.

    Thirdly this game suffers from quite a lot of bugs, many of which could have been solved with an extra month of development time. but I guess game developers care more about rushing products to the market in this day and age apparently.

    As far as actual gameplay and the plot, it's an overall improvement to the series. I would suggest buying this game in the future when the price goes down and technology catches up with the ludicrous graphical demands that XCOM 2 asks for.    … Expand
  48. Maquabra
    Mar 1, 2016
    7
    First of all, my "7" is a really high score in my eyes. Now, let's move to why the game deserves this high score.

    First of all, it's firmly based in the former XCom. Good elements were retained, some improvements were added, some problems remained. All in all, the devs didn't try to reinvent the wheel and it's commendable. Focus in this game is shifted to tactics. You're now    First of all, my "7" is a really high score in my eyes. Now, let's move to why the game deserves this high score.

    First of all, it's firmly based in the former XCom. Good elements were retained, some improvements were added, some problems remained. All in all, the devs didn't try to reinvent the wheel and it's commendable.

    Focus in this game is shifted to tactics. You're now resistance force and you cannot simply camp for an hour and wait for your enemy to show up. There's still the element of "enemy spotted - procedural action ensues", but all enemies on a map are now alive, can stumble upon you and what's most important, you can really build ambushes and use advanced tactics. Skills of your teammates are much more important.

    The biggest concern that is often raised here is about difficult, seemingly random combat. It's not so. It's only an illusion created by the fact that somewhat similar games, especially from the RPG genre, offer "fun" battles, that aren't really demanding. In this case, enemy side is almost always dominant and you need to use real tactics to deal with them. Running in close and firing from point blank is not a "tactic".

    Combat is difficult but only because you need to think about what you are doing and like in a chess game, anticipate your opponents. You're outgunned, out-teched and often outnumbered, as every guerrilla force usually is. Combination of different means, preferably all means in your disposal, is the key to success.

    The game doesn't offer full freedom of camera, which can be a little problematic sometimes, but it offers visibility indicators that are almost perfect. Sometimes enemies will see you through glass or partly destroyed objects (environment is highly destructible).

    Before we can sum up combat, something needs to be said about timers. Especially on higher difficulties and when a player is to behind in technology in comparison to enemy forces, it will be inevitable to fail some missions. Finding the best cover and higher ground takes precious time. When there is an extraction deadline, you may find yourself with all enemies dead, the objective complete, the mission being successful, but nobody from your team coming back. Not to spoil too much, in later game, there will be missions when aliens target some installations and you are tasked with its defense. Such missions also tend to be impossible because the installation is destroyed before you can even reach it.

    All in all, don't be afraid to play on the lowest difficulty even if you're a veteran XCom/UFO player. It will also make more advanced enemies pop up a little later, which will allow you to be better prepared. A little hint: you need firepower most of all.

    When it comes to the strategic layer, I'm rather disappointed and that's why the game doesn't get at least one or two points more. Our options are very limited, players may discover pretty quickly the optimal way to go about several key issues (and restart their game after an hour or two like I did; Hint: think about proper placement of workshop). Also, we often just have to go with what the game throws at us.

    A small error on the strategic layer, a small error in squad selection, and tiny lapse in judgement during tactical mission and your whole team is wiped out. It's not a reason to quit, but a huge setback for sure.

    When it comes to technical side of the product, there are problems. The game requires really decent hardware to run reasonably smoothly and loading times are sometimes dreadful. There are also errors in animation that cause them go 1fps for a minute or two before everything resets (mostly during melee kills when environment is also destroyed). This also costs the game 1 point in my review.

    To sum it up, the game is great but you need to learn it. For people who play games like Assassin's Creed where mashing buttons is all you need to succeed, this can be an insurmountable task. Read all descriptions, make sure that tutorials are enabled, and don't be afraid to use explosives.

    And a very important hint for all players:
    After an hour or two of your game, think about restarting it. You'll be safe from all errors caused by the fact that you didn't know how things worked, and at this time you also know about quite a few pesky things that keep annoying you and slowing down the game. There are mods that effectively remove them and you should be using them.    … Expand
  49. Narenthyl
    Feb 11, 2016
    7
    XCOM 2 is a great game, which added a lot of new things or different fixed things (in gameplay) from its predecessor, and a great modding potential.

    Sadly, it suffered from a poor technical released, letting a lot of people with great rigs having performance issues. And Firaxis poor communication didn't helped at all.
  50. masamuneriku
    Sep 3, 2016
    7
    Very similar to Xcom EU with improved graphics. No significant changes or notable innovation compared to Xcom EU. Overall still a fun strategy game though sometimes can be frustrating when you miss a 95% hit chance flanking shot.

    The game is badly optimized with tons of bugs and frequent crashes: Stuck at alien's turn, killed on successful hacking due to previous feedback damage, slow    Very similar to Xcom EU with improved graphics. No significant changes or notable innovation compared to Xcom EU. Overall still a fun strategy game though sometimes can be frustrating when you miss a 95% hit chance flanking shot.

    The game is badly optimized with tons of bugs and frequent crashes: Stuck at alien's turn, killed on successful hacking due to previous feedback damage, slow response time, etc. Minus 1 score due to unresolved bugs and issues even though it is already more than 6 months after release.    … Expand
  51. Parthians
    Apr 21, 2016
    7
    Good and exciting game XCOM 2.just gotta fix some bugs.too much of them are seen in the game.
    if they would put even more energy and idea on producing the game,it could be a lot better.
  52. hmkunzmann
    Feb 5, 2016
    7
    + Nice strategic map gameplay improvements over previous version
    - unskippable cut scenes
    - bad performance, constant mini-hangs, long loading times, need to wait all the time despite top of the line hardware. - high difficulty & learning curve, no useful tutorial help to introduce strategies for new aliens & new challenges. Missions constantly require you to rush... I like hard but    + Nice strategic map gameplay improvements over previous version
    - unskippable cut scenes
    - bad performance, constant mini-hangs, long loading times, need to wait all the time despite top of the line hardware.
    - high difficulty & learning curve, no useful tutorial help to introduce strategies for new aliens & new challenges. Missions constantly require you to rush... I like hard but combined with the two items above it gets frustrating to no end

    Overall very disappointing - am hoping it will be much better after a few patches.
    Yet another game where I wonder how the game site reviewers all rate it so high. No credibility & integrity at all.    … Expand
  53. Robinjhoe
    Feb 6, 2016
    7
    XCOM 2 is pretty much an welcomed update of XCOM and XCOM Enemy Uknown.

    Lets start with the Soldiers. From the beginning you have 4 Soldiers, which gain Experience in battles and get promoted for their own calss. The classes are kind of the same as before but a bit changed ( Heavy has instead of a rocket launcher, a grenade launcher) The Weapons dont look like Toys anymore. The soldiers    XCOM 2 is pretty much an welcomed update of XCOM and XCOM Enemy Uknown.

    Lets start with the Soldiers. From the beginning you have 4 Soldiers, which gain Experience in battles and get promoted for their own calss. The classes are kind of the same as before but a bit changed ( Heavy has instead of a rocket launcher, a grenade launcher) The Weapons dont look like Toys anymore. The soldiers can be customized as before but they added that also for the Weapons.

    The Gameplay hasnt changed. But the fact that your are an underpowered Rebellion is pretty much existent at any time in the Game. They changed a lot of Enemys. Some are very powerful from the beginning and new Players will have their Problems.

    For myself I didnt expect a sequel at first but I was happy to see one. Nothing is better than the feeling of an hard fought victory.    … Expand
  54. Alaskimo
    Feb 8, 2016
    7
    If you liked the first one you will like this one. i'm only about 5 missions in, but already have seen some of the annoying things about the first one( overwatched squaddies shooting the same guy at same time) improved upon. It is in some desperate need of optimization and bug fixes though. Wait for the patches guys. Can't comment on difficulty or game length, but i'm staying optimistic.If you liked the first one you will like this one. i'm only about 5 missions in, but already have seen some of the annoying things about the first one( overwatched squaddies shooting the same guy at same time) improved upon. It is in some desperate need of optimization and bug fixes though. Wait for the patches guys. Can't comment on difficulty or game length, but i'm staying optimistic. ill give it a 7 for now.… Expand
  55. Crank101
    Aug 1, 2016
    7
    I was only recently able to play the game due to upgrades needed to my PC. I was extremely excited to play this game due to my love for previous installments. I had a great time and it did feel a lot harder than previous versions games.

    Now for what I wanted this game to have. 1) The story line is very Linear. They could have made a much better experience if your choices changed the    I was only recently able to play the game due to upgrades needed to my PC. I was extremely excited to play this game due to my love for previous installments. I had a great time and it did feel a lot harder than previous versions games.

    Now for what I wanted this game to have.
    1) The story line is very Linear. They could have made a much better experience if your choices changed the war against Advent. For instance the VIP Missions where you could extract or kill them, if you saved them you got a engineer or a scientist, that is it. This was a great opportunity to have side quests and different outcomes.
    2) Soldiers was fully changeable even their back stories. I would have liked to see some cultural perks in some characters hidden until a certain rank. (Good or Bad) For example a soldier from Africa in the assault class being able to throw their blade as an auto over-watch perk. Or a Irish character can be immune to panic, a french guy got a extra retreat movement after being shot at. simple things that could get you more invested in your team.

    Just in finishing, This is still one of my favorite franchised and even thou it was still fun to play I hope they start taking their end users a bit serious. Recent games have shown what is possible with today's technology. Give us consequences for our choices!!!    … Expand
  56. nik_balani
    Dec 24, 2017
    7
    I loved the original X:COM Terror from the deep. This game has a similar feel and style of gameplay which is great. The story line is interesting and the graphics fluid. However the time limits placed on missions is frustrating making it difficult to hunker down and defend certain spots as you often need to stay on the move to complete the objective. A mixture of mission types would haveI loved the original X:COM Terror from the deep. This game has a similar feel and style of gameplay which is great. The story line is interesting and the graphics fluid. However the time limits placed on missions is frustrating making it difficult to hunker down and defend certain spots as you often need to stay on the move to complete the objective. A mixture of mission types would have been better.… Expand
  57. MazrimTaim14
    Oct 14, 2019
    7
    Need to fill your SRPG needs then try this tactical shooter/RPG game.

    Permadeath gives the dread of going into missions. Can't leave someone out to dry and forces you to move into as a team. On the timed missions, its a pet peeve of mine. Although it would be nice instead of failing the mission when the time runs out, we got tons of reinforcement from enemies which in turn is kind of    Need to fill your SRPG needs then try this tactical shooter/RPG game.

    Permadeath gives the dread of going into missions. Can't leave someone out to dry and forces you to move into as a team.

    On the timed missions, its a pet peeve of mine. Although it would be nice instead of failing the mission when the time runs out, we got tons of reinforcement from enemies which in turn is kind of a game over but more challenging since extraction will be a lot of harder and will force you to leave one to hold of enemies.

    the game has performance issues, especially the fps drops which should be inexcusable for a single player game.

    Also a negative aspect of the game is suddenly the enemy got 100% vision on your team when only one is detected. turns stealth into all out shooter. I was hoping its not the case so that we can do diversion runs (with units not specifically design to be invi like scouts) and have a different approach to things.    … Expand
  58. LazyLoad08
    Dec 19, 2020
    7
    Recommend for fans of XCOM, it is definitely a worthy entry.
    Overall a good game, unfortunately my experience was marred by bugs. Every cutscene (story, resistance contact, surgeries...) had what felt like a 50% chance to crash my game.
    I appreciate the tactical approach and overall gameplay. Line of sight is somehow janky and not really intuitive. I would say succeeding in missions and    Recommend for fans of XCOM, it is definitely a worthy entry.
    Overall a good game, unfortunately my experience was marred by bugs. Every cutscene (story, resistance contact, surgeries...) had what felt like a 50% chance to crash my game.
    I appreciate the tactical approach and overall gameplay. Line of sight is somehow janky and not really intuitive. I would say succeeding in missions and winning the game feels satisfying. Menu navigation is slow and cluttered.
    Recommended mods: Faster Avenger Navigation; Stop Wasting My Time; Flank Preview    … Expand
  59. O3liveon
    Jan 20, 2023
    7
    This game only came out in 2016 but it just feels so old. It feels way older then it is. If it was made today I'd be all over it because you can't get better then this in this genre. If you like this type of game you have to play it, but for where I'm at right now and how much more there is to get through I just can't give up the time to this particular world. It's a good game but it feelsThis game only came out in 2016 but it just feels so old. It feels way older then it is. If it was made today I'd be all over it because you can't get better then this in this genre. If you like this type of game you have to play it, but for where I'm at right now and how much more there is to get through I just can't give up the time to this particular world. It's a good game but it feels 8 years older then it actually is.… Expand
  60. tontonac
    May 16, 2022
    7
    Very good TB strategy game, but the campaign is generic and not very interesting. I really don't want to make another playthrough.
  61. IliaGlobal
    Apr 7, 2023
    7
    I really liked the game! Interesting plot, good characters and good graphics for the time the game was made! Thank you, very much dear developers!
  62. Vasot
    Feb 8, 2016
    6
    Most promising but also it's very buggy, unbalanced and very unoptimised. Even a GTX980Ti struggles which is ridiculous !! A lot of missions have a timer which puts me off personally. Anyway game has some great ideas but feels rushed i suggest you wait until the company releases some patches before buying it
  63. joggy
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    OK, I'm huge fun of x-com series, been playing since original x-com back in 90's.
    so, whats wrong here, why low score?
    - graphic: better than previous game, there's much more objects and scenery, so maps will look very different. Also, they are created right before you go in, so every time it will be different (not sure if this is true for story missions, didn't start new game). But    OK, I'm huge fun of x-com series, been playing since original x-com back in 90's.
    so, whats wrong here, why low score?

    - graphic: better than previous game, there's much more objects and scenery, so maps will look very different. Also, they are created right before you go in, so every time it will be different (not sure if this is true for story missions, didn't start new game). But its not great, its pretty but technically lacking. And hardware requirement is simply unimaginable for turn based strategy. You need a beast to play it without frame drops and on high details. That's just bad optimization.

    - gameplay: this title should be named: "xcom 2: prepare to die". Cause you will. A lot. In some missions I have to reload various saves for 3 hours in order to finally keep all team alive. Now, in my book this would be a good thing since in first xcom from 2k I didn't have a need for more soldiers, only dead were first 2 (or 3?) from tutorial. Game starts moderately difficult for first few hours, but then ramps up considerably. So whats the problem? Game isn't hard because enemies are smart or tactical in approach. They simply have way better stats than your soldiers and they outnumber you 4:1. The most basic trooper will hit you from 20 tiles away behind hard cover on elevated position with no problem whatsoever. 8 out of 10 times. Sectoids will wreak havoc in your ranks since their psionic hit chance is 100% and since you will be wounded in almost every mission your willpower will be nonexistent. Alien rangers can run up to you from beyond your field of vision and hit you with a sword.
    And forget about hiding behind the wall, they will shoot straight trough it. While I first thought this is cool idea since even weapons of today can shoot trough walls with no problem, later i realized that they don't have any penalties for shooting where they cannot see you. Also, they can shoot trough solid rock or cliffs like it is a wall. Their crit chance is waaaaay better than yours.
    It's actually very bad idea to try and remain concealed for too long because all enemies walk towards you (I tried this for several hours, they don't have patrol routes, they walk towards you), and if you delay action, you will be swarmed eventually. If you put all your squad on overwatch and then start combat with last one, you will lose 1 turn of action (this must be bug, so i guess it will be repaired).

    On a bright side there is still that good old "just one more turn" feeling, and i really hope that they will repair some obvious bugs with fields of vision.
    For a die hard fan of the series: go for it! For casual strategy gamer: wait 6 months 'till they update and optimize it, and buy it on sale. For non-strategy gamer: nothing to see here :(    … Expand
  64. DonMega
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    The game is decent for the first couple hours of game play but it gets boring very fast because it's extremely repetitive. There is too many missions and they are all the same.

    Graphics are nothing special. They are ok but could be better. The game feels very cartoony to me which I don't like. Other than that the game doesn't bring any spectacular new features. At full price of $80    The game is decent for the first couple hours of game play but it gets boring very fast because it's extremely repetitive. There is too many missions and they are all the same.

    Graphics are nothing special. They are ok but could be better. The game feels very cartoony to me which I don't like.

    Other than that the game doesn't bring any spectacular new features. At full price of $80 this game is not worth it. It also has first day dlc which is a let down. Wait till you can buy this for around $30.    … Expand
  65. Trypsinogen
    Feb 8, 2016
    6
    I beat a campaign run with about 45 hours of play time and played on veteran difficulty with some save scumming.

    The Bad: 1) Terrible performance/optimization. The game run terribly for a lot of people (if not everyone) even if you have a good rig. I have a GTX 970, i7 3.4ghz, 12GB RAM. I could even turn all of the graphical settings to the absolute bare minimum and even though the    I beat a campaign run with about 45 hours of play time and played on veteran difficulty with some save scumming.

    The Bad:
    1) Terrible performance/optimization. The game run terribly for a lot of people (if not everyone) even if you have a good rig. I have a GTX 970, i7 3.4ghz, 12GB RAM. I could even turn all of the graphical settings to the absolute bare minimum and even though the game looks ugly it STILL would not run completely smoothly and would have FPS dips. Also, every time enemies are triggered there are awkward ~3 second pauses which ruins the flow of things. This is the worst problem for me because it affects your enjoyment of everything.

    2) Line of sight issues. Some walls, floors, and roofs in the game do not properly block line of sight. This is especially evident in the urban city maps when you are trying to be on roofs. Firaxis should not have release the game with these issues in place.

    3) Chrysallids aren't the only bugs that will make you have a bad time. The game has numerous bugs and glitches. Some are as bad as completely ruining saves SO DO NOT TURN ON IRONMAN MODE (just do honest man instead). Others include animations not playing, damage numbers not showing, and etc.

    4) Some questionable/bad design choices: For example, you'll get voice over messages from a person during missions. He will say the exact same thing every mission and he says these things very often and the whole time he's talking you aren't allowed to do anything. So you have to sit there waiting, doing nothing while he says the same thing you've heard him say or the 20th time. Another example, the new HP bars are inferior to Enemy Unknown.

    5) Debatable: the music is worse than EU. This is of course subjective and some people think the music is good or is fine, but I'm pretty sure more people would agree that EU's music was superior.

    6) Debatable: the majority of missions involve timers or scenarios that force you to rush/run and gun. I'm on the fence on this issue. Some people say they're fine and people need to "git gud and not rely on overwatch crawling". I agree that XCOM should be very difficult and the round limits did make for some exciting escapes. I think though I would've preferred that instead of the vast majority of missions being about being fast and praying you don't trigger 3+ pods, that there be more missions with more lenient timers but with some other kind of difficulty that isn't rushing against the clock.

    The Good:
    Aside from the above, the game improves on EU in most every other aspect. The game could've been a real work of art if it didn't suffer from these issues.    … Expand
  66. Tubey
    Mar 26, 2016
    6
    Does loads right, but forgets to be as fun as the original, as extreme difficulty punishes the simplest mistake or a missed RNG roll. Yes, it's a strategy game, but it feels unduly harsh too often - like a game of chess, but where every so often an attempt to take an opponents piece won't work, because reasons.

    On top of this, throw in a lacklustre story that promised to be so much more    Does loads right, but forgets to be as fun as the original, as extreme difficulty punishes the simplest mistake or a missed RNG roll. Yes, it's a strategy game, but it feels unduly harsh too often - like a game of chess, but where every so often an attempt to take an opponents piece won't work, because reasons.

    On top of this, throw in a lacklustre story that promised to be so much more than it ultimately was, and you have a single-player experience that is a slog to play through and unrewarding to do so.

    Not a terrible game by any means, but a missed chance to create a strategy classic. If there is to be an XCOM 3, I hope the devs take the best from both the original and sequel (but moreso from the original) and create something truly great - because this isn't.    … Expand
  67. ZaPaAl
    Mar 24, 2016
    6
    It's ok, but it's so terribly casualized, that it's rather difficult to have fun with. It's terrible performance is very remarkable, but game doesn't look that extraordinary great to justify.

    A lot of the tactical setup is ruined by unforgiving timers on everything. Story exists, with some ok scenes, but it only prepares the stage for a cliffhanger ending. Overall progress and    It's ok, but it's so terribly casualized, that it's rather difficult to have fun with. It's terrible performance is very remarkable, but game doesn't look that extraordinary great to justify.

    A lot of the tactical setup is ruined by unforgiving timers on everything.

    Story exists, with some ok scenes, but it only prepares the stage for a cliffhanger ending.

    Overall progress and research is boring. Yes, you want that new weapon or armor to get a upper hand, but each time the progress feels very underwhelming. Not that much game altering elements to research anyway.

    Repetitive missions and scenery.

    I had some fun at start, but now I am glad it's over. Last missions were only an overlong rehash of already experienced enemies and gameplay. Felt like one of the cheap remakes, with even cheaper gameplay, but superior graphics.    … Expand
  68. ChunkySaurus
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    My biggest complaint about the game is the mission timer. Almost every mission now has an arbitrary turn limit. This takes away from the tactical feeling of the previous XCOM. It's also totally at odds with the guerrilla/ambush tactics the game wants you to use. Setting up a good ambush takes time and the game won't give it to you.

    The game is definitely not optimized. It performs    My biggest complaint about the game is the mission timer. Almost every mission now has an arbitrary turn limit. This takes away from the tactical feeling of the previous XCOM. It's also totally at odds with the guerrilla/ambush tactics the game wants you to use. Setting up a good ambush takes time and the game won't give it to you.

    The game is definitely not optimized. It performs poorly on my above-average rig and has tons of graphical glitches, choppy cut-scenes and inexplicable pauses in game-play. I hope they will fix most of these issues with some patches later on.

    If you enjoyed XCOM 1 with a gamepad, skip this one as they have dropped gamepad support. This is really infuriating because they had excellent gamepad support in the last game. So they actually took it out of the engine. It does support Steam controllers, if you have one of those. I bought one; it's not great. Almost every action requires using the trackpad like a mouse. They've totally missed the point of a gamepad .

    It's pretty disappointing to see such a sloppy sequel to an awesome game. I am sure it will get better over time. Once they patch out the graphical and performance issues and patch in proper gamepad support.    … Expand
  69. Aeryx
    Jun 4, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Remember the tutorial mission of XCOM? That scary mission that first introduces you to the aliens? With all the creepy noises you hear and your team member getting killed? That's gone. XCOM 2 doesn't make any effort to be subtle and creepy and scary. Despite having some improved game mechanics, XCOM 2 hits you with a bad story and feels much less immersive and has less depth.

    Let's begin with the story. It's mediocre and the goals that XCOM tries to achieve are ridiculous. The avatar project has a timer but the game doesn't bother explaining how and why does that timer work and why XCOM loses if it runs out. We know that the aliens are attempting to harvest humans, but why does it matter that them doing it makes you lose even if they cannot get to you? They've been doing it for 20 years but you lose if they do it for a few more months even if they can't defeat you? It feels very forced and ridiculous. Self-detonating charges on missions even if the enemy has no idea you are there? Stupid idea. The characters have comically huge weapons, just like the first, and the characters and enemies talk way too much. Do I need to tell the developers that quiet and subtle enemies are far scarier and more menacing than ones who talk like professional wrestlers? What a joke! The game is also riddled in bugs--- serious bugs, like my keyboard getting disabled if I load a game before the game establishes a link to 2k online. Also, why are there no more UFOs? You only encounter one throughout the whole game and once it hits you with an EMP, it disappears forever and doesn't bother chasing you again. What happened to the alien battleships and shooting them down from the first game? All gone. It doesn't make sense how the aliens cannot locate the Avenger with all their advanced tech and they just seem so dumb nowadays, hardly reacting to what XCOM does without any direction or strategy. The alien designs also look more cartoony as opposed to scary realistic. Advent is a total joke and and the game doesn't even explain why humans didn't know that Advent turns people to alien-like entities AFTER 20 YEARS OF OCCUPATION. When somebody works for advent military, don't they have to come back to their families and take off their helmets? Also, if unauthorized users of Advent weapons die upon using them, why do we see civilians using them in the final cutscenes without consequence? Also, why did they use the portal to reach the alien base under the ocean, that base is unimportant. They could have done so many smarter things with it! It would have been better to use the gateway to teleport an alien superweapon or nuke equivalent to the alien homeworlds and blow it. Instead, we go to an alien base under the ocean and kill their avatars and accomplish nothing else, because the aliens will still keep coming after the final mission. The only thing funny about the game is that they are obsessed with advent burgers. The rest is really bad. I could go on, but you get the picture.

    Gameplay-wise, there are some improvements, but these hardly compensate for the awful story and writing. Dark events are nice and the new currencies are an improvement. The game also gives you missions that address your lack of resources (like supply raids) when you need it. The weapons and research are an improvement, but the suits should have 3 slots, not two. The weapon attachments should also have 3 and not just 2. The combat mechanics and hit percentages are still awful, but that's XCOM. The graphics are mediocre and cartoony, but not too awful. The sound and music is actually good, and gets the job done, but is inferior to XCOM: EU.

    Graphics are poorly optimized. Even with RTX2060, the game lags in many places and in-between cutscenes, with loading times dragging out. Terrible optimization work right there.

    Maybe next time, the game should introduce rare weapons and armor dropped by enemies. That would be very nice. Stats for the characters are also nice. Some of these issues are addressed in WoTC, but the terrible writing and story remain even in the expansion.

    Overall, XCOM 2 feels like a step back from XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The only redeeming quality is that it the regression isn't as bad as it could have been.    … Expand
  70. iseeall
    Jan 24, 2017
    6
    XCOM2 is very similar to XCOM1, it carries over all the bad design decisions, adds even more cutscenes, more animations, and more quality-of-life improvements here and there. If you didn't like XCOM1 much (like myself) you won't like this game either. If you did like XCOM1, here is more of the same for you.

    I will only list good and bad things compared to XCOM1, since it's almost the    XCOM2 is very similar to XCOM1, it carries over all the bad design decisions, adds even more cutscenes, more animations, and more quality-of-life improvements here and there. If you didn't like XCOM1 much (like myself) you won't like this game either. If you did like XCOM1, here is more of the same for you.

    I will only list good and bad things compared to XCOM1, since it's almost the same game.

    The good:
    - even more aliens, more weapons, more abilities
    - the story about human resistance after the aliens have conquered the Earth is fun at least at first. Though I couldn't suspend my disbelief that aliens would actually want to keep any humans alive at all. The designers used this old cliche of a tyrannical government (this time run by aliens) which needs to be overthrown. Though if you think of it the whole setting of aliens attacking the Earth is overused to the extreme, and you would need to not think of the absurdity of the concept of an alien invasion first to enjoy any of the XCom games

    The so-so:
    - there are even more cutscenes in the game now. So many that the game starts to feel like a movie which is occasionally interrupted for tactical battles. This makes the game look even dumber than XCOM1 was

    The bad:
    - all the bad stuff is still there, and the devs think it's fine: 2-actions system, strange cover system, enemies making "extra" turns to take cover after seeing you, enemies appearing from the sky mid-turn etc etc

    So, my advice would be to only buy it on a sale. If you didn't like XCOM1, this game fixes nothing and goes even further into the realm of dumbness; and if you liked XCOM1, they are basically selling to you the same game once again, and you won't gain much new.    … Expand
  71. Violett
    Mar 6, 2016
    6
    More 6 marks!
    On a serious note, XCOM 2 is another remake of classical series. Yes, I see it not as a sequel to 2013 game, but as a remake to classical series. Some additions is fun to try, this ADVENT idea, tough enemies, new plot, but overall I think this game is a step in a wrong direction. New stealth system is terrible, looks like the game is spinning around your first shot, after    More 6 marks!
    On a serious note, XCOM 2 is another remake of classical series. Yes, I see it not as a sequel to 2013 game, but as a remake to classical series. Some additions is fun to try, this ADVENT idea, tough enemies, new plot, but overall I think this game is a step in a wrong direction. New stealth system is terrible, looks like the game is spinning around your first shot, after which your entire group being revealed. Next one, why you cant train your CURRENT soldiers in a psi lab? Previous systems were much better. The whole idea - you alone fighting entire world is ... I don't know - flawed? I liked when you have the power of whole Earth supporting you versus alien forces. Well, maybe mods in the future will make the game better, as it was with 2013 game, but no thanks, I'm not gonna buy it. Oh, somehow I want to play 1994 game again.    … Expand
  72. ImJTHM
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    XCOM 2 is a serviceable sequel that has a single major misstep that winds up nearly destroying the entire game around itself.

    Namely, a majority of the missions are on a turn limit. Remember those missions in Enemy Unknown that involved moving a train in a certain number of completely arbitrary turns? Yeah, that's the entire game now. Nearly every mission is complete and utter    XCOM 2 is a serviceable sequel that has a single major misstep that winds up nearly destroying the entire game around itself.

    Namely, a majority of the missions are on a turn limit. Remember those missions in Enemy Unknown that involved moving a train in a certain number of completely arbitrary turns? Yeah, that's the entire game now. Nearly every mission is complete and utter frustration as you try to savescum your way through the map to find where you need to go.

    The tactics in the game are just as solid as before, but with this completely forced speed on every level, I never felt comfortable actually trying the new stealth or ambush mechanics, because they took longer to complete than just sprinting around the map, trying to avoid the instant game over time limit.

    Once there's a mod to remove this, I'll get it. Until then, they've turned the game into a frustrating slog.    … Expand
  73. 21grams
    Feb 16, 2016
    6
    I'm re-writing this review after beating the game (giving slightly higher score than initially)
    So this game was rushed with release and has many problems, it doesn't feel completely finished and polished. So you should seriously consider whether to buy it in such state or wait for more serious patching.
    THE BAD. 1) this game has serious optimization issues - the fps in this game is    I'm re-writing this review after beating the game (giving slightly higher score than initially)
    So this game was rushed with release and has many problems, it doesn't feel completely finished and polished. So you should seriously consider whether to buy it in such state or wait for more serious patching.

    THE BAD.
    1) this game has serious optimization issues - the fps in this game is all over the place, jumps between 25 and 80 on decent rig that tops recommended settings by quite some (and not, it's not even max settings). Anti-aliasing solutions are super heavy taxing, except FXAA which is good as nothing. The game has no triple buffering for vsync, and because fps is very unstable, you jump between 30 and 60 periodically, or if you decide to turn off vsync, you have massive screen tearing - again because of very unstable fps. The game runs poorly, even it's not visually exceptional in any way. And this game is not even a consolish port done by some 3rd party rookie studio.

    2) Glitchy camera, some weird issues with line of sight and other minor issues that were not resolved from previous installment. Like shouting thru walls, floors and other objects which are confusing and break the immersion.

    3) the game has some very bad design choices and some balance issues. Timed missions are very badly designed, they not make the game much harder, but definitely make it more stupid and leave with less options for your strategy and tactical decisions.

    4) Balance is bad in a lot of cases only because of how poorly RNG is designed, which acts in very weird way - you can reload multiple times and same action will have same result - RNG is predefined, the dice is not rolled when you take specific action.. I failed a mission because I missed 95% at point blank situation (seriously), there was no time for backup plan since it was timed mission.. There are so many things in this game that don't increase the difficulty fairly, but instead make it unfairly frustrating.

    THE GOOD.
    Now with some more and less serious issues this game still can be good and fun. Overall mission design is great, tho later on I'd say it becomes easier and easier as you progress (except maybe final mission which I liked a lot, now this is what I call proper challenge). The customization is satisfying and you unlock many items and gadgets to play with. Game is pretty flexible here. Now gameplay itself would be really great if not earlier mentioned glitches and weird RNG, but it's manageable. Also I loved the whole presentation, they put good effort into it - like mission launcher, returning from mission, showing injured squad members etc. There is a lot of nice detail to it.

    Final note: I don't thing games in such state should be released. Things should be sold when they are finished and meet certain criteria of overall quality. I was even considering a refund, because I don't like to pay for unfinished games and here is that case. So if someone still consider buying it, think twice about issues this game has!    … Expand
  74. meathelmet2001
    Mar 5, 2016
    6
    Loved every XCOM up to now. This one is unforgiving to the point of being no fun.

    Like others have said, there is too many timed missions which throws a lot of strategy out the window. I can't tell you how many missions I played where everything went to sh*t in one round, all because your team has to race across the map. Just seems like the creators took the lazy way out here. Sucks    Loved every XCOM up to now. This one is unforgiving to the point of being no fun.

    Like others have said, there is too many timed missions which throws a lot of strategy out the window. I can't tell you how many missions I played where everything went to sh*t in one round, all because your team has to race across the map. Just seems like the creators took the lazy way out here. Sucks that they ruined my favorite part of the game...the tactics.

    Not terrible, but could have been better.    … Expand
  75. Xanatar
    Feb 9, 2016
    6
    I enjoyed playing X-Com 2, though not as much as X-Com 1;
    I would have given it an 8/10, but not as it is now:
    Pro: - The new difficulty in combat is fun AND manageable - even the teleporting around codex guys. Just need some clever layered positioning, not just simple cover and overwatch lines. The early battles are actually the hardest, cause the enemy compositions are quite serious    I enjoyed playing X-Com 2, though not as much as X-Com 1;
    I would have given it an 8/10, but not as it is now:

    Pro:
    - The new difficulty in combat is fun AND manageable - even the teleporting around codex guys. Just need some clever layered positioning, not just simple cover and overwatch lines. The early battles are actually the hardest, cause the enemy compositions are quite serious at the beginning - get 5 squadsize and some officer soldiers soon, and it gets better. And if you see a lonley human sitting in the middle of a burning refugee camp, not running into hiding from evil aliens...

    - New graphics look good, a lot of (mostly useless) customization options for your squad looks.

    - High level skills cleverly positioned and used can really turn around everything - had a sniper killing 5 zombies and an advent with a handgun and faceoff in one sequence xD

    Con

    - The metagame lost a lot of its predecessor's appeal - the worldmap is no longer an additional strategic layer, where you actually defend earth by "hunting" UFOs with your interceptors. It is just flying from mission to mission.

    - The graphic requirements, as some already mentioned, are insane and not really optimized. I had to scale down graphics (AA, TAF, shadows etc) a lot to get it playable and I don't have a low spec PC. That said, the game no longer looked as nice, but in some maps worse than xcom 1, which is sad. This will hopefully be adressed soon.

    - Too many "forced" missions. In X-Com 1, I often ignored smaller UFOs after some time, but X-Com 2 forces on you many missions you probably would'nt want to do anymore at this point of the game.

    - Some annoying bugs where your characters die suddenly.

    - I still don't like the strange shooting percentages xcom has - My soldier is 5m in front on an enemy, even flanking it - in short, presented with a perfect kill shot - and gets a hit chance of 65%. This can get a supposed safe situation into a **** up situation, which gets worse with a new stat they introduced (dodge for grazing shots). Compared to that, i like the armor mechanic, as its effects are predictable.

    - Some timer missions were really cool and gave me a feeling of accomplishment... but others didn't and those became too many. Better balance would have been good here.

    Fazit:
    In short, it is still a good game, but the launch version is very much flawed mainly because of the poor optimization; I would strongly recommend buying it some time (patches) later, especially if you don't own a high end machine.    … Expand
  76. Mikethewolf
    Feb 7, 2016
    6
    I just want to say this review is 100% not about the bugs those will be fixed and i can deal with them
    .
    I am a long time Turn based game player. I thought Xcom:Enemy within was one of the best games i played in a long time . The long war add on/ expansion made it one of the best games I ever played (After some minor ini editing) I managed to beat the regular game on hard and long    I just want to say this review is 100% not about the bugs those will be fixed and i can deal with them
    .
    I am a long time Turn based game player. I thought Xcom:Enemy within was one of the best games i played in a long time . The long war add on/ expansion made it one of the best games I ever played (After some minor ini editing) I managed to beat the regular game on hard and long war on classic so im pretty good at the strategy games so when i say the following its with experiance and wisdom ;

    The devs took WAY to much of a page from the long war guys. Long war was made to be super hard but fun and while that what all the hard cores liked it was only 100k people that played it. Normally i am made about games catering to the masses and dumbing things down. But this time they took the opposite approach cator to the super hardcore. I am playing on normal (classic) and getting my ass handed to me at some points.

    First the games power creep for the bad guys so out paces you there are some points where a single unit can all of a sudden show up and if your not perfectly prepared for it it will wipe out half your squad on its own with your whole squad trying to take it out (I am looking at you Andy) This should not be again about following the perfect single path to get things done.

    So great you can try to play a bit more conservatively right....NOPE they put a timer on everything. A very short one that makes you constantly rush forward using very little startegy , often needing to rush through over watch or into areas you know where you will trigger another pod of bad guys while still fighting the first to reach the objective before the time runs out. So its a Tactics game that forces you to use limited tactics and rush most the time. When your not rushing the enemy i can basicly 1 hit your best guy with the best gear.

    Now the 2 things I have seen in other reviews that people try to counter 1) Probably not researching the right stuff) But seriously its not fun if you HAVE to follow a set path . Maybe i shouldnt of focused on weapons as much.
    2) you can mod the timers: Mods should not be a fix for a base game, they should be there to make a good game better.

    I should not be losing 4 out 6 guys on normal when not rushing when i can beat the other one on Hard/Iron-man with less losses .

    I just want a game that is a fun turn based strategy game that doesn't punish you for not following the exact perfect building/ research paths.

    Slow the game down a bit...less power creep , longer research maybe.    … Expand
  77. dongsweep
    Feb 8, 2016
    6
    Last night I was playing and on my last move of the turn I moved a unit forward, from about two and a half screens away in the darkness a patrol spawned. Since it was my last move on the turn the faceless that spawned next to my guy (not the patrol, but at the same time as the patrol) pops up and smacks my guy and brings him to 1 health, the lancers from the patrol run across the entireLast night I was playing and on my last move of the turn I moved a unit forward, from about two and a half screens away in the darkness a patrol spawned. Since it was my last move on the turn the faceless that spawned next to my guy (not the patrol, but at the same time as the patrol) pops up and smacks my guy and brings him to 1 health, the lancers from the patrol run across the entire map and hit two of my other guys for half their health.

    Now I get to play my turn and I am guaranteed someone will die even if I take everyone out. This was a timed mission so you have to move forward to win but regardless, I was moving as tactfully as I could but it is ridiculous that you end your turn spawning a patrol who then gets a move for spawning (towards you) then gets a full turn to attack you. The game has a lot of great aspects but how is that fun. I save scummed and redid my move since I knew where the spawned from, kind of annoying it has to be like that. Should not be any spawns and if they are spawned they should not get a full move and a turn.    … Expand
  78. Bleeding
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    I loved XCom: Enemy Unknown very much, it's one of the best games I ever played. XCom 2 is, unfortunately, a letdown. It's still a decent game, but terribly flawed. My most pressing issue with the game is that most of the missions now apply time-pressure to the player - which, when uses from time to time, like in XCOMEU, is a nice twist - but having a turn limit in 3 out of 4 missionsI loved XCom: Enemy Unknown very much, it's one of the best games I ever played. XCom 2 is, unfortunately, a letdown. It's still a decent game, but terribly flawed. My most pressing issue with the game is that most of the missions now apply time-pressure to the player - which, when uses from time to time, like in XCOMEU, is a nice twist - but having a turn limit in 3 out of 4 missions spoils the core, tactical gameplay. It forces you to push forward instead of following your own style and/or strategy. It also spoils the new concealment feature, which else would have been a great addition. While there are, no doubt, also some positive changes and additions, like a greater enemy diversity than ever and (most importantly) dynamically generated maps, there are also further drawbacks, even if none of them is as bad as the mission design. One to mention should be the terrible performance of the game - while the game looks good, it's really nothing special. And that's fine, XCom does not need to be a visually stunning game on the bleeding edge of technology. But still, it pushes even higher end hardware to its limits. To me, it seems this is what the developers meant by the advantages of targeting PC only: the ability to be lazy in optimizing your game as you can always push the player to invest into expensive hardware instead investing in a decent performing game yourself. But the main flaw, again, is the time-pressuring mission design, sucking all creative fun out of the gameplay most of the time. I happily prefer XCOMEU which much less sophisticated visuals and pre-defined map layouts anytime over XCOM 2. Because XCom is not about graphics, it's about gameplay - and this is the area where Firaxis unfortunately underperformed the most.… Expand
  79. PJD
    Feb 18, 2016
    6
    Overall not as pleased with this iteration as I was with the first.

    Pros: - Looks better. - More customization - More meaningful character development. Cons: - Timed missions eliminate some comp strategies. - Sharpshooter is useless until late game. - Grenades too strong. - Events occur too quickly. Not enough time passes to research basic things like psi. I think I hit the    Overall not as pleased with this iteration as I was with the first.

    Pros:
    - Looks better.
    - More customization
    - More meaningful character development.

    Cons:
    - Timed missions eliminate some comp strategies.
    - Sharpshooter is useless until late game.
    - Grenades too strong.
    - Events occur too quickly. Not enough time passes to research basic things like psi. I think I hit the last mission before even one of my soldiers was a psi op.
    - Events occur too quickly.
    - First time through I didn't really have a sense of what was going on with the map. Tutorial doesn't explain much here.
    - Game gets super easy once you load out a grenadier + specialist party. Probably because so few enemies have explosives resistance.
    - Early game may be a bit too challenging. I think this is due to the speed at which events roll in compared to the speed of research. This was a problem with the first game, too.
    - Game feels oddly on rails. I'm not sure why. Probably due to the timed missions which restricts variety and exploration of strategy in a mission.    … Expand
  80. altaydron
    Mar 8, 2016
    6
    Все ненавидят миссии на время, но нет! Они напихали их с головой, что заставляет задуматься ох адекватности разработчиков
  81. MrWonderful
    Feb 9, 2016
    6
    I bought the retail box version to save on the huge bandwidth-eating-download of going thru Steam. Four DVDs to install and 45 minutes and guess what...there was still a 9GB download required from Steam! Once everything was installed I fired XCom 2 up and proceeded with the tutorial mission to see what is new. Guess what...there's a bug that may or may not happen, but it happened to me,I bought the retail box version to save on the huge bandwidth-eating-download of going thru Steam. Four DVDs to install and 45 minutes and guess what...there was still a 9GB download required from Steam! Once everything was installed I fired XCom 2 up and proceeded with the tutorial mission to see what is new. Guess what...there's a bug that may or may not happen, but it happened to me, where a character can't move to cover as the instructions state. The fix was to do the Three Finger Salute(tm) back to desktop since at this point everything is frozen and then relaunch the game. So far I'm not too impressed, especially reading about the turn timer implemented in the game now. I've stopped playing XCom 2 because I still need to finish some other games on backlog. Maybe when it's time to get back it things will have improved. For those that are curious...on my Core i7 desktop with GTX780ti everything is on high/medium @2560x1080. I won't even bother loading it onto my 4 year old ASUS ROG laptop with a measly GTX560M gpu.… Expand
  82. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    6
    To similar to the first game, and the new elements are boring the game up, could not play trough the whole thing
  83. Metacri01
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    I like the previous game a lot but not this one, at least for now, because I really dislike the "turns limitation"(timer), 8 turns to do this, 12 turns to do that, or you're screw..., what a tactical new "feature", it's almost a game breaker for me, so I'll keep the negative review unless the developers can make some changes, such as provide an option to disable it or decrease the missionI like the previous game a lot but not this one, at least for now, because I really dislike the "turns limitation"(timer), 8 turns to do this, 12 turns to do that, or you're screw..., what a tactical new "feature", it's almost a game breaker for me, so I'll keep the negative review unless the developers can make some changes, such as provide an option to disable it or decrease the mission ratio which has timer in them.

    Another thing, the characters faces in customization need some improvements,too, especially females, most of them are just too ugly, I can't bond with my team mates if I cannot even stand with their looks.
    Yes, they're soldiers/warriors, but that doesn't mean they have to be ugly.    … Expand
  84. Buttpuncher
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    Once you mod away the arbitrary timer which restricts the number of turns you have to finish a mission, it's not a bad game at all. Combat is much harder and the base/worldmap feels completely different, although it's built on the same basic principles as the previous Xcom games.
  85. Wesser
    Feb 6, 2016
    6
    In XCOM 2 every mission is a bomb defusal mission. Firaxis failed in their effort to artificially speed up the game through timers that are both explicit (turn counters) and implicit (civilians, objective defense, etc). And that's without mentioning the performance problems that plague the game as of now. XCOM 2 is a competent game that improves a lot of mechanics from EU, but at the sameIn XCOM 2 every mission is a bomb defusal mission. Firaxis failed in their effort to artificially speed up the game through timers that are both explicit (turn counters) and implicit (civilians, objective defense, etc). And that's without mentioning the performance problems that plague the game as of now. XCOM 2 is a competent game that improves a lot of mechanics from EU, but at the same time shoot itself in the foot because of some poor design decisions that turn the experience into something stressful and infuriating most of the time. While almost every piece of media praised the title, the user reviews both here and on Steam gravitate towards a 6/7 which is something to consider going forward.… Expand
  86. zandridust
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    Where to begin with xcom 2, a game that is a triumph in many ways and let down in others. i have played through the game twice and both of my experiences where different, which the addition of mods it can add a reservoir of new fresh content.

    x com 2 strengths: lets face it trying to beat x com enemy unknown was always going to be a challenge, in ways this game beats it with the    Where to begin with xcom 2, a game that is a triumph in many ways and let down in others. i have played through the game twice and both of my experiences where different, which the addition of mods it can add a reservoir of new fresh content.

    x com 2 strengths: lets face it trying to beat x com enemy unknown was always going to be a challenge, in ways this game beats it with the addition of new classes, polished graphics and an overall harder challenge. i felt that through my campaign that every single choice effected the outcome of my campaign, there were times where i would miss one shot and that was it the enemy would wipe my best soldiers out..... i really loved that aspect it kept you on your feet through the game, and left the user more cautious.

    weaknesses: as much as i wanted to give this game a 9 out of 10, i just feel that it is not worthy at this point with so many bugs and issues that plague the game from start to finish it is a little bit disappointing considering that this game is a pc exclusive and not a port. the optimization is very poor no matter what specs your pc has the user will struggle to get 60 fps solid, even if you tweek the settings the game is still effected by poor optimization. there are times were the AI out right cheats, such as killing you through walls and moving a very far distance across the battleground and killing you.

    conclusion: in many ways what should have been the game that topped x com enemy unknown and being a potential challenger for PC game of the year, i falls way to short with issues, i just hope for the shake of this game that faraxis can iron out these issues and give use that game that we deserve for the price tag....

    6 out of 10    … Expand
  87. ArnostMatejka
    Feb 24, 2016
    6
    XCOM 2 - DONE
    Decided to postpone a feedback by two days as when I was ending it, even playing I was full of anger and depression how the supposedly AAA title can be ruined and so dumb and how Quality assurance and Designers work is currently most probably the easiest work as no one actually is doing it...
    PROs: Graphically really nice, animations superior, story nicely planted and by    XCOM 2 - DONE
    Decided to postpone a feedback by two days as when I was ending it, even playing I was full of anger and depression how the supposedly AAA title can be ruined and so dumb and how Quality assurance and Designers work is currently most probably the easiest work as no one actually is doing it...
    PROs:
    Graphically really nice, animations superior, story nicely planted and by in game and pre-rendered scenes greatly extending the feel being IN the game - especially as they are mostly done with the same style, in same engine just in higher settings than the maximum preset I played the game in.
    CONS - a lot of them
    You ending screaming in frustration and really hate the game in many moments so will write down only biggest crap and things AAA game should not have at all.
    HIT engine - having in mind it is done in full 3D unreal great engine I have to ask why the game designers and programmers in general were doing so crappy and lazy work to program the balistic probability on base of SQUARE grid increased stupidity by unknown **** rules. EXAMPLE - and YES if your opponent staying by the tree and the tree is cover him fully from WEST and you shooting to him from EAST fully uncovered side you have a penalty of 50% as he has a high cover.
    Probability in general
    If you shoot on stationary turret and you are literally 2m next to it with 95% shoot probability you can and will miss 10 times from 10. There is no discussion you are in stop motion, that turret can be in jump somewhere or your soldier is in motion etc. as they look at each other for last 3 turns and did not move at all!!!
    The worst is with enemies in general and hacking probability is even more ridiculous than this or decisions of your squad in overwatch to shoot the most further enemy which is moving when the one next to you is going to shoot you to your head (and sometimes miss as the probability...)...
    BUGS everywhere
    Will omit the bug which is I hope solved by last update when your saves were not working as if some particular enemy was in the map the saves crash all the time - that's astonishing example how sloppy QA at 2K and Firaxis games is but
    Enemies see through solid walls and acting on it
    Enemies and you in some cases can shoot through walls
    You can on the same basis with sword decapitate enemy which is next room as solid wall doesn't matter when you swing the sword...
    Enemies subsequently you if you control them can grab you from distance and bring you to them through as for all these bugs several walls
    Enemies as on one of the pictures can use places which doesn't exist like platforms in air
    Scripts in general have so many bugs or events when they are triggered and you did not do anything logical to get them triggered. Example is AI which acts more like bunch of very poorly done scripts - like you cannot be seen by any means possible but distance on some enemy automatically trigger action and battle mode.
    And many many others ended in 5 hours horrible fight at the end when I could not use load as it crashed whole game..
    VERDICT
    Good game BUT
    Lazy copy&paste of the old Enemy Unknown just with small improvements and huge diminished of correctly set strategy rules and it's inner complexity.
    Did finish it and was looking for it so long, now... never ever will play again. I would from bottom of my heart say that it would be great amazing game, just little bit more like 3 months tops to polish it (test and finalize) and implement better of the old principles or even use the ability of engine make it better.
    I would say it is a HUGE miss opportunity as I would expect to have stealth missions implemented which could be so good fun.
    Missions for sharpshooters.
    Missions for hackers - even though one mission I done on flawless with hacker and ranger only in 3 turns none was killed.
    Missions for rangers only as they can be a real killing machines.
    Usage of later guns and equipment is in general none as the engine doesn't construct missions to use it somewhere.    … Expand
  88. Yukar
    Feb 26, 2016
    6
    Good game, but (very) disappointing.

    Customisation is a huge step up in looks, weapons, tools, passive traits, and unique skills. Somewhat perfect. (Well, almost, when the gloomy character you made in the pool will show with an idiotic smile instead, you may feel a bit let down, their attitude is randomized, immersion lost). And, that's it. Everything else seems "more less" (DLCs    Good game, but (very) disappointing.

    Customisation is a huge step up in looks, weapons, tools, passive traits, and unique skills. Somewhat perfect. (Well, almost, when the gloomy character you made in the pool will show with an idiotic smile instead, you may feel a bit let down, their attitude is randomized, immersion lost). And, that's it.
    Everything else seems "more less" (DLCs pattern).

    The worldmap.
    Oh man, I was so kicked by it on the teasers.. By the looks of it, It may be like Aftershock, maybe even more, like the one in Afterlight.. Well, it is not.
    It is an empty land with pop-ups. Where you are urged to slow the "Avatar Project" by Captain Obvious every 2 minutes, actually by wasting this so precious time, moving and locking your camera and controls away for the time he repeats the same phrase over and over again. (In order to show you a spot where you can only interact with on the very last mission).
    Of course this pattern so had to happen while in missions too.
    Can feel like Internet without ad-blockers. Old days.

    The resistance.
    After contacting them, well, they will write you a check after the end of each month.
    And they get passively slaughtered on retaliation missions ('cause aliens don't like them for writing you checks), as Bradford will unavoidably never fail to mention.
    A resistance that doesn't actually resists. Strange concept. (To be fair, they may not carry wepons, but they will manage to take down some UFO's for you, to remind you the name of the original title).

    The Base.
    You build what you can, when you can. Thats's about it, with a bit of management. Feels better than the last one, can't compare to the originals (was more like mini-SimCity).
    Discussions between staff can be muted, if not, they don't freeze your screen when talking (wich is something someone could have learnt from his comrades).

    Research.
    It is deeply simplified, for the second time (so long old-timers) : Research Tier 2 weapons & armor, research Tier 3 weapons & armor. Autopsies unlock new tools, and they made the option to instantly research those after some "breakthrough" on the next Tier.
    So, do you want to research x for 3 days, y for 4, then next Tier for 10 ? Or next Tier for 10 and instant x & y ? Tough choice.
    Let me break your expectations, there are bullets, laser, plasma. Yes, those are the same (more straightforward). And no, there's no MEC.

    Overall progression.
    Fine by your troops, slow and steady, each skill, every bit of scrap seem to matter. Very well done.
    The way new ennemies are introduced every two missions however is not.
    It soon feels like a freak show, and utterly destroys the low profile Aliens are supposed to have (Sure Bradford, they don't have to hide, but frightening the population doesn't seem great either).

    More coherence would have been nice, like maybe only Advents troops in cities, other species represented in the "wild", or in Resistance lands, maybe common/rare types, etc.
    Some are underused and replaced, other overused. "Codex" is a perfect example, so great ennemy, brillant design, until it becomes absolutely common in every mission, therefore losing all of its aura.

    The combat.
    The system still works, stealth mecanic is also a fine addition. But it lacks coherence.
    Why the ennemy would blow up his precious installation without him knowing we're here ? Why is all squad revealed when only one member is detected ?
    Just to justify the turn-limit and the one scout class, who will be better at never actually fighting. Not enough for me. It limits the way you play more than it opens it, not so good for tactics.

    The turn-limit system and very small maps resume gameplay to :
    1) Take a direct shot at 30%.
    2) Make a flanking move (with a 70% to trigger new ennemies).
    3) Blow up cover with explosives and shot after.
    Answer is 3) until you have to make 2) due to the turn limit. I think the precedent system of ennemy triggering and their free move & turn should have been arranged to better fit this new layout.

    In its current state, all of this will be darkened by the fact that you will be detected for no reason, sometimes even shot at the very same moment, melee & shot through walls, moving on another tile than the one you clicked, suffering from performance issues, etc.
    If you haven't already bought the game, spare yourself the disappointment now and buy it when the actual release comes out, wich is programmed for the second half of 2016.

    + Another XCOM
    + We can play before release !
    - Shouldn't have been released yet.
    - Way too oftenly Bradforded    … Expand
  89. compgeek
    Apr 17, 2017
    6
    I played all previous version and had a lot of fun. This version is no fun, it is a hard work - for what? It pissed me off with all stupid limits - I can handle hard enemies and replay the missions, but both Avatar project which you can not stop because you didn't upgrade your facilities and mission is locked, this lock on lock on lock is stupid - if the creators of the game wanted to pissI played all previous version and had a lot of fun. This version is no fun, it is a hard work - for what? It pissed me off with all stupid limits - I can handle hard enemies and replay the missions, but both Avatar project which you can not stop because you didn't upgrade your facilities and mission is locked, this lock on lock on lock is stupid - if the creators of the game wanted to piss their customers off, they succeed. Add terrible frame rate when something moves on my i7-6800 / 16Gb of DDR4-3600 / EVGA 980Ti / Samsung SSD 950 Pro 512 Gb / 850W EVGA PS / Asus Hero VIII mobo - how any game can be designed like that? I play a lot of games, none has such delays and frame rates. I through away Civilization 6 after about 15 min of game play, but continue to play Civilization 5 ... now its time to drop XCOM 2 and never buy Firaxis games again.
    Finished the game at veteran level in 64 hours during the last fight with 3 Avatars. Still have the same opinion about the game, although it becomes to be a little bit better when you are able to slow down the Avatar project. Final verdict:
    1. The game is not balanced at all - at different levels the difficulty changes.
    2. It is too buggy - had to reinstall it to get rid of the crashes, has many other bugs and glitches.
    3. It is not designed as all previous versions, it is not polished at all - some items you research several times, views are incorrect, etc.
    4. Nothing new and exciting comparing to the older games.    … Expand
  90. Shimmeywill
    Feb 20, 2020
    6
    A solid build upon the reboot title. Bunch more customisation and baddies to fights. Ultimately was a touch derivative and the randomisation of the gameplay, whilst integral, is more frustrating the second time round. Not that its a bad game....
  91. Wrathzo
    Mar 22, 2022
    6
    XCOM 2 is a 2016 turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. It takes place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown. XCOM, a military organization trying to fight off an alien invasion, has lost the war and is now a resistance force against the occupation of Earth and the established totalitarian regime and military dictatorship. Gameplay is splitXCOM 2 is a 2016 turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. It takes place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown. XCOM, a military organization trying to fight off an alien invasion, has lost the war and is now a resistance force against the occupation of Earth and the established totalitarian regime and military dictatorship. Gameplay is split between turn-based combat in which players command a squad of soldiers to fight enemies, and strategy elements in which players manage and control the operations of the Avenger, an alien ship that is used as a mobile base for XCOM.… Expand
  92. pyhriel
    Apr 25, 2020
    6
    I am a big fan of XCom: Enemy Unknonwn, loved the challenge there. In this one there is still much of the core elements that are fun and some of the new ones, like the combat mechanics, the new classes, etc.

    My main issue with this game, and it does end up making the game a lot less fun to play is the timed missions that happen far too often. It kind of breaks the overall strategy feel    I am a big fan of XCom: Enemy Unknonwn, loved the challenge there. In this one there is still much of the core elements that are fun and some of the new ones, like the combat mechanics, the new classes, etc.

    My main issue with this game, and it does end up making the game a lot less fun to play is the timed missions that happen far too often. It kind of breaks the overall strategy feel of the game. If it happened only once in a while it'd be okay, but in XCom2 most missions have this timed element. I'd say this is the main problem I have with it, because it ends up limiting your choices and also limits what is an efficient build-up. Building up for stealth is not as effective when you need to rush-in, so you should build up for fast, heavy damage output.

    The second thing I don't like much about this game is the difficulty. I don't mind a challenging game, XCom : Enemy unknown was challenging, but in this one, there is a lot of luck based difficulty. The monsters that reacts to your every move can be either easy or impossibly tough depending on how they act, and it does seem a bit arbitrary. As a general rule, I didn't like fighting them that much. I loved seeing them pop up in battles unexpectedly, but I hated the battle mechanics for fighting them. There was really just one tactic that seemed to work against them : heavy damage as quickly as possible.

    Finally, the game timer in this game is ... average. it isn't that fun how its implemented. Its starts fun, but becomes tedious after a while. I understand the desire to change things from the first one, but it didn't make the game fun.

    I don't really recommend buying this game. It's ok, but it ends up not being that much fun in the end. It's kind of sad, I was really hoping it would be as good as the previous one.    … Expand
  93. Realnoobman
    Jul 19, 2020
    6
    Pc version is so much better than the ps4 one: loading times are so much lower and gameplay is smoother. Character creation mechanics of the soldiers is a great extra feature i wish many games of this kind had. Unfortunately sometimes walls do not properly block the line of sight of enemies, furthermore, the fact that the enemy level after level churns out stronger and stronger aliensPc version is so much better than the ps4 one: loading times are so much lower and gameplay is smoother. Character creation mechanics of the soldiers is a great extra feature i wish many games of this kind had. Unfortunately sometimes walls do not properly block the line of sight of enemies, furthermore, the fact that the enemy level after level churns out stronger and stronger aliens reaches exaggerated levels and is unpleasant… Expand
  94. Man_of_duty
    Jul 23, 2020
    6
    Even for it's love-hate situations it still dominates other games with the same genre of gameplay. No game has the magic like XCOM has.

    All cool things aside this game only made me frustrated, the main mission event is a time bomb nagging you to stop the enemy project or you're gonna lose the game. The start was awful, I got short on the supplies immediately, therefore I had to skip a    Even for it's love-hate situations it still dominates other games with the same genre of gameplay. No game has the magic like XCOM has.

    All cool things aside this game only made me frustrated, the main mission event is a time bomb nagging you to stop the enemy project or you're gonna lose the game. The start was awful, I got short on the supplies immediately, therefore I had to skip a few missions so my squad can heal up. Luckily I started getting PTSD flashbacks from the old game and remembered the pattern. I can't imagine how a newbie would feel like playing this game for the first time.

    Most of the missions are turns limited, that means that if you overplay the amount of turns you are supposed to play, you will lose the mission and the squad too. Not fun at all. Also, everything depends on the percentage of how successful your soldier's aim will be, that means lots of save/load situations.

    Animations are very useless and time consuming, there is a mod that helps you to skip combat animations but somehow it doesn't work for me. After some hours you're just gonna get so sick of it.    … Expand
  95. Milo2904
    Feb 13, 2022
    6
    Aiming system is rigged AF. Game has technical difficulties on Switch. So, lizards can pull you even from a rooftop? Who tf made that game? There is absolutely no logic in fighting system.
  96. Jabbawockee
    May 6, 2022
    6
    XCOM is a game that has a lot to offer but needs far too much time for its formula to become satisfying, after the mid point of the game it runs out of curveballs to throw at you to keep the gameplay engaging and dynamic, so instead chooses to ramp up the difficulty. While I'm aware XCOM is known for said difficulty, it doesn't make the gameplay fun when everything is decided by a literalXCOM is a game that has a lot to offer but needs far too much time for its formula to become satisfying, after the mid point of the game it runs out of curveballs to throw at you to keep the gameplay engaging and dynamic, so instead chooses to ramp up the difficulty. While I'm aware XCOM is known for said difficulty, it doesn't make the gameplay fun when everything is decided by a literal dice-roll yet is so unforgiving, you just end up feeling cheated. The game is optimized poorly for PC and had many bugs that forced me to abandon missions due to being soft-locked.
    While the setting, premise and first few hours of gameplay did a lot to salvage my opinion as a whole, the game falls off heavily as it goes on and by the end I was left disappointed.
    If you're a fan of RTS games then give this one a shot if it's on sale, otherwise I'd say don't buy it.    … Expand
  97. capthavic
    Feb 9, 2016
    5
    While I'll be the first to admit to not being an MLG Pro or master tactician, I think it's fair to say the game has an unreasonably steep difficulty curve, even more so than in the previous game. The issue is not that the game is challenging, rather that it's cheap/artificial difficulty spawned from poor balance and wonky shooting. The timer mechanic is not a bad idea but often felt tooWhile I'll be the first to admit to not being an MLG Pro or master tactician, I think it's fair to say the game has an unreasonably steep difficulty curve, even more so than in the previous game. The issue is not that the game is challenging, rather that it's cheap/artificial difficulty spawned from poor balance and wonky shooting. The timer mechanic is not a bad idea but often felt too strict and far too common. The whole game feels like you are being rushed, whether its to reach an objective in time or getting pulled into a mission while trying to do something else or just against the "doom counter" hanging over your head. Again it comes down to an issue of balance that game can't manage to find.

    To be fair the concept and presentation is cool, and the gameplay is fun when the various parts click together. Unfortunately due to technical issues, poor balancing/design, and general feel like an expansion or spin off rather than full sequel ...I can't in good faith give XCOM 2 more than a 5 overall.    … Expand
  98. Hovis
    Feb 18, 2016
    5
    S'alright I suppose. Problems lie in the fact that it isn't challenging. Once you figure it out, and it does not take long to figure it out, you're done. And you're done every difficulty, every new game. Power creep and an overly streamlined strategic layer have knackered it. Still kind of fun to blow stuff up though.
  99. 123456
    Feb 7, 2016
    5
    An RNG fest. A whole level will frequently be decided by one dice roll. Add to this that you are facing enemies far stronger that you from the second level, and the addition of turn limits on a lot of missions so you will frequently lose squad members to either death or recovering from their injuries for a month of game time.

    Fair enough, the game is tough but it is not tough in an    An RNG fest. A whole level will frequently be decided by one dice roll. Add to this that you are facing enemies far stronger that you from the second level, and the addition of turn limits on a lot of missions so you will frequently lose squad members to either death or recovering from their injuries for a month of game time.

    Fair enough, the game is tough but it is not tough in an interesting way. Arbitrary numbers and over-powered enemies result in simply reloading the game multiple times. It seems like the wanted to create an "against all odds" feeling to the game in terms of narrative, and that is exactly what it is - against all odds. It doesn't feel like it matters *that much* what you actually do, until you learn the mission by reloading and stacking the odds in your favour.

    The massive amount of pop-up information from research to building to missions that can't just be "done" but have to be scanned for, and whilst you're scanning 3 more things pop up which are "really urgent!" And an annoying guy keeps telling me what to do, but also calling me commander. Why even pretend that I am in charge!

    If your squad had some interesting abilities rather than just get in cover and fire a dice gun, some fun things like all the aliens seem to get, then you could probably call this a tactical game. But as it is it feels like taking on a whole chess set with 2 pawns, a bishop and a knight (why do you only get 4 people in a squad anyway!?), and having to roll a 6 to be able to take any of their pieces. Frustrating at first, but quickly dull.    … Expand
  100. Silverqt
    Feb 6, 2016
    5
    wtf with the frame rate in this game?:) Using i7 + gtx 690 and can barely handle it, like 90% of playtime i am enjoying of average 24 frames...... and yeah for no reason, because the game looks like **** and must run like 300 frames with graphics like that. Also game fails to inform me about critical buildings that i must to build for not to lose my whole GAME!!! And when the soldierswtf with the frame rate in this game?:) Using i7 + gtx 690 and can barely handle it, like 90% of playtime i am enjoying of average 24 frames...... and yeah for no reason, because the game looks like **** and must run like 300 frames with graphics like that. Also game fails to inform me about critical buildings that i must to build for not to lose my whole GAME!!! And when the soldiers misses a target when the muzzle of the gun right at flesh of the enemy, stupid as ****… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2016
6
#6 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 104 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 104
  3. Negative: 1 out of 104
  1. Wccftech
    Apr 22, 2016
    80
    Firaxis managed to improve upon the already great Enemy Unknown in almost every way, with the exception of multiplayer. Unfortunately, the shockingly bad performance prevents XCOM 2 from reaching the status of a true masterpiece.
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  2. High-Def Digest
    Apr 10, 2016
    90
    It is a tactical experience without peer, better even than its predecessors. It is draining and agonizing, but in a good way. The high difficulty may turn off some gamers, but it’s worth every second.
    Read full review
  3. IGN Denmark
    Apr 6, 2016
    90
    XCOM 2 is a gem. There is more story in the game, and the ending does not feel as abrupt as it did in the first game.
    Read full review
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