XCOM: Enemy Unknown

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2608 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,075 out of 2608
  2. Mixed: 329 out of 2608
  3. Negative: 204 out of 2608
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  1. ILL-Flower
    Oct 25, 2012
    9
    Amazingly addictive and challenging game. I loved playing the first XCom and this one surprised me by feeling like a real modern update that kept the same feel as the original. I would give it a perfect score, but there are some graphics issues that need to be fixed. You shoot through walls way too much, but that is my one minor gripe as the game is amazing and aliens fortunately cannotAmazingly addictive and challenging game. I loved playing the first XCom and this one surprised me by feeling like a real modern update that kept the same feel as the original. I would give it a perfect score, but there are some graphics issues that need to be fixed. You shoot through walls way too much, but that is my one minor gripe as the game is amazing and aliens fortunately cannot shoot you through walls.… Expand
  2. greywar
    Oct 24, 2012
    9
    One of the very best games I have played in years. The only reason I did not give it a 10 is due to a small lack of more varied starting set ups that would give each replay a bit more of a unique feel. To be sure this is an incredibly small gripe. Buy this game.
  3. Phillippe
    Oct 24, 2012
    9
    Didn't played the original version but love this one. Although they were some issues I believe with just a little bit of effort it would have been a 10, but being less expensive than other game when it came out, it raise from a 8 to a 9. As you may have read from other reviews, yes there is some solid clash in the animation, point of views are sometimes off and the maps are based with theDidn't played the original version but love this one. Although they were some issues I believe with just a little bit of effort it would have been a 10, but being less expensive than other game when it came out, it raise from a 8 to a 9. As you may have read from other reviews, yes there is some solid clash in the animation, point of views are sometimes off and the maps are based with the same features. Visiting Tokyo, Calgary, Seattle, ... all looks the same. I just finished the game and it took me a good 30hours. Gameplay can be challenging, but like all other Turn by Turn game, it's quite addictive. Spinning the time and hoping that your soldier will recover or that you'll get the tech before another invasion is detected is stressfull.… Expand
  4. RangerFish
    Oct 24, 2012
    8
    Overly simplified, some serious camera issues, with a simple-yet-clunky UI, and the overall turn mechanic feels more disjointed than the Aftermath--Afterlight implementation. But the fact that I just didn't want to stop playing last night can't be ignored either.
  5. SittinginBasket
    Oct 23, 2012
    5
    A fair game, with interesting gameplay and visuals. However, the game lacks in story-depth and suffers from the lack of attention and story-telling after the first half of the game. The game has extremely little variety in choices and missions. Research and interrogation is extremely simple and short-lived, without adding much to the story, and is quickly forgotten. The best items can beA fair game, with interesting gameplay and visuals. However, the game lacks in story-depth and suffers from the lack of attention and story-telling after the first half of the game. The game has extremely little variety in choices and missions. Research and interrogation is extremely simple and short-lived, without adding much to the story, and is quickly forgotten. The best items can be attained early in the game, and research and production no longer have a function in the late game. Missions are extremely repetitive, and will force you into completing the same missions over and over again with absolutely no variety. Ending is extremely disappointing, and again drops the ball with story-telling when compared to the first half of the game.… Expand
  6. dkaizer
    Oct 23, 2012
    8
    After more than a decade of waiting, I must say that XCOM: Enemy Unknown managed to satisfy my palate. The graphics and art style look good and the gameplay although simplified, still made it fun. Especially liked the ability to customize your soldier right down to the nicknames. The armour, weapons and the way your soldier(s) moved made them look really badass!
    On the downside, the    After more than a decade of waiting, I must say that XCOM: Enemy Unknown managed to satisfy my palate. The graphics and art style look good and the gameplay although simplified, still made it fun. Especially liked the ability to customize your soldier right down to the nicknames. The armour, weapons and the way your soldier(s) moved made them look really badass!
    On the downside, the lackluster storyline and no aliens attacking your base brought this game down a notch. After the final cutscene, all I could do was go " That's it...?" I sincerely think the storyline and ending could have been better. Overall a good game, worth playing and worth every penny.    … Expand
  7. yogibbear
    Oct 23, 2012
    10
    Best turn-based strategy game since the original X-COM. Yeah it has its own flavour, and it doesn't shy away from sticking to its own design decisions. What it delivers is just awesome. The single player on classic ironman has insane replayability: enemy AI, challenging combat, challenging strategic layer panic management etc. all provide a compelling experience. The best part is you knowBest turn-based strategy game since the original X-COM. Yeah it has its own flavour, and it doesn't shy away from sticking to its own design decisions. What it delivers is just awesome. The single player on classic ironman has insane replayability: enemy AI, challenging combat, challenging strategic layer panic management etc. all provide a compelling experience. The best part is you know that it was your fault that you lost, and you have a good idea what your mistake was to fix it next time. Establishing characters that you actually care for and naming them is addictive. The MP is just an added bonus to annoy your friends with and see if an all floater team can really mess up an archangel sniper, or if a 2 x ghost armour squad is better than an ethereal with sectoid scouts.… Expand
  8. truthmonger
    Oct 22, 2012
    2
    Firaxis really dropped the ball, even more than they did on Civ V. The NPC dialog is like a bad 80's cartoon, the game is unbelievably limited - I've played free games that had more options, more realism and more depth. The alien designs are either stolen from other games or are just plain stupid. Seriously, wait till you see the ravagers...you'll think you're back in Dranei land! AndFiraxis really dropped the ball, even more than they did on Civ V. The NPC dialog is like a bad 80's cartoon, the game is unbelievably limited - I've played free games that had more options, more realism and more depth. The alien designs are either stolen from other games or are just plain stupid. Seriously, wait till you see the ravagers...you'll think you're back in Dranei land! And you'll learn to hate those f*#kers because until you develop the most powerful armor there is no defense against their TWO instant kill attacks. Oh and did I mention that its impossible to get the jump on enemies because they dont roam around..they just wait like land mines till you find them. Then they just keep flanking you, and if they cant they hide and wait for you. There's no stealth abilities. Hell you can't even carry multiple grenades until you've gottten 3 or 4 promotions!! This game is beyond stupid, its NOTHING like XCOM. The graphics look like something from 2003, the controls are flaky and the camera will make you wanna kill yourself. And if by some miracle you can actually win against the uber-cheating AI, you'll get the weakest ending since ME3. DO NOT BUY.… Expand
  9. Slackerboy
    Oct 22, 2012
    2
    Go in knowing that this game is designed to make you feel as much pain as they can, as a result the difficulty curve is nuts. You will go from all silly easy missions where you take almost no damage at all to an endless series of losing your whole team forcing you to reload saves over and over until you work out some way to beat the mission.

    If you are attracted to games that require    Go in knowing that this game is designed to make you feel as much pain as they can, as a result the difficulty curve is nuts. You will go from all silly easy missions where you take almost no damage at all to an endless series of losing your whole team forcing you to reload saves over and over until you work out some way to beat the mission.

    If you are attracted to games that require replaying the same level 10 times in a row, then this is your game. If however you do not like being hit in the face with a hammer this is not your game.    … Expand
  10. Powderkeg40
    Oct 22, 2012
    9
    I played the original back in the 90's for hours and hours on end, though it had its bugs it was a great game overall.

    This new version has its differences, but I still find it very enjoyable. I would like to see some more of the options and depth that the original had though. Inventory, less hand holding, multiple bases, etc. Maybe that will come in an expansion pack but with    I played the original back in the 90's for hours and hours on end, though it had its bugs it was a great game overall.

    This new version has its differences, but I still find it very enjoyable. I would like to see some more of the options and depth that the original had though. Inventory, less hand holding, multiple bases, etc. Maybe that will come in an expansion pack but with everything tailored to work with the weak consoles I'm not going to hold my breath.    … Expand
  11. nop
    Oct 22, 2012
    5
    This game is a marketing success but a creative failure. I loved original XCOM game and really wanted to enjoy playing this remake. But several hours into the game I started to feel that I've been cheated. Imagine a "reboot" of original Quake, where you can only carry two weapons, regenerate health while moving from one waist-high cover to another through linear levels, watchingThis game is a marketing success but a creative failure. I loved original XCOM game and really wanted to enjoy playing this remake. But several hours into the game I started to feel that I've been cheated. Imagine a "reboot" of original Quake, where you can only carry two weapons, regenerate health while moving from one waist-high cover to another through linear levels, watching unskippable cutscenes after every few minutes. This is what you feel if you played XCOM/UFO games before. Shallow and dumbed down kids-friendly piece of mass entertainment. Seriously, I'm surprised that after infinite ammo they didn't add regenerating health. Base building is a joke compared to the original. Geoscape is just a pretty animation. This is earth defense simulator minus the simulator part. This is a game where radio stations can work from underground caves, satellites can hover above arbitrary location on the globe and psionics only works if you break glass window first.… Expand
  12. Bobwolf
    Oct 22, 2012
    3
    Where to start...

    1st of all this is not like the original game. Far from that. The game is now very simple and linear. You have the impression that the game force you to make some choice. You also have the impression that the game is holding your hand and tells you all the time what to do. Almost every feature of the OG has been remove. No more inventory, no more base defense/attack.    Where to start...

    1st of all this is not like the original game. Far from that. The game is now very simple and linear. You have the impression that the game force you to make some choice. You also have the impression that the game is holding your hand and tells you all the time what to do. Almost every feature of the OG has been remove. No more inventory, no more base defense/attack. You only have one base. The soldier management is bad. The tactical gameplay is also very simple. You have very few option.

    The only good about this game is graphic. They are very nice but that's it.    … Expand
  13. ParadiseLost
    Oct 22, 2012
    10
    I've played the original XCOM and I love this new one. Here is why:

    1) Very engaging combats - you need to think carefully your every move because one mistake can mean the death of one of your soldiers. The move-to-cover system is streamlined (in a positive way), the enemies are challenging and overall every battle is great fun. 2) Choosing skills for your soldiers is a very nice    I've played the original XCOM and I love this new one. Here is why:

    1) Very engaging combats - you need to think carefully your every move because one mistake can mean the death of one of your soldiers. The move-to-cover system is streamlined (in a positive way), the enemies are challenging and overall every battle is great fun.
    2) Choosing skills for your soldiers is a very nice feature.
    3) The game runs very smoothly and almost without any bugs (on the PC version at least), I've played for about 20 hours so far and encountered only two bugs.
    4) The game is highly addictive, with "just one more battle.." always on my mind.    … Expand
  14. Kelemvor
    Oct 21, 2012
    6
    As i understand, XCOM:EU is a reimagining od the old game, but can this "excuse" everything? They left out quite a bit. This is more of a tactical game with a little something else, than a fully fledged invasion-simulator like the original. The research is to simple, to straight forward, there is no inventory, you only have 2 actions per round, most alien groups on the map have to beAs i understand, XCOM:EU is a reimagining od the old game, but can this "excuse" everything? They left out quite a bit. This is more of a tactical game with a little something else, than a fully fledged invasion-simulator like the original. The research is to simple, to straight forward, there is no inventory, you only have 2 actions per round, most alien groups on the map have to be triggered to do something, there are no attacks on your base, you have to make artificial decisions, because the XCOM who has been assigned to save the world, can only afford one skyranger transport. The list goes on about things that are of questionable design, don't make a lot of sense or are just plain missing. Despite these flaws and shortcomings, XCOM can be an enjoyable experience, just not the game i expected. I expected a modernisation, an increase in possibilities, more micromanagement etc. The new XCOM game is a streamlined version of the first, with a lackluster storyline, small tactical maps, lack of options and possibilities. In my opinion the replay value is very small, because the game follows a hardwired chain of events. If you like to concentration on tactical combat, and don't like micromanagement, then this XCOM is for you, If you liked the old one, liked the richness of its gameplay, the possibilities and options, to do what every you like, than this game will most likely disappoint you. After 20 to 30 hours of fun tactical combat, unsatisfying strategic gameplay, and totally unnecessary und illogical decisions forced down your throat, the game is over.… Expand
  15. AndyRoark
    Oct 21, 2012
    10
    As a diehard fan of the original XCom game who spent most of 1994 and 1995 locked in a room in my parent's house playing non-stop, does this game live up? Yes. Judged on it's own merits (which are significant) this game nails the feel, tension and constant uphill battle that was what made XCom the greatest game ever made. Does it live up to the original? Kinda. I can clearly see theAs a diehard fan of the original XCom game who spent most of 1994 and 1995 locked in a room in my parent's house playing non-stop, does this game live up? Yes. Judged on it's own merits (which are significant) this game nails the feel, tension and constant uphill battle that was what made XCom the greatest game ever made. Does it live up to the original? Kinda. I can clearly see the streamlining and simplification. I want to rant and rage that I want ALL of the original game in this form - but that right there is why I'm rating this game a 10. I WANT to see Fraxis port the entirety of the original game - the insane tech tree, the ticking clock daring you to make the wrong research options, the 12 to 16 squad attack, 8 base, worldwide frantic beauty of what was XCom.

    But what is obvious is that the team at Fraxis loved the same game I did and brought the core of it into 2012. Maybe they are going to add the rest as DLC and pre-order bonuses for boxes of tie-in cereal or something. If so, I'm in. I'm going to finish this demo by next weekend (a game of XCom finished in two weeks? Heresy, I tell ya) and then I'm going to crank back up the original. And appreciate both versions. And giggle a little bit at people who are claiming this version is hard. Wimps.    … Expand
  16. Dariune
    Oct 21, 2012
    4
    Just finished the game and my thoughts were ... it was ok.

    The tactical battles were pretty well handled and the skills generally well balanced but the camera was a nightmare. And although I didnt particularly miss the Time Units system, I dont think the run and gun system worked THAT well. A soldier standing still should be able to fire more than one taking a move. I did also miss the    Just finished the game and my thoughts were ... it was ok.

    The tactical battles were pretty well handled and the skills generally well balanced but the camera was a nightmare. And although I didnt particularly miss the Time Units system, I dont think the run and gun system worked THAT well. A soldier standing still should be able to fire more than one taking a move. I did also miss the different kinds of shot you could use (Rapid, free fire and aim). But for the most part they were generally engaging.

    Everything else though ... well it was just so cut down.

    The base was boring as sin. The only buildings (Other than quest buildings) I built were the satelites and power.

    There were only two kinds of ship, three types of gun per class (Excluding support), two types of grenades and the rocket launcher was a bit bland as well (Though it made a great tactical choice in battles)

    Having said that, the different classes were all really useful and different enough from each other that I fielded a fairly decent variety of soldiers on the battlefield. I still would have prefferred to choose what guns and equipment my soldiers had rather than having them forced onto me bya a class system.

    So IMO the research, although fairly accurately taken from the original, was very dull. The only surprises were when something wasnt in the research tree. I understand this is mainly due to the cut down inventory system but half way through the game I found myself not caring about what I researched anymore.

    Talking of the inventory system. I would say this was my least favourite part of it. 4 items (5 if a skill is unlocked for Support) of kit which i found noticably limiting throughout the whole game, right from the start.

    The other part i really didnt like was the complete opposites of quality between the tactical battles and the openworld map. I realise this is even more subjective than the rest of my thoughts but, it felt to me like there were few choices or meaningful paths to go. Your herded into a choice of three abduction missions and then, seeminly at random, other missions come to play. At certain points in the game you are told to do something to continue the plot. It kind of felt to me like there was no point to that part of the game at all. It wouldnt have played much different if they had just given you 100 similar missions and allowed you to level up your men inbetween each mission. Which, IMO, goes completely against what UFO: Enemy unknown was about.

    I only played on Classic, but the original felt like a far more personalised struggle.

    In UFO: Enemy Unknown, I felt like it was my game. My world under attack and my plans, that failed or succeeded. In XCOM, it really wasnt. There was just a very slim line of paint telling me it was, which was easily washed off after a few missions.

    Having said that there were some parts which were far better. The squaddie customization, although not great, was certainly far far better than any other game of its type. It was really refreshing to have all my soldiers looking different on the battlefield. The graphics were also pretty good and the battles did come alive. An impressive feat for a turn based game.

    I also didnt mind the cutscenes or hero cam which were quite subtly done.

    The pace was too fast, not really allowing me to enjoy any of the (Too few) research breakthroughs I had.

    Lastly I feel they should get an award for managing to make the worst part of UFO: Enemy Unknown EVEN worse. The interceptor fights were atrocious. Laughably so. With just two ships, and your bog standard weapons. There were no tactical choices, battle variety or anything else.

    So to finish. I will say the game was fun, I dont feel like I was ripped off for buying it at full price, and I had fun playing. The game was too short, too stream lined and the strategic battles were really the only part which I think had a lot of thought put into it. I dont think this game will ever win any awards but it certainly wasnt terrible either.    … Expand
  17. Myriad84
    Oct 21, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First and foremost, I have to say that all around, this is a pretty solid game. Visually, it is stunning, as the makers have owned up to their claims by seamlessly combining the game play with a cinematic twinge. The actual game play on missions themselves is pretty straightforward, with quite a bit of room for custom play styles; whether you're more of a massive armor, heavy guns, run and gun style player or a sleek, stealthy tactician, either way works. The ability to completely customize your soldiers is a nice function as well. From their skills, right down to their names and how they look, it helps add some more investment for the player. Top it off with being able to completely customize each soldier's gear, and it's like Christmas every time you get something new! Being able to build your base however way you'd like is another nice touch. Maybe more research, more engineering, or however you wish to lead your group. Couple that with having to balance keeping the world powers happy and not letting them drop off the radar, literally and figuratively, helps break up the game play throughout the experience. With all that being said, the game still left me with a more-ish taste. It had a lot of different options, but never quite enough of any single one. Like the old proverb which really seems to encompass the game, "Jack of all trades, master of none". Early on it is exciting, but quickly you find yourself seeing the extent of what you can do. There may be umpteen different items to research, but only one style of each. It just felt like there could have been more customization, more research, more expansion, much more mission variety, and so forth. Still, regardless, as I said before, it is still a pretty solid game. To be completely honest, I would have been way more pleased to pay $30, maybe $40, for the game as I believe that is what it's worth. Still though, I don't regret it at all and if you're a fan of strategy games (maybe not a diehard XCOM fan), this is still well worth it, especially if you get it on sale or at a lower price!… Expand
  18. Heavymetal4life
    Oct 21, 2012
    10
    Game is epicly Awesome!! It is a nice moderate RTS turn stylish game and I love it. It is new I have never played anything like it, an I an completely enjoying it! I can not wait till they do DLC or expansions or another one!
  19. Elmikitos
    Oct 20, 2012
    10
    Хочется от души поблагодарить разработчиков за то, что далиХочется от души поблагодарить разработчиков за то, что дали возможность почувствовать то самое удовольствие, которое дарил классический X-COM. Игру прошел на одном дыхании. И уже хочется засесть за нее снова. Супер!… Expand
  20. aznassassin
    Oct 20, 2012
    8
    A disregard in providing an adequate tutorial meant the learning curve for this game esp in base management requires many hours of trial-and-error. The combat phases are the highlights whereas the base management are a hassle and really not very approachable. The plot is almost non-existent with generic NPCs, poor voice-acting and characters that you dont really want to relate to - they'reA disregard in providing an adequate tutorial meant the learning curve for this game esp in base management requires many hours of trial-and-error. The combat phases are the highlights whereas the base management are a hassle and really not very approachable. The plot is almost non-existent with generic NPCs, poor voice-acting and characters that you dont really want to relate to - they're boring, lack character and dont really do well to drive the so-called 'story' along. There are also technical hitches such as movement square elevation selection issues as well as camera angle bugs and a lot of weird glitches abound. Played for around 20 hours before repetition and a lack of long term appeal sinked in. Get Dishonored instead. As an avid RTS/Strategy gamer, I say wait for this game to hit the bargain bin. Oh and did I mention they've dumbed the game down for consoles as well as made the UI more tailored towards consoles, abandoning PC UIs? Worth a try but not really a game that you'll play ever again.… Expand
  21. Diablo3sux
    Oct 20, 2012
    2
    They turned the franchise into a boring action-only game for consoles. No more strategic decision, game is dumbed down. If you liked the two predecessors do not even give it a try, you would be disappointed.
  22. Reas
    Oct 19, 2012
    10
    I never played the original xcom. But the only thing I can say is that its been VERY long time since Ive enjoyed a game so much!! I cant stop playing, is freaking amazing! Just as a was looking for a turn based game, this came up!! Worth the money!
  23. jdawg135
    Oct 18, 2012
    9
    Easily one of the best games I've ever played. If you like turn-based strategy, XCOM: EU provides a level of depth and challenge that is unparalleled in gaming today. This is reminiscent of the Atari games we used to play when I was a child, hard as hell with a simple layout over a deep tactical simulator that allows one to get as deep or stay as shallow as one wants. One thing to get overEasily one of the best games I've ever played. If you like turn-based strategy, XCOM: EU provides a level of depth and challenge that is unparalleled in gaming today. This is reminiscent of the Atari games we used to play when I was a child, hard as hell with a simple layout over a deep tactical simulator that allows one to get as deep or stay as shallow as one wants. One thing to get over early: Team members are going to die. This is a full-scale alien invasion by a species genetically and technologically superior. What did you expect? Just one token death? Save and Load if you want, hell when was the last time you actually had to use those features besides anything but logging on / off? If this makes you too sad difficulty can be changed at any time.

    My favorite thing about XCOM: EU is that there is a HUGE noticeable difference in how badass your team is as you level up. What once started as four scrubs getting their asses handed to them by baby aliens with large heads and bigger guns, becomes a death squad that tears aliens to shreds on sight. That said: one wrong move on your part, one alien patrol stumbling upon your team at the wrong moment, one missed shot can be the difference between victory and utter failure. Just like real life.    … Expand
  24. sgtStones
    Oct 18, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok, lets get it rolling...minor spoilers ahead. I'm a XCOM Veteran who played xcom, TFTD and Apocalypse pretty much at release. The original is (and probably always will be) the best game I've ever played. The new XCom comes quite close to that, albeit being quite different in many aspects. I'll quickly say how I feel about the game and then I'll address a few of the complaints some players have. Pro: - good feel of progression (research, foundry, officers school, skill tree, psi-lab)
    - combat mechanics make for fast, yet tactical gameplay
    - narrative much stronger than in the old game, though it's no "game of thrones"
    - Action-Cam can look great and usually adds to the atmosphere
    - new Mission types
    - IronMan-Mode

    Cons: - no randomly generated maps
    - Interceptions have the appeal of an afterthought
    - Graphics seem a little outdated
    - Visual Bugs (Clipping)

    I obviously love the game. I'm in my 3rd playthrough (which is usually a bit shorter than in the original game) and it just doesn't get boring. The new additions and the decisions to let go of some of the old mechanics were spot on, in my opinion. Many players dislike the fact, that you only have one base you can design for yourself. You still have a few more "bases" as the game progresses, but they're mere hangars for your interceptors. But that never bothered me, since that was one of the smarter approaches in the old game anyways and I think, the developers took that into account. I would always have just one main base (with 2 skyrangers max), since the skyranger had huge mileage. You could fly to a crash site on the other side of the planet and still hover and wait for daylight. I'd build small cheap bases early on, with the best radar available and 2 hangars for interceptors. So for me, nothing changed with the new XCOM in regards to my approach to basebuilding.
    Also the new base-building mechanic allows for quite some depths itself, due to the adjacency bonus and rising costs as you dig deeper.

    But many criticize the "dumbing down" of the tactical combat,mainly due to the removal of time units. I, on the other hand, think the new 2-move system is actually more challening at times. It makes for a quicker and more action-packed gameplay, yes, but it also forces you to make some difficult decisions. The new reaction shot mechanic (overwatch) also works much better and can now be a very reliable tool. The addition of a comprehensible cover-system (although it took some time to really get the hang of it) really worked
    . At first, I was a little disappointed with the research tree, but if you take the foundry and the officers school into account it actually feels like there's more complexity than in the original (which, like TFTD, had some seriously game-breaking bugs .when it comes to research). The addition of complexity doesnt end there: The ability tree quickly blew away my initial concerns of what seemed like a rather limited array of abilites in the beginning. No aimed shot, no autofire? You will unlock similar abilites (though only with specific classes) and many more as you progress.

    Yes, the class-system: what a good desicion to integrate that mechanic. I always love seeing that true and old RPG element being used in other genres. Don't get me wrong: XCOMs skilltrees don't have the same complexity like the ones of rpgs like dragon age, baldurs gate or diablo/titan quest, but they still allow for some synergy within the tree aswell as with other classes. So you can have different yet sensible approaches on how to skill your soldier. What still kinda sucks is intercepting UFOs. It wasn't spectacular in the old game and it didn'T really improve with the new version. Yes, just like in the old version, there can be some tension when your interceptor gets close to being shot down, but thats it when it comes to thrilling moments. There are some new additions, which quickly lost their appeal when I found out that instead of going with a cooldown system, the abilities were de facto consumables. But, and thats a another complaint, there are not many interceptions in the first place. It could get a little tedious in the old games, but they may have overcompensated a little in the 2012 version. On the other hand, there's no shortage of missions, just not many crash sites (maybe they aren't that satisfied with the arial combat themselves). The new mission types are a welcome addition, though not ground-breaking. But they force you to adjust your playingstyle which actually makes for a welcome change of pace once in a while. Which reminds of one more criticism: the lack of generated maps. I assume, that the coversystem called for some sort of consideration when it came to designing the maps, but I think this could have been solved. Overall a great game, simplified but not dumbed down, as many would have you belie    … Expand
  25. Kagd
    Oct 18, 2012
    10
    Lovely game. Been awhile since I've been glued to the computer for so long. It's not a full on redux on the original but it doesn't claim to be. Graphics are excellent. Gameplay is intricate and complex (if you play on classic) the only gripe is that it was too short! Hoping DLC's come out because i want more of this Game.
    Give it a shot you wont regret it.
  26. MadclownJack
    Oct 18, 2012
    9
    I can't even begin to describe how good this game is. I'm not usually the type to go for the tactical RTS but Enemy Unknown is a wonder. This is the first ever XCOM game I've played, and although sometimes i lose pathetically, (started playing IronMan/Classic Mode) i can not stop playing. There's something mesmerizing in all those little driving mechanisms that comprise EU, that just keepI can't even begin to describe how good this game is. I'm not usually the type to go for the tactical RTS but Enemy Unknown is a wonder. This is the first ever XCOM game I've played, and although sometimes i lose pathetically, (started playing IronMan/Classic Mode) i can not stop playing. There's something mesmerizing in all those little driving mechanisms that comprise EU, that just keep me going, be it the story and setting (both of which are executed above par), the characters who are generic and expendable to the point when they get a promotion, and then suddenly, it's a whole new ballgame. The graphics and visual effects are satisfying, although some of the more "refined" players might take issue with that. The sound effects and music are great, and there's something about hearing a sectoid scream after being successfully shot, that makes me feel warm and giddy on the inside. I'm not too far ahead in the game but i strongly believe that this game is worth your money. I hope for a sequel or an expansion pack soon.… Expand
  27. Diswin
    Oct 18, 2012
    4
    It is good game (as good any game in almost forgotten genre), but... it is not a "true" XCom. Another failed remake. Its more like xcom themed tactical jrpg. Simplified and shallowed. Size of squad is too small for serious tactical decisions. Flanking is pure rubbish in end-game: you cann't 1-shot most of enemies and it is a great risk to loss your own man. Grenades, combat drugs areIt is good game (as good any game in almost forgotten genre), but... it is not a "true" XCom. Another failed remake. Its more like xcom themed tactical jrpg. Simplified and shallowed. Size of squad is too small for serious tactical decisions. Flanking is pure rubbish in end-game: you cann't 1-shot most of enemies and it is a great risk to loss your own man. Grenades, combat drugs are pretty useless in end-game too, its boost is not enough for wasting single slot. Multi leveled combat now in past: there is only 2 floor "earth" and 1 level above earth, between them is clear air. RIP, our last hope for resurrection of turn-based tactic games. It is was vain hope.… Expand
  28. m0rieris
    Oct 18, 2012
    9
    Minor UI and lock up issues aside, this game has taken my interest away from other fantastic games due to its unique style and gameplay that we have not seen in years. Hard not to recommend. Every night becomes a battle with "one more game."
  29. NullReason
    Oct 18, 2012
    10
    Playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown is like sitting down for dinner with an old friend who appears to be doing very well for themselves, after all these years. You recognize them, and while you both have enough memories of the "good old days" for you to fall back on, there's enough new and interesting things going on in your friend's life to make for a memorable conversation. And then, when it'sPlaying XCOM: Enemy Unknown is like sitting down for dinner with an old friend who appears to be doing very well for themselves, after all these years. You recognize them, and while you both have enough memories of the "good old days" for you to fall back on, there's enough new and interesting things going on in your friend's life to make for a memorable conversation. And then, when it's all over, you begin to wonder why you ever lost touch all these years to begin with. 9.5/10 -- Solid execution, atmosphere, mechanics, and enough twists that this title isn't just a retread, it stands on its own two feet.… Expand
  30. v1ctor
    Oct 18, 2012
    10
    Despite some minor issues like the consolized interface, XCOM Enemy Unknown is a worthy successor to the original XCOM game and one of the best strategy games I have played in a long time.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 2012
11
#11 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Feb 6, 2013
    88
    Is it better than the original? No. One can’t imagine X-Com 2012 being an all-time-classic and people still playing with it, months from now (let alone, years). Is it a ‘true’ X-Com game, however? Definitely. Remorseless geeks are in for shivers and swoons when they meet their beloved foes: mind-controlling sectoids, zombifying Chrysalids, Cyberdisks, Ethereals… [December 2012]
  2. Armchair Empire
    Dec 18, 2012
    95
    XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a worthy tribute to its progenitor and hopefully the start of something brand new for players who've been dying to get a good squad-based strategy game that lets them not only think, but feel as well.
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  3. Hyper Magazine
    Nov 14, 2012
    90
    Amazing tactical complexity, satisfying strategic depth; slightly dodgy ending, but your own stories are more important anyway. A modern classic.
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