XCOM: Enemy Within

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 820 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 655 out of 820
  2. Mixed: 90 out of 820
  3. Negative: 75 out of 820
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  1. Xsonic
    Nov 16, 2013
    10
    I am putting a 10 just to offset some of the more ignorant comments below. The game is still great, with the addition of several unique features. You can still play Enemy Unknown if you choose to do so before starting the game.

    For those people asking why 2K is charging a lot more in Australia, please stop making yourselves look bad and do some research why your government has put    I am putting a 10 just to offset some of the more ignorant comments below. The game is still great, with the addition of several unique features. You can still play Enemy Unknown if you choose to do so before starting the game.

    For those people asking why 2K is charging a lot more in Australia, please stop making yourselves look bad and do some research why your government has put taxes on games. Don't blame the dev/publishers for what your leaders are doing.    … Expand
  2. MikeMaximus
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    It adds great gameplay features to an already great game, with all the features added the campaign will feel new even though it's the same. It's a bit pricey, but if you shopped around you could have got it for a 20 dollar pre-order and i'm sure it'll be on sale over the holidays. The AI seems to have gotten a bit of an overhaul and uses high ground, supression, overwatch, flanking moreIt adds great gameplay features to an already great game, with all the features added the campaign will feel new even though it's the same. It's a bit pricey, but if you shopped around you could have got it for a 20 dollar pre-order and i'm sure it'll be on sale over the holidays. The AI seems to have gotten a bit of an overhaul and uses high ground, supression, overwatch, flanking more effectively. Tweaks to the meta-game like facility adjacency bonus' are also welcome. My minor complaints are that the difficulty curve can be a bit wonky at the start, especially if you've played through the campaign multiple times already and move the story ahead too quickly, the scripted story missions will start throwing very difficult aliens at you way before you're adequately ready to handle them. This in combination with the accuracy estimates seeming to be being a little off or having a new hidden penalty, it can get frustrating, especially on classic or higher difficulty. If you loved Enemy Unknown you'll love Enemy Within, if you didn't, it hasn't changed anything that's going to make you like it.… Expand
  3. Asaghon
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    If you liked EU you will certainly like this. I was worried MECs would unbalance the game like panzers did in silent storm but they will die quite fast if your reckless on classic. And the rush for meld makes the game alot more intense as well.
    The new exalt faction is a nice addition as well, though some more mission types would be nice. But its a different expierence than fighting    If you liked EU you will certainly like this. I was worried MECs would unbalance the game like panzers did in silent storm but they will die quite fast if your reckless on classic. And the rush for meld makes the game alot more intense as well.
    The new exalt faction is a nice addition as well, though some more mission types would be nice. But its a different expierence than fighting aliens.
    The new maps are great as well, finally some more variety.
    I'l really enjoying the expansion and its well worth the price for me.    … Expand
  4. apox
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    Great expansion refreshes the Enemy Unknown experience. None of the new features fundamentally change the gameplay already established in Enemy Unknown but they do add some significant new variety to the game, including new maps, some new enemies and new upgrades to your troops.

    Part of me still yearns for a more in depth experience as in the original XCom games, but this was also    Great expansion refreshes the Enemy Unknown experience. None of the new features fundamentally change the gameplay already established in Enemy Unknown but they do add some significant new variety to the game, including new maps, some new enemies and new upgrades to your troops.

    Part of me still yearns for a more in depth experience as in the original XCom games, but this was also frustrating at times (how many ammo clips do I give each soldier?!). EU/EW greatly streamlines the experience and lets you focus on the more fun aspects, the battles, research, resource management, etc.

    Gathering meld now forces you to explore maps faster than you might otherwise (especially on harder difficulties) and introduces new upgrades for your soldiers: MECs, which are awesome cyborg soldiers, and gene modifications to improve your regular troops. The satisfaction of a MEC punching an alien through a wall never gets old, though be careful you don't also destroy something you didn't mean to! The only downside is that later in the game these allow you to really upgrade your troops and leads to most missions becoming quite easy (unlike the first couple of in-game months which are really difficult).

    The human Exalt forces are another fun new twist, offering a quite different experience to alien hunting. With no need to capture them alive and equivalent weapons/armour/tech in the early mid game, they can be fairly challenging, or you can just grab rockets and grenades and destroy everything. I feel they could have built this more into a story with more cutscenes or backstory but I still enjoyed it.

    A few other great features: soldiers can speak their own languages, base attacks and enemy mechs are more robust than in the original.

    Some of the mechanics of the game I feel are a little too scripted, more so than the originals. While this ensures a more consistent experience, it also reduces the replayability significantly. I can't see myself picking this up many more times, though the recently added 'second wave' options allow you to change a number of game mechanics e.g. soldiers can have randomly generated abilities and stats.

    I've only experience two minor bugs during my playthrough, so I don't see any major issues there at all, and the game looks and sounds as good as ever with it's distinctive B-movie feel. I feel the price is fair for the amount of time you can spend on the new features. It's still one of my favourite games of recent years and this expansion just adds to it.    … Expand
  5. Deathmarch
    Dec 5, 2013
    10
    Further expands on great game. If you ask why I would give it 10 because you have to compare it to whats available now. Seeing only Jagged alliance online in the same category I would give Xcom a 20 but I cant so 10 will have to do. Introduction of MECs, Gene Mods, Exault and a few surprises including the best mission in the whole game the notorious "Fishing Village" have fun
  6. di6turbed
    Nov 20, 2013
    9
    XCOM:EW adds so much fun to the original game. I bought it on an impulse having a calm weekend ahead of me I intended to spend on the new X game. Instead I was just glued to this title for two days. New aliens, new alien craft, new human enemies, lots of customization options for your soldiers.. the game is really worth it.
  7. PeregrineOmega
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    Firaxis and 2K deserve a Nobel prize for restoring faith in modern PC game expansion. Enemy Within is complete, polished, and full of goodies that not only expand the game, but actually improve on what was already a great product.

    It's still a tough game that isn't afraid to be challenging, yet it throws a diverse assortment of interesting upgrade paths, cool weapons, super soldiers and    Firaxis and 2K deserve a Nobel prize for restoring faith in modern PC game expansion. Enemy Within is complete, polished, and full of goodies that not only expand the game, but actually improve on what was already a great product.

    It's still a tough game that isn't afraid to be challenging, yet it throws a diverse assortment of interesting upgrade paths, cool weapons, super soldiers and much more new content than most of the so-called "DLC" packages we see these days. This might just be the best Expansion Pack since Lord of Destruction. Well worth the price of entry.    … Expand
  8. Mikimax
    Nov 27, 2013
    8
    The original XCOM was a great game, but this expansion really expands it in many ways. The game is now more interesting and maybe easier then before (if you play smart). New units and techs are great, although EXALT missions are repetitive and boring after a while.
  9. sherbz
    Dec 3, 2013
    9
    This is a solid expansion and well worth the money. Firaxis have built on what was already an excellent game and made it even better. Its like they have combined 2 of my favorite games of the 1990's Syndicate and enemy unknown. My only criticism is that the game still plays out in a fairly linear fashion and strategic options in the worldview are fairly limited. There are also aThis is a solid expansion and well worth the money. Firaxis have built on what was already an excellent game and made it even better. Its like they have combined 2 of my favorite games of the 1990's Syndicate and enemy unknown. My only criticism is that the game still plays out in a fairly linear fashion and strategic options in the worldview are fairly limited. There are also a number of scripted missions and minor balancing issues. That said though, the real meat of the game, the tactical combat, plays out superbly and the new toys you get to play with make an already great game even better.… Expand
  10. Fritzworth
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even when I've uninstalled all my Steam games (something I do regularly), XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the one I re-install when I really need to play something. Still, in most cases I don't play through to the mothership finale I just see if I can get satellites over all countries w/no defections and research my way through both the Lab and the Foundry. At that point, the end of the game is a foregone conclusion, and I start a new one.

    XCOM: Enemy Within brings a whole new complexity and expansiveness to the game. I love the MEC and gene engineering options, and having multiple plot threads (aliens, EXALT, Progeny) makes the game feel a lot larger. Likewise, I love the new maps and the repurposing of some of the old ones; now, having an old map in the original orientation and use provokes more of a "OK, I know how to do this one" reaction rather than a "[Sigh] Not again" reaction. And, as others have noted, the Meld issue forces me to move a bit more aggressively and recklessly than I normally do.

    What I'd love to see in future DLC (besides more maps and maybe a few more scenarios) is some form of "Search and Respond" mission that you can initiate at any time in effect, to provide a setting to experiment in and to advance rookies. What you encounter could range anywhere from a stray cow (and maybe a Meld pillar) to an EXALT safe house to a standard alien encounter to an overwhelming flood of aliens (with you having to make a successful retreat while being pressed and attacked on all sides).

    I have a few complaints (spoilerish) the EXALT HQ raid seemed a bit easy, while the "Operation Progeny" scenario comes a bit late in the game to have the impact that I'd like it to have (in terms of adding talented personnel). On the other hand, the 'Enemy Within' event was a true "Oh, crap!" moment.

    Excellent DLC for an excellent game, well worth the price.    … Expand
  11. theirrelephants
    Mar 7, 2016
    9
    Normally not a big fan of turn based shooters, but XCOM: Enemy Within may have just made a believer out of me.

    Superb combat, even if RNG makes you rage impotently sometimes (missing a 94% shot... FUG). The meta game involving base building is pretty in depth as well, and is a large part of the fun. I highly recommend everyone give this game a shot, regardless of whether or not you    Normally not a big fan of turn based shooters, but XCOM: Enemy Within may have just made a believer out of me.

    Superb combat, even if RNG makes you rage impotently sometimes (missing a 94% shot... FUG).

    The meta game involving base building is pretty in depth as well, and is a large part of the fun. I highly recommend everyone give this game a shot, regardless of whether or not you like turn based shooters.    … Expand
  12. James009
    Nov 24, 2013
    9
    A fantastic expansion which adds an enjoyable amount of new content including missions, maps, enemies, buildings, items, customization options, and adds new storyline. The additions of the new enemy faction are a welcome relief from the regular alien squashing. Genetic engineering and the MEC labs are also enjoyable new addition which will change your previous badass into a superhumanA fantastic expansion which adds an enjoyable amount of new content including missions, maps, enemies, buildings, items, customization options, and adds new storyline. The additions of the new enemy faction are a welcome relief from the regular alien squashing. Genetic engineering and the MEC labs are also enjoyable new addition which will change your previous badass into a superhuman killing machine. I hope they continue working on more content for XCOM because this just revived the game again.… Expand
  13. Stormwolf
    Nov 21, 2013
    8
    Great expansion for a already good game, I really enjoyed the way it changed the overal gameplay.

    My only complaints are: - It might be a bit too expensive for a expansion - The late game can be somewhat easy when you have heavily gene-modded troops along with maxed out MEC's. - Base attack isn't all that great when compared to the original. In the original you would be wise to    Great expansion for a already good game, I really enjoyed the way it changed the overal gameplay.

    My only complaints are:
    - It might be a bit too expensive for a expansion
    - The late game can be somewhat easy when you have heavily gene-modded troops along with maxed out MEC's.
    - Base attack isn't all that great when compared to the original. In the original you would be wise to design your base to have choke points where the enemy would enter (elevator and hangars).

    But other then that then that, a great game.    … Expand
  14. WLGMan
    Jan 12, 2014
    9
    This is a great game. It would have been 10 out of 10 IF Some of the bugs were fixed for multiplayer and they should have changed the story.
    But the new units are great everything is just great in the game (Except The Bugs).
    The New Enemies like EXALT Are so well done! And second of all The AI Was Rebalanced so they can use Grenades, Medkits etc. (I'm Talking About EXALT here). EXALT    This is a great game. It would have been 10 out of 10 IF Some of the bugs were fixed for multiplayer and they should have changed the story.
    But the new units are great everything is just great in the game (Except The Bugs).
    The New Enemies like EXALT Are so well done!
    And second of all The AI Was Rebalanced so they can use Grenades, Medkits etc. (I'm Talking About EXALT here).
    EXALT is like so meant to be there!
    The Aliens Oh boy The Seeker and the Mechtoids are Awesome.
    If you want to find out why EXALT is there why don't you take a while to think. Why Are they doing Anti-XCOM Projects? Why Are They Not killing the aliens?
    And when you lose like a Colonel in your squad you are like NOOOOO!!!
    Oh right! The new units! The MECs love MECs and Getting a gene modded unit in your squad? THATS AWESOME!!
    Well that's all I have to say for now!    … Expand
  15. NinerJonny
    Nov 13, 2013
    10
    A great game made even better! Firaxis has done a masterful job of fixing any little issues this game had and expanding upon what made this game great. There is no question that this add-on is worth every penny of the $29 I spent. By far the best 'expansion' to come along since Heart of the Swarm for StarCraft II. If you played XCOM in the past, this is definitely a must buy!
  16. LicoriceManiac
    Dec 5, 2013
    9
    You like XCOM Enemy Unknown.
    You are reading these reviews in hope of answering the question: Should I spend good money on the expansion?
    I know, I have been there... so let me help you decide. There are two kind of xcom players: those who play for hundreds of hours, on ironman, over and over again, and those who play the game once, because let's face it, life is short and there are    You like XCOM Enemy Unknown.
    You are reading these reviews in hope of answering the question: Should I spend good money on the expansion?
    I know, I have been there... so let me help you decide.
    There are two kind of xcom players: those who play for hundreds of hours, on ironman, over and over again, and those who play the game once, because let's face it, life is short and there are hundreds of games out there. The first category, they already have the expoansion, and they are having a blast... I know, I became one of them... Now the second category, your category. You know going through the game again is a 20-30 hour journey, so is it worth the money to play the same game again?
    What the expansion offers is more of everything: more baddies, more mission variety, more gadgets and more ways to power-up your soldiers. Is it different enough to justify a replay? Do you like watching new iterations/reboots of superhero movies? Same idea. Similar enough that you know what to expect, different enough that it gives fresh sensations and even a few wtf moments.
    Your money, your choice. If you are not a hardcore XCOM player, and have steam, and you have already waited this long, I would recommend to wait for a sale, but then definitely get it.    … Expand
  17. lMasterBetal
    Nov 16, 2013
    9
    To put it short, XCOM Enemy Within will fix many of the problems you had in Enemy Unknown. This includes Dr. Vahlen never shutting up, removing all items from soldiers (In order to find that one person who has that medkit to give them to someone else), bringing back the freshness of exploring new maps, combating new and dangerous foes, fighting against humans, customizing your characterTo put it short, XCOM Enemy Within will fix many of the problems you had in Enemy Unknown. This includes Dr. Vahlen never shutting up, removing all items from soldiers (In order to find that one person who has that medkit to give them to someone else), bringing back the freshness of exploring new maps, combating new and dangerous foes, fighting against humans, customizing your character even more, and a new branch of missions from the council.

    This game gets a 9/10 since some of the problems haven't been fixed by Firaxis but XCOM Enemy Within is a great expansion with a great TU to the original game.

    Buy it    … Expand
  18. orctown-troll
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Great set of enhancement for an already great game. More maps. More campaign elements, more inventory to manage. While the new additions of meld and medals may make the endgame easier on easy setting, they won't help you on classic or impossible ironman so much. The criticism that this makes the game too easy are invalidated by the fact that the game has hard settings, and ways to evenGreat set of enhancement for an already great game. More maps. More campaign elements, more inventory to manage. While the new additions of meld and medals may make the endgame easier on easy setting, they won't help you on classic or impossible ironman so much. The criticism that this makes the game too easy are invalidated by the fact that the game has hard settings, and ways to even make it harder from there. Arguments that the expansion is overpriced ignore the fact that this is targeted at people who already play the game and want more. In this context the price is reasonable. Indeed I'm surprised that fans of the game would not be happy to expand their play experience and support the developers at the same time, with a price that is good for everyone. If you like X-COM Enemy this is a no-brainer, get it today. If you are in here giving it a red score on the basis of price, you are a no-brainer, who probably needs to get a job.

    Orctowngrot.    … Expand
  19. JuggernautOfWar
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    This feature packed expansion adds so much to the base game it's pretty unbelievable. Fixed all the existing bugs as well. Firaxis is a great company and I am so glad I picked this up.

    There are however still some multiplayer issues, but who plays XCOM for the MP?
  20. Borreh1973
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    We are seeing an evolution of XCOM EU for a new game. History repeats almost everything but new things are over it. Some errors will be fixed soon, I believe. Hours of fun guaranteed reaching all success of the original.
  21. Adingetorix
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    I was really looking forward to this and they didn't disappoint. Makes all the little things that annoyed me in the base game, go away for me. I hope there is more to come.
  22. Ogr
    Nov 13, 2013
    9
    This Addon makes XCOM even better, sadly there is no new campaign, but playing it again with all the new maps and improvements makes as much fun as playing it for the very first time. Good job.
  23. Renew81
    Nov 20, 2013
    8
    A decent amount of content comes with this dlc if you have never played xcom enemy
    unknown before then this might be the time to purchase the game.
    For console users there is a disc available that gives you the game plus all the dlc unfortunately if you already own Xcom EU there is no seperate disc or other way available to play Xcom EW you will have to purchase the complete set.    A decent amount of content comes with this dlc if you have never played xcom enemy
    unknown before then this might be the time to purchase the game.

    For console users there is a disc available that gives you the game plus all the dlc
    unfortunately if you already own Xcom EU there is no seperate disc or other way
    available to play Xcom EW you will have to purchase the complete set.

    For pc there is the digital download and if you already own the game there is no need
    to purchase it again however even on the pc i find the price for this dlc to be a bit high.
    I payed 30 Euro's 40 Dollars for this dlc and although it comes with a decent amount
    of content it still relies on Xcom EU for the most part adding new items a new class a good
    variation of maps and a new recource called meld wich lets you do some pretty awesome stuff.

    All of this gives Xcom a fresh look and its worth another playthrough tho i can imagine some
    of the veteran xcom players might be dissapointed by its price and by the fact that some of the
    the bugs are still present in the game and in my own playthrough it felt like the starting months
    of xcom enemy unknown wich also came with its bugs and quirks its a shame that these have
    not been fixed however it can still be patched in the future.

    All in all i had a great time with Xcom Enemy Within and i am still playing it as of this writing
    if you like xcom and you want more of it then purchase this dlc if you never played xcom but
    you want to then you will get the most value out of your purchase if you are on a budget
    you might want to hold off for a while until it go's on a discount.    … Expand
  24. doOborg
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    Bugs were patched quickly.... The new adds in the game give it a great new feeling and a good way to replay the game.... Despite of having the same base story, there is a "new" way of telling you the same story and to fit the new content. Great new adds of mechs and genetics adds look perfect and are well balanced.... Can be considered a DLC, but a great and VERY BIG content DLC.

    For    Bugs were patched quickly.... The new adds in the game give it a great new feeling and a good way to replay the game.... Despite of having the same base story, there is a "new" way of telling you the same story and to fit the new content. Great new adds of mechs and genetics adds look perfect and are well balanced.... Can be considered a DLC, but a great and VERY BIG content DLC.

    For me, it worths every cent.... PERFECT!!!!    … Expand
  25. Mudget
    Nov 20, 2013
    8
    Adds a ton of content to an already content-full game. Additions: Medals that can be awarded to your favorite soldiers (you even get limited buff customization options with each medal). Several layers of added game depth (a covert operation sub-plot, for one). Additional alien types. Gene splicing. Mechs. Gobs of new maps. On the plus side, this is what all DLC should be. Robust.Adds a ton of content to an already content-full game. Additions: Medals that can be awarded to your favorite soldiers (you even get limited buff customization options with each medal). Several layers of added game depth (a covert operation sub-plot, for one). Additional alien types. Gene splicing. Mechs. Gobs of new maps. On the plus side, this is what all DLC should be. Robust. On the downside, it's a little pricy for DLC we're almost in 'full game cost' territory for this one. That's where this title takes a hit on score from my perspective. If it was standalone or about ten bucks cheaper, I'd rate this a 10. But the bottom line is that the add-on really fleshes out the original game and integrates superbly into it, adding hours of new content and fun to a game that already provides many hours of fun and tons of content. 7.5/10… Expand
  26. AnotherGamerFRA
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    But for the relatively high price for a DLC, Xcom Enemy Within is definitely a must-buy if you are a fan of Xcom Enemy Unknown or the genre in general
  27. kikmeister
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    God bless Firaxis Games! They did a fantastic job with XCOM Enemy Unknown and then again with XCOM Enemy Within. These guys should be in the hall of fame for game designers. No kidding. The game is not perfect (bugs) but it's good enough to stand with the likes of Starcraft and other iconic games. It's really good. Enough said.
  28. QuantumX
    Dec 1, 2013
    10
    The new XCOM games is excellent, a true modern re-make of the original games... I cannot stress enough that i really liked this game.. The expansion just makes a good game, an excellent game! For me there are not games like this one...
  29. LD9000
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    This game is the definition of the AAA title. Fun all the way through, great visuals, sound and nice plot twists. Saving the earth has never felt that good before :)
  30. JonoR
    Nov 18, 2013
    8
    Enemy Within adds a lot of good things to the game.

    *The new MEC class and augmenting soldiers gives you a wider range on upgrading your soldiers making them more unique in ability and performance instead of simply just equipping everyone with the same tech lvl armour or weapons. *There is a much greater variety of maps. You don't repeat the same maps as frequently any more,    Enemy Within adds a lot of good things to the game.

    *The new MEC class and augmenting soldiers gives you a wider range on upgrading your soldiers making them more unique in ability and performance instead of simply just equipping everyone with the same tech lvl armour or weapons.

    *There is a much greater variety of maps. You don't repeat the same maps as frequently any more, particularly noticeable for UFO shoot downs since you're not always in the same spooky forest anymore.

    *More customisation for soldiers is fun. In terms of gameplay it offers nothing, but its a fun little distraction to adjust how your soldiers look. The addition of languages is also nice. You could argue for more languages and maybe even English accents (Eng, US, Aust, etc), but again not important to gameplay, but cosmetic stuff.

    However, there are some things that prevent me giving it a ten.

    * Power creep: While the new classes and super-humans are great it does make the game a bit easier as you can get quite power troops quite early. This isn't immediately countered by the aliens as the introduction to new stronger enemies is more of less staggered the same as EU. Chryssalids are much less scary if you can one shot them with a MEC's kinetic strike.

    * Price: Of the two points I've taking off this I weight less than the power creep above, but it is still a factor. In my view it is overpriced for what you get, that at least 20% should be knocked off the price. Not great value for money, but if I was overly concerned about it I'd never buy any game until at least its 6 months old and the price starts to drop.

    On the bug side I've only had one and that was on the release day where I went to mission control and it zoomed me in too close and got stuck. Haven't had it happen since then though so I've had a very stable experience.

    Overall, the expansion does what it should. It expands the game in a overall enjoyable manner so that it makes it worth your time to return to it.    … Expand
  31. Cytokinesis
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    I wrote a pretty mediocre review of Enemy Unknown and this fixes MOST of the problems there were in the original game. Again, people who love the original xcom and refuse change still aren't going to like it but anyone who even remotely liked EU are going to love this. The re-balancing of workshops/labs with all the new structures and economy is phenomenal: it's no longer a workshopI wrote a pretty mediocre review of Enemy Unknown and this fixes MOST of the problems there were in the original game. Again, people who love the original xcom and refuse change still aren't going to like it but anyone who even remotely liked EU are going to love this. The re-balancing of workshops/labs with all the new structures and economy is phenomenal: it's no longer a workshop spamming escapade. The depth in soldier customization is really good now and makes it even more personal which breathes new life into ironman mode. On top of that it adds a TON of new maps and scenarios and even randomizes some spawn points on old maps which makes it really fresh and exciting for experienced players. It puts that fear back into playing when you have no idea what's coming and will take a long time to memorize this many maps rather than 3-4 playthroughs like with EU. It is really fresh and anyone who even remotely enjoyed EU and doesn't get this is doing themselves a huge disservice.… Expand
  32. Jackdiesatthend
    Dec 9, 2013
    9
    As an expansion to the hit strategy game Xcom Enemy Unknown (or basically a goty edition for PS3 and 360) Enemy Within delivers. A new MEC Class which is essentially a big robot squad member, a new seeker alien which can cloak it's land strangle your squad members (very very irking, perfect for this type of game), new very much needed maps, and a new human enemy forcing you to fightAs an expansion to the hit strategy game Xcom Enemy Unknown (or basically a goty edition for PS3 and 360) Enemy Within delivers. A new MEC Class which is essentially a big robot squad member, a new seeker alien which can cloak it's land strangle your squad members (very very irking, perfect for this type of game), new very much needed maps, and a new human enemy forcing you to fight differently than the original alien threat. There's also a medal system and biotic upgrades for purchase through a new currency called meld. Meld is obtained through canisters found throughout the map that disappear after a number of turns, forcing you to weigh risk and reward and move quickly to obtain them. For the price tag of thirty dollars on PC, it's worth.

    NOW MOVING ONTO CONSOLES
    If you didn't play Enemy Unknown, but you want to, just mosey on over to Enemy Within and get that instead. It comes with EU, EW, and the Slingshot DLC. Now if you already have Enemy Unknown on your console, I do not recommend Enemy Within at the price tag of forty dollars. Why? Well mostly because it doesn't share a trophy/achievement set nor do saves from Enemy Unknown carry over. But if you're anything like me you're starting over a lot anyway because you suck donkey dongle but you won't take the game off Ironman because you ain't no punk biatch. But I digress, if you want to shell out forty dollars, and you don't care about your trophies and saves, this update really really enhances the game.

    The verdict is a buy/10. Edge: PC.    … Expand
  33. FrAvatar
    Nov 15, 2013
    9
    Great DLC. A proprer Expansion Pack as they used to be known. Other companies should pay attention on how it's done right. Quite worth the price if you enjoyed the first game at all.( I'm looking at you Sega and your cutting game features out and selling them separately. 3$ for a blood and gore graphics toggle, ridiculous)
  34. tailrecursion
    Nov 16, 2013
    9
    Makes the game even better must have for every Xcom fan :D
    The Expansion introduces 2 new aliens and a complete new fraction. There are new landing sites so the missions are not all the same anymore and of course you got 2 new traits besides the PSI-theme: you can modify your soldiers with genetic improvements and you can rip the limbs from them and put the soldier in a big ass mech    Makes the game even better must have for every Xcom fan :D
    The Expansion introduces 2 new aliens and a complete new fraction. There are new landing sites so the missions are not all the same anymore and of course you got 2 new traits besides the PSI-theme: you can modify your soldiers with genetic improvements and you can rip the limbs from them and put the soldier in a big ass mech suite that brings some PUNCH to the aliens great stuff :D    … Expand
  35. sungod
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    My experience with X-COM goes way back to around '97 when I first discovered X-COM Apocalypse, and since then I've been hooked. Enemy Unknown was an amazing reboot of a great game, and the team did a fantastic job make it engaging, entertaining and challenging. Enemy Within continues the trend of this newly-reborn franchise with a lot of new maps, a very challenging new opponent in ExaltMy experience with X-COM goes way back to around '97 when I first discovered X-COM Apocalypse, and since then I've been hooked. Enemy Unknown was an amazing reboot of a great game, and the team did a fantastic job make it engaging, entertaining and challenging. Enemy Within continues the trend of this newly-reborn franchise with a lot of new maps, a very challenging new opponent in Exalt (which wiped my entire team several times the first time around), new research, and apparently base invasions as well (I'm apparently playing too awesomely to be invaded right now lol).

    Overall a great experience and worth the minimal cost for an expansion. I've scanned some of the user reviews that complain about value for money, but it's an expansion and everybody else but them seems to understand that, so I'm not sure what some people are complaining about. I paid almost $65 for the disaster that is Rome 2, and I'm getting far more value for money from Enemy Within.

    In terms of stability I've had only one minor "hiccup", which was nothing more than a ~10 second lag that passed without incident, caused no problems and never occurred again, so my guess was it was background activity on my machine. The only legitimate bug I've seen so far has been with characters who wear the skeleton suit and use the grappling hook twice I've had them hook to a roof and end up elsewhere. Once I ended up in a basement, the other time I went through a solid wall and ended up in a different room. Not a huge deal, and I'm sure something that will get fixed it happens. But overall, Enemy Within has been basically solid as a rock and performs reliable on maxed-out settings on my rig.

    In a year where both SimCity and Rome 2 experienced disastrous releases due to awful design decisions are poor technical implementations, Enemy Within is a breath of fresh air that's keeping me glued to my desktop into the wee hours of the morning. Thank you Firaxis! Well done!    … Expand
  36. MetalS0ldier
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    I really liked the new customization options.

    You can really take things to the next level with this DLC, and it actually adds even more replay value to it. It's a bit childish at times (what is going on with those salutes man.. seriously), which is strange given some of the really graphic animations that go on, and some of the insinuations made by the npcs. Anyhow, bottom line,    I really liked the new customization options.

    You can really take things to the next level with this DLC, and it actually adds even more replay value to it.

    It's a bit childish at times (what is going on with those salutes man.. seriously), which is strange given some of the really graphic animations that go on, and some of the insinuations made by the npcs.

    Anyhow, bottom line, the game is worth purchasing in general. And if you want to take it further, this DLC is kind of like icing, and a cherry on top of the whole cake.

    I'll score it a 9/10, due to the occasional bug.    … Expand
  37. SrPepe
    Nov 29, 2017
    9
    Esta expansión hace muchísimo más disfrutable el ya excelente XCOM Enemy Unknown. Las nuevas misiones y las nuevas especialidades son perfectas. Genial.
  38. Gnawer
    Nov 16, 2013
    10
    Excellent addon to an already great game. It is just a content pack to the same game, not second game of the series, however it adds more than some second games. I would pay this price for XCOM 2 without even thinking, and this content pack is definitely the next best thing.
  39. cawpikolo
    Nov 19, 2013
    8
    The expansion is great however it's not worth the price it's at. The expansion does a great job of implementing itself into the game by being a secondary storyline that slightly affects the main storyline by putting in Exalt which is an organization bent on mixing human and alien DNA. The design of Exalt is great and the creators leave subtleties as to their background such as theirThe expansion is great however it's not worth the price it's at. The expansion does a great job of implementing itself into the game by being a secondary storyline that slightly affects the main storyline by putting in Exalt which is an organization bent on mixing human and alien DNA. The design of Exalt is great and the creators leave subtleties as to their background such as their uniform and base of operations. Their clothing obviously shows these men just got off of work and are ready to serve Exalt at a moments notice and the fact their base is just a normal office building with fancy decor like your rich grandpa's house is a nice touch. Back to the game play the addition of meld is right off the bat it's on the first mission you play. With meld you can build Robotic troops and also genetically modify your troops to jump two stories or ensure they only get knocked out when hit with a fatal blow (without the loss of will if rescued) with the secondary heart modification. These troops make the earlier part of the game significantly easier as the new troops are admittedly overpowered; however they equal out as the game progresses. It is also highly satisfying to combo mec trooper skills together such as combining their proximity mine ability with the grenade launcher for high damage that kills most aliens. The addition of medals in this game is merely novelty as they only give a few low stats and they only give you 10 medals or less out of the entire game to award your troops with. The new maps are also a good add as they give urban ufo crash sites and a side mission that ensures you are given an entire squad (4) of people with psionic abilities. Onto the negatives this expansion is ultra glitchy which was surprising given the company that made the product. An example is the game freezing on the enemy turn as in you can still move the screen and click around the enemy just glitched and it won't end its turn or during a council event where enemies fall out of the sky. If they fall onto a proximity mine the game crashes. I also experienced crashes when an alien just coincidentally falls onto the same square a soldier is occupying. some visual ones too as my frame rate suddenly went down in the middle of the game causing some skips and my operatives' arms swinging around or bending behind their back randomly. overall yes it is a fairly good expansion but it is not worth the price it is at given the current state of the game.… Expand
  40. tmasterr
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    Great game. Great expansion. It let me replay the game I had already enjoyed again with new surprises, new maps, new units etc.

    Started at only $30 dollars, too! Not bad, considering I've already put 30 more hours into it. Sounds cheap to me!
  41. rodericrinehart
    Jul 22, 2014
    10
    I would put this game in the pantheon of strategy games, without question. SCORE: 97/100.

    I loved this game from start to finish and everything about the tactical gameplay is amazing and engaging. There are a great variety of classes (with upgrade paths, ranks, and different equipment) and enemies, diverse maps, good base technology and items, and just a complete package that is fun and    I would put this game in the pantheon of strategy games, without question. SCORE: 97/100.

    I loved this game from start to finish and everything about the tactical gameplay is amazing and engaging. There are a great variety of classes (with upgrade paths, ranks, and different equipment) and enemies, diverse maps, good base technology and items, and just a complete package that is fun and replayable.

    This is a game that you will play again, and you will be glad you did.    … Expand
  42. MadclownJack
    Feb 28, 2014
    8
    Enemy Within just feels like the director's cut of Enemy Unknown. More of the same, with some gaps filled here and there. Still, 40 usd is a bit steep for an obvious expansion pack, even if it is standalone. Might be in your best interest to get it on sale.
  43. C_Arnoud
    Apr 18, 2014
    9
    Very good all around, adding a lot of improvements to what already was a quality product. Also adds some more randomness to the campaign, which was needed.
  44. alllifeinfate
    Mar 3, 2014
    8
    A standalone follow-up DLC for the surprise hit XCOM - Enemy Unknown that builds on the already solid foundation laid down by that remake and adds new mechanics and enemies to spice it up. While the new addition certainly gives more variety during the gameplay experience but it is not recommended for repeat players if you do not want to spend too much money on it. Perfect entry point forA standalone follow-up DLC for the surprise hit XCOM - Enemy Unknown that builds on the already solid foundation laid down by that remake and adds new mechanics and enemies to spice it up. While the new addition certainly gives more variety during the gameplay experience but it is not recommended for repeat players if you do not want to spend too much money on it. Perfect entry point for newcomers as it eases them in and put you right into the action. Not as far as a new full experience but merely as a glorified expansion pack, it is still a solid jumping point for the original game and a good point for the franchise to go from.… Expand
  45. rajdeepslather
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    This is a brilliant strategy game that no fan of the genre, especially fans of turn based games, should pass up. The easy and normal difficulties make the single player portion of the game new-player friendly, while the classic and impossible difficulties, combined in the Ironman (autosave only) option transform this game into one of the most tactical and challenging experiences everThis is a brilliant strategy game that no fan of the genre, especially fans of turn based games, should pass up. The easy and normal difficulties make the single player portion of the game new-player friendly, while the classic and impossible difficulties, combined in the Ironman (autosave only) option transform this game into one of the most tactical and challenging experiences ever created.

    But i dont like that they dont support mods very well and force you to play the game their way    … Expand
  46. MeteorBear
    Jan 10, 2014
    9
    Great expansion, if not for the bugs on the PS3 edition I would give it a 10. The game does feel a little unbalanced at times now too, but nothing critical.
  47. hosein_rasouli
    Jan 18, 2014
    9
    it was so great game i think xcom:ew is best Extension pack its make that game perfect and that is a reason to play this game again and again. but some thing was wrong .Exalt missions. its was good to play more missions but that was better be another aline race inversion. exalt missions was funny look like that : (hey aliens attack us let kill humans ) . ew was great Extension packit was so great game i think xcom:ew is best Extension pack its make that game perfect and that is a reason to play this game again and again. but some thing was wrong .Exalt missions. its was good to play more missions but that was better be another aline race inversion. exalt missions was funny look like that : (hey aliens attack us let kill humans ) . ew was great Extension pack not a game and i give that score for best Extension pack of year not for game… Expand
  48. tiaga
    Mar 19, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THIS IS EPIC!!! Did I get your attention? Good.

    Now then, the first thing I liked about this DLC was the fact at some point or another you actually get to defend inside your own base. It's just like the old X-com from the 90's. The whole "LOOK MA I'M A ROBOT" with cool, chunky looking mechs that could have come from a anime is a great touch!!! I also love the genetic changes that even further customize the look and play of your characters.

    My biggest love for this game is the well balanced difficulty and limited resources that really make you think before you buy gear and sell stuff on the grey market. If your really good at the game, it doesn't really matter what difficulty you play. Must of the time I just obliterate something the same turn I see it. (Classic). Overall, I would strongly recommend this game for those that love turn based and strategy.    … Expand
  49. Battlemankiller
    Jan 10, 2014
    10
    If nothing else, Enemy Within gave me a reason to replay XCOM, and boy was it worth it. There is just so much more to do and enjoy. If you like Enemy Unknown, you will love Enemy Within!
  50. ave
    May 22, 2018
    8
    To be fair, the novelties introduced in Enemy Within contributed to make the game fresh, exciting, deeper but also more complex and less accessible.

    It took me some time to explore some possibiliies offered by the Meld (genetics and cybernetics) on top of regular or psi soldiers ; and I ended up betting on mobility (especially jumps) to get cover or flank enemies, and additionnal    To be fair, the novelties introduced in Enemy Within contributed to make the game fresh, exciting, deeper but also more complex and less accessible.

    It took me some time to explore some possibiliies offered by the Meld (genetics and cybernetics) on top of regular or psi soldiers ; and I ended up betting on mobility (especially jumps) to get cover or flank enemies, and additionnal defense ; since you are rarely pressed by time (except maybe defuse bomb missions).

    Since I player XCOM Enemy Unknown, Enemy Withing and XCOM 2 in a row ; I finally prefered the way XCOM 2 was designed, even on the controversial parts.    … Expand
  51. Miskin
    May 29, 2014
    10
    It's an interesting expansion, I give it an 8 for mundane colors (some colors wouldn't hurt) and unbalanced difficulty (too hard in the beginning too easy in the end).

    I loved the mission at the fishing village by the way...

    ** EDIT ** Updated my score from 8 to 10. 430h on steam and still playing it, it has endless replayability. I only wish we had more content...
  52. Kenmei
    Jan 18, 2014
    8
    This was a good expansion that really built on what the original did, with a few drawbacks that kept it from being great. First of all, this game won't try to claim it's another game in the series. This is an expansion and it's meant to be viewed that way. It adds alot of new things to the table. New units, new enemies, new maps, new challenges, etc. It gives you everything a goodThis was a good expansion that really built on what the original did, with a few drawbacks that kept it from being great. First of all, this game won't try to claim it's another game in the series. This is an expansion and it's meant to be viewed that way. It adds alot of new things to the table. New units, new enemies, new maps, new challenges, etc. It gives you everything a good expansion should. However, with all the new units and how powerful they are out of the box, it can make the game a bit too easy. The challenge of the original game is dumbed down a bit for these new units and an increased time on R&D is not enough of a drawback here. The biggest thing however is that the story doesn't change. While you are given a new faction to play against (the Exalt), you're still doing the same old missions, in the same old places, with the same old objectives, barring a few missions here and there. But this is an xpac for a reason and it doesn't try to be a full game, even if it's priced a bit too high right now for an xpac. This content is easily worth 20 bucks and it'll give you a reason to go back through the Xcom story. But the end results are the same here as in the first game so don't expect a brand new story. Expect a solid expansion that adds onto what was already there.… Expand
  53. Wazzles
    Feb 5, 2015
    9
    A surprisingly deep expansion to an incredible game that gave me a reason to go back and play it again. That alone is reason enough to buy Enemy Within.
  54. ted88pd
    Feb 19, 2014
    8
    Enemy Within è un dlc corposo che offre numerosi e svariati contenuti aggiuntivi, ma che non va ad espandere l'esperienza di gioco in se, questo perché la campagna principale sostanzialmente rimane sempre la stessa di Enemy Unknown, viene infarcita solo con qualche missione in più. Certo i soldati geneticamente modificati e i mec sono belli da vedere e divertenti da usare in gioco, maEnemy Within è un dlc corposo che offre numerosi e svariati contenuti aggiuntivi, ma che non va ad espandere l'esperienza di gioco in se, questo perché la campagna principale sostanzialmente rimane sempre la stessa di Enemy Unknown, viene infarcita solo con qualche missione in più. Certo i soldati geneticamente modificati e i mec sono belli da vedere e divertenti da usare in gioco, ma questi ultimi risultano troppo potenti abbassando il livello di sfida generale, e dopo un po' il tutto comincia a diventare monotono. Apprezzabile il tentativo di bilanciamento aggiungendo nuovi nemici, aumentandone il numero e rendendone alcuni più resistenti, ma alla fine la maggior parte delle situazioni viene risolta con una facilità davvero disarmante. Poco da aggiungere sul comparto sonoro rimasto immutato da Enemy Unknown, l'unica introduzione riguarda il parlato nella lingua d'origine dei soldati. Sulla grafica invece è stato fatto solo un veloce lavoro di miglioramento su alcuni modelli e texture. Purtroppo rimangono immutati anche i bug, di cui un paio davvero gravi e fastidiosi. La telecamera continua a dare grossi problemi rendendo i comandi imprecisi, questo vuol dire che a volte i soldati faranno spostamenti o azioni in punti totalemte diversi da quelli indicati, con consguenze molto spesso catastrofiche. Un altro bug molto fastidioso da segnalare, introdotto con Enemy Within, riguarda il fatto che posizionando i soldati in alcuni punti della mappa, questi non riescono a vedere nemici a poca distanza da loro senza che vi sia nulla di mezzo ad ostacolarne la visione di tiro. Concludendo XCOM Enemy Within e un dlc che consiglierei di prendere solo a chi non ha mai provato nemmeno il gioco base, mentre chi ha gia giocato ad Enemy Unknown dovrebbe pensarci due volte, e considerare di spendere quasi 30€ solo se si è veri appassionati della serie.… Expand
  55. iseeall
    Dec 14, 2015
    8
    This expansion has all of the problems of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and doesn't get the game closer to the original XCOM UFO Defense. So, if you didn't like Enemy Unknown, you won't like this expansion as well.

    Yet it does offer new stuff (like medals, genetic mods for your soldiers) and minor fixes/improvements throughout. If you haven't played Enemy Unknown, you can safely skip it and start    This expansion has all of the problems of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and doesn't get the game closer to the original XCOM UFO Defense. So, if you didn't like Enemy Unknown, you won't like this expansion as well.

    Yet it does offer new stuff (like medals, genetic mods for your soldiers) and minor fixes/improvements throughout. If you haven't played Enemy Unknown, you can safely skip it and start with this expansion as it has the same campaign, and more. Apparently they listened to feedback and fixed issues which were easy to fix. Like, you will now see how many hitpoints an alien will lose after your shot. Or, there is a button to take off all gear from soldiers in the barracks so that you could easier equip the squad you are sending on a mission.

    The multiplayer is fun (your team of soldiers fights vs another team, you can even play as aliens), yet I disliked that there is too much randomness - and this can't be changed because randomness is the core of this game. When you shoot at the opponent's mob with 75% accuracy and miss, and then they shoot with 80% accuracy and miss, it reminds a circus and not a strategy game... Though such events happen not very often.

    This expansion isn't worth to buy for almost a full price of a game. However, I got both Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within in a bundle on sale. If you get it as a bundle, it's a fair deal.    … Expand
  56. Klun
    Dec 17, 2013
    8
    Really good game if you can play with the expansion pack, new content with tons of new stuff that improves a really amazing game to new levels .

    Tons of bugs fixed, improved performance and polished graphics/ fx its well worth the money especially in this blockbuster era of 8 hours longs campaigns and 2 map 4 costumes DLC. ^^
  57. Tibster
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    Its a good 8 imo, but to many ppl giving it 0, cus they have no clue or dont understad the game or how computers work. So i gave it a 10 to compansate a little!
  58. gracjanski
    Apr 29, 2016
    10
    You should play XCOM Enemy Unknown with this addon. The campaign will be much better: The graphics look better and not soooo old, like in Enemy Unknown, the new missions are looking much nicer than the old one. In addition they improved the variety of the missions, because they offer you new tasks. The addon gives you more possibilities in the gameplay, so it is a bit more complex.You should play XCOM Enemy Unknown with this addon. The campaign will be much better: The graphics look better and not soooo old, like in Enemy Unknown, the new missions are looking much nicer than the old one. In addition they improved the variety of the missions, because they offer you new tasks. The addon gives you more possibilities in the gameplay, so it is a bit more complex.
    Unfortunately the game is very easy, even in the normal level, especially the last level could be a bit more difficult.

    So in the end they changed a lot of weaknesses, but one weakness stays: Because you dont know many informations, you need to look in the internet or load a lot, or both.    … Expand
  59. WillG027
    Apr 11, 2015
    9
    Get XCOM and This expansion Enemy Within. Whilst I don't particularly like the direction that EW took (would prefer normal non-modified humans vs aliens), the game is taken to another level by installing the superb 'The Long War' mod.
    XCOM + 'The Long War' = the game I keep coming back to over the years.
  60. NLS
    Jan 21, 2014
    9
    I score this as "whatever XCOM latest incarnation". This is a 9. Indeed if I take into account that this is an expensive DLC though, indeed it doesn't deserve a 9.
    XCOM:EW is a fine strategy game with some plot.
    Its mechanics work.
    If you like this type of games, go buy it.
  61. Loodwig
    Dec 8, 2013
    9
    Something is lost within the gaming community that faults a title for its price given the content within. When I first played Enemy Unknown, I happily paid the full price for what I felt was a true spiritual successor to the original. Actually, I'll go one step further: it was an improvement on one of my favorite games of the 90s. They released a handful of updates that were a few bucksSomething is lost within the gaming community that faults a title for its price given the content within. When I first played Enemy Unknown, I happily paid the full price for what I felt was a true spiritual successor to the original. Actually, I'll go one step further: it was an improvement on one of my favorite games of the 90s. They released a handful of updates that were a few bucks for some new armor, or a little more for a minor chain of missions (Slingshot), but all and all I found myself struggling to beat Classic on Ironman, while having a fun time just killing anything with a pulse using base weapons on the easy level.

    So this expansion came out, it cost a pretty penny ($30), but it wasn't unreasonable. When StarCraft: Broodwars came out, it cost $20, Bill Clinton was president, and the price of gasoline was 1/3rd what it is today. In terms of content, yeah this game doesn't have quite as much as some other expansions, but I wouldn't go so far as to call this light or lacking in any respect. There's considerable new content, and moreover, it's a chance for Firaxis to justify the labor costs of their developers for a while longer.

    It's a fun game, and this expansion is only an improvement. This isn't the nickle-and-dime strategy seen by EA or even Blizzard, and while it has its bugs (frustrating at times), the most egregious ones that I know about have been fixed by now, and the core gameplay hasn't been ruined as a result. You're good game is an even better game.    … Expand
  62. Sghignifiss
    Jun 19, 2014
    8
    The game is good, graphics are wonderful, action is fast paced even if it plays in turns, weapons are many and various, the story is intriguing and long lasting... It IS a good game, and that upsets me, somehow. Call me extremist, but I really didn't think to appreciate a new, action oriented x-com clone. When I see the name X-Com, I cannot avoid to remember the original one and all itsThe game is good, graphics are wonderful, action is fast paced even if it plays in turns, weapons are many and various, the story is intriguing and long lasting... It IS a good game, and that upsets me, somehow. Call me extremist, but I really didn't think to appreciate a new, action oriented x-com clone. When I see the name X-Com, I cannot avoid to remember the original one and all its beloved features, features that aren't entirely here. This game recalls the original one, but nothing more. It is a modern, console oriented, arcade mode of the original X-Com: Enemy Unknown and its early successors.

    It is fun, it is good, it is maybe too easy but still engaging.

    If it had a different name I would give it a 10.    … Expand
  63. poisonedyouth
    Jan 7, 2014
    10
    While it doesn't reinvent the wheel here, it adds some interesting new variety to an already superb tactical strategy game. If you enjoyed Enemy Unknown, do yourself a favor and expand the experience further!
  64. axxiusdecius
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    first thing first, i think Xcom EW is by far the best turn based squad tactical game so far. The weapons are well done (they feel different in effects), so it does matter very much how you compose your squad. The alien enemies are quite varied and require very different approach; the battlefields are also very various (and random). The improvements you research for your guns or armourfirst thing first, i think Xcom EW is by far the best turn based squad tactical game so far. The weapons are well done (they feel different in effects), so it does matter very much how you compose your squad. The alien enemies are quite varied and require very different approach; the battlefields are also very various (and random). The improvements you research for your guns or armour really make a difference, the genetic upgrades not so much, but they still are an interesting addition. Th new stuff compared tot the original Enemy Unknown really does have a big impact on the gameplay.
    What i love most about the game? The feeling of really getting sucked in, getting involved, especially during the fight. And the non-combat part, about building a base, raising an air fleet, doing research. And also the "Mass Effect" setting, with harsh men improving themselves technically, genetically and mentally against tough odds and fighting back.
    What i don't like about it? First off, the thing i'm sure many other reviewers already said: the most elite squad of the Earth has...the worst shooters ever. The missing is way too common, too extreme and very, very frustrating: and i think this could have been easily avoided while keeping the same general odds by simply making the missing shots fewer and the alien enemies tougher (with more life/armour). Second, while the story is acceptable and pushes the game forward, many times i found the voice-over just annoying (especially dr. Vahlen has a screechy annoying voice), and cannot be skipped. so if i try a battle a few times for different approaches, i must listen over and over again lengthy, non-useful comments.
    Because of these 2 annoyances that could have been quite easily avoided, i'll rate it 9/10 instead of a full 10, but overall a great game in the 2k tradition (i'm a big Civ fan).    … Expand
  65. peterf28
    Mar 12, 2015
    8
    Very good made game, graphics, story, gameplay, everything . It just becomes a little bit repetitive in the second half of the game . It is always the same - you go forward, spot a group of 3 enemies which then hide and you kill them . You need to be cautious not to spot another group of 3 enemies until you did not kill the first one . Like the enemies are not moving at all before you spotVery good made game, graphics, story, gameplay, everything . It just becomes a little bit repetitive in the second half of the game . It is always the same - you go forward, spot a group of 3 enemies which then hide and you kill them . You need to be cautious not to spot another group of 3 enemies until you did not kill the first one . Like the enemies are not moving at all before you spot them, they are just standing there. In previous XCOM it was not the case . This is the only flaw i found - the repetitive AI .… Expand
  66. paranoid77
    Jan 20, 2016
    9
    This game is very good in its genre . Graphics are good. Tactics and creating strategy is good too. Creating soldiers and the improvements in your base is good too. The idea in total is well. The AI is acting well too.
    BUT, after 40-50 hours of gameplay, you feel that something is missing and you fall apart from the game, things are getting repetitive and it starts to get boring.
    Need    This game is very good in its genre . Graphics are good. Tactics and creating strategy is good too. Creating soldiers and the improvements in your base is good too. The idea in total is well. The AI is acting well too.
    BUT, after 40-50 hours of gameplay, you feel that something is missing and you fall apart from the game, things are getting repetitive and it starts to get boring.
    Need improvements in the gameplay, if done it will be more addictive and can play for several hours.
    If there was more successful games of this style in the market, i would rate this game 7 but; because its some kinda unique in its genre, it worth 9 from 8,5.
    If you like these kind of games buy it.You wont be sorry. And hope for improvements.    … Expand
  67. DanteV
    May 23, 2014
    10
    Brilliant mechanics, awesome gameplay, cool new features like MEC-trooper and augmented soldier, new enemy like Exalt forces definitely make this a great expansion.
  68. mrlordloganman
    Jun 16, 2014
    10
    This added on soo many great additions to an already great game and I added on over 50+ hours to a game I had already played for 60+ hours. This content was perfectly integrated into the already almost perfect game. 10/10
  69. RingK
    Oct 28, 2014
    8
    Overpriced but good DLC full of content... new soldiers types add twists to the solid base game, which i love.
    Now the price dropped and you can find it for 5-10 euros online, totally worth it.
  70. dj_cole
    Feb 19, 2015
    9
    Xcom Enemy Within is an updated version of Enemy Unknown. Enemy Within greatly improves on the somewhat simpler version of Xcom that was Enemy Unknown.

    The series, for those unfamiliar with it, is based on leading a secret covert operations group, known as Xcom, as it attempts to secretly defend earth from an alien invasion. The game does allude to all of this being top secret, which    Xcom Enemy Within is an updated version of Enemy Unknown. Enemy Within greatly improves on the somewhat simpler version of Xcom that was Enemy Unknown.

    The series, for those unfamiliar with it, is based on leading a secret covert operations group, known as Xcom, as it attempts to secretly defend earth from an alien invasion. The game does allude to all of this being top secret, which seems a bit ridiculous as you play through the game, but that doesn't really matter to the gameplay. You act as supreme commander of the Xcom project, managing and building up a base of operations, sending out satellites to detect alien presence, managing the happiness of funding countries, researching and leading squads of up to six soldiers into battle that can then be leveled up as they gain experience.

    The game, like any other game, has evolved with its modern iteration. It is a sharp, fun and responsive squad based strategy game that has streamlined a lot of the annoying micromanagement features of past games, but has also simplified things and put a cap on squad member leveling up. It is a more accessible, but simpler game than past generations.

    The game, in the most basic sense, plays like this. You have a base that you expand with various modules that you can build into your secret mountain hideaway. As you research new technologies new modules open up for upgrades or more efficient research. You launch satellites to gain funding from the various nation groups across the globe and to spot alien incursions. When incursions happen you deploy a squad of soldiers into a tactical, squad based "seek cover and advance" type gameplay that dictates a methodical approach to combat. As missions are failed or ignored panic will rise. Victories reduce panic. There are a handful of main story missions for advancing the game that are unlocked by certain milestones in the game, but the vast majority of missions are procedurally generated battles with aliens. There are basic research items, but as you kill aliens and do autopsies, capture and interrogate aliens, or shoot down and capture alien ships more research items are unlocked to gain better weapon and armor and new gadgets.

    There are four basic classes. Assault, heavy (machine gunners), snipers and support (medics) which each have their own skill trees that you can utilize as they level up. All four classes are needed across the game to face different situations. Medics to stabilize downed squad members, snipers to provide cover, heavies to deal huge damage in short bursts and assault troops to act as front line combat soldiers.. Later in the game psionic abilities are added which add some more variety to your soldiers, but psionic abilities are rare and only have three tiers. In Enemy Within a new addition is Meld which can be used to upgrade soldiers genetically or cybernetically. This adds a lot more variety to the class structures, allowing you to turn your favorite soldiers into cybernetic MEC's or upgrade them genetically to improve their abilities and durability. Personally, I found MEC's not terribly useful and fairly resource intensive in terms of Meld, which is a very limited resource, but the genetic alterations had great affects and were well worth the cost.

    The Enemy Within expansion also adds a good variety of missions if you count the smaller addons with it. There are new covert operations to locate and eliminate a secret organization known as Exalt that is out to hamper your efforts. There is also another series of missions focused on a Chinese criminal orgainization. Overall, they are nice addition of scripted, story missions.

    The aliens you face are variations on a few base models, but the variations offer enough change that the game continually changes and evolves as you proceed. New challenges are thrown at you every few missions that force you to think more carefully about how you combat the alien menace.

    The game looks good. It won't blow anyone away. It has its own style, but nothing that really sticks out as uniquely distinct. The technical side of the graphics are good enough and slightly better than your run of the mill top down game. Sound effects are well done and add to the experience and the voice acting is well done with squad members reacting to the battle.

    The controls on the PC are very easy to work with. Consoles are also surprisingly good, though moving the cursor around with the joysticks can be slow. The iPad controls are cumbersome and you can end up moving soldiers to areas you don't mean to because you have to press an area twice to move there.

    Enemy Within is a much improved version of Enemy Unknown. It adds additional complexity, options, missions types and squad improvements to the game. Ultimately, the game is still on the simple side, but the added content really pushes the game into the replayable multiple times enjoyment level. I would recommend for strategy fans who may have been turned off by Enemy Unknown's simplicity.    … Expand
  71. Goby
    Mar 8, 2016
    9
    Enemy Unknown was a brilliant game and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. That one I played all the way on classic and without ironman, so for EW I figured I was ready for ironman. Well, frankly, it takes about 3 playthroughs to be "ready" per se. Wanna know why that is? Because EW surprises you with random **** that is guaranteed to be fatal for your campaign.

    Let me explain how my    Enemy Unknown was a brilliant game and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. That one I played all the way on classic and without ironman, so for EW I figured I was ready for ironman. Well, frankly, it takes about 3 playthroughs to be "ready" per se. Wanna know why that is? Because EW surprises you with random **** that is guaranteed to be fatal for your campaign.

    Let me explain how my classic ironman campaign suffered a sudden death. It all started with a terror mission in the police station map (the one consisting of a large open two story building with a pillared facade, a one-story side room and an alley to the right). Now I've had difficulties with this map before, seeing elite mutons, chryssalids, floaters and all kinds of crazy coming out of that building, but this round was rather special. There was nothing but chryssalids. Just 18 civilians and an estimate of 16 chryssalids. I would never in my wildest dreams have imagined such a scenario, so consider me shocked when I saw three chryssalids storming out of the side room and taking about 5 steps from the door, ready to land insane crits on 3 of my guys next turn. One already got pierced at the door the moment I ended my first turn (which also makes me wonder: this was the first time an enemy that was not triggered on my turn was able to attack me - the chryssalid who killed that unit was triggered by vision provided by the three chryssalids who barged out of the side room at the end of my first turn and enabling sight into the room that contained two more).

    As if the events in front of the side room were not bad enough, I had three-four more chryssalids jump down the walls and running out of the front side of the building.

    I barely managed to kill all 6 or 7 chryssalids that appeared on my screen there - only thanks to the heavy firepower from two of my colonel heavies.

    Guess what happens next turn. That's right, about 6 more chryssalids deicide to ignore the civvies in the building and just dash outside and in front of my units. Couple of turns after that I lose one corporal and another colonels who had been with me since the beginning. I'm forced to dash to the evac and abandon another colonel, Zhang, who ended up being surrounded by 3 zombies because I needed his rockets to blow away the hordes of chryssalids coming at me every single turn.

    Fun mission, but I deicided to get over it and push on. Next mission I get one of those advent evac missions. As usual, I'm very careful with my positioning, but with missions like these they matter jack **** Not only am I told these exalt troops are genetically enhanced (which is "great" news after just losing two colonels), their snipers can move and shoot at the same turn, despite otherwise playing on the same field as the xcom troops. But that's not the issue, the issue is the sheer number of those bastards coming at you. Not only does the game drop about 10 of them at the same time, they are also dropped in BEHIND YOU. That leaves you with two options: you somehow blast those flankers or you risk getting wrecked by multiple overwatches trying to find better cover (in my case going to the only other cover revealed three more exalts camping out at an alley...). Basically exalt had every single position covered and death ensued.

    But what I loved ABOVE ALL about that evac mission was the intel given to me by Central. BRADFORD YOU BASTARD. I **** you not: twice did he have the occasion to tell me "That should be the last of their reinforcements." BRADFORD U ALREADY SAID THAT AND I JUST FINISHED DEALING WITH THOSE PREVIOUS REINFORCEMENTS!!!

    The result of that mission was total wipeout and 7 xcom operatives dead - couldn't even evac because the evac zone was on the opposite end of the area I was supposed to defend. And the evac area was also out in the open.

    It didn't get any better from there - the game is so good at mercilessly punishing you for failing.

    After that failed evac mission I am approaching the end of the month. As I'm researching the advanced interceptors I am once again surprised with three consecutive large or very large UFOs, which I all have to ignore because frankly there isn't much you can do with those figher jets, even with items. Month ends, I lose two funding nations.

    Ironically the month started with 666 currency with a monthly 666 income. In total I now have over 800 currency. Two days later I get sabotaged by exalt, who take FRICKING HALF OF MY MONEY. I'm now left with just 400, which is not going to get me through the next month considering the number of recent setbacks.

    I'm not even going to mention all the bugs I never saw in EU.

    I suggest you don't try this in ironman the first or second playthrough. In my case it's the surprises that ruin the game entirely. It's only very late into the game that you can get some intel on what you're going up against, and even that is only in ufo crash missions. Otherwise you're going in fingers crossed    … Expand
  72. BioAlchemist
    Nov 24, 2014
    9
    Honestly i don't think i would have enjoyed enemy unknown nearly as much without the expansion, mind you I bought it when it cost much less so that does change things. is it worth 30? no. not a big enough expansion. is it worth 10? yes.

    MEC's are awesome. The extra missions/maps are fun. Definitely worth the buy at a lower cost.
  73. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  74. szaboar
    Jun 26, 2015
    8
    Xcom is one of my all-time favourites, so obviously I wanted more. Still, I felt a bit ... maybe not cheated but disappointed. EW brings in some shiny new units (some of which really adds to the experience!!), twists the story a bit, brings in new maps, a new resource, etc. But, all things considered, the game did not change much, my impression was that I replay the same game (which IXcom is one of my all-time favourites, so obviously I wanted more. Still, I felt a bit ... maybe not cheated but disappointed. EW brings in some shiny new units (some of which really adds to the experience!!), twists the story a bit, brings in new maps, a new resource, etc. But, all things considered, the game did not change much, my impression was that I replay the same game (which I never do... for those who don't mind replaying, my problems might be non-existing). On the other hand, the new units make beating the AI much easier, in the 2nd half of the game you should not face any challenge at all (I played normal or hard, I don't remember which).
    Should I have not played Xcom before Xcom EW, I would easily give 9, maybe even 10. This was not the case, however, so my judgment is 8.    … Expand
  75. Pendra
    Jun 26, 2015
    10
    It worths every penny!

    I'm a massive fan of the old X-COM games. I played them through billions of times. When I first saw the new XCOM game, I was less than thrilled. No AP, no thanks. Then I tried it for some reason. At first I didn't like it all that much. It was weird and restrictive, but by the time I completed it, it grew on me. It is not the old XCOM for sure but the updates    It worths every penny!

    I'm a massive fan of the old X-COM games. I played them through billions of times. When I first saw the new XCOM game, I was less than thrilled. No AP, no thanks.
    Then I tried it for some reason. At first I didn't like it all that much. It was weird and restrictive, but by the time I completed it, it grew on me.

    It is not the old XCOM for sure but the updates and improvements are working really well. The new XCOM is extremely fun and addictive on its own. This reboot was risky, but Firaxis pulled it through perfectly, Big Thumbs up.    … Expand
  76. shatarah
    Dec 2, 2020
    10
    greattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  77. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    8
    Amazing game, so many great and different elements coming together.mit gets a bit boring thougn once you become really good at it.
  78. Acronymous
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Basically this was my first turn-based game since the original Fallout and i love it. Spent so much time playing it that i can call it hands-down one of my favourites. Instant classic, no doubt about it!
  79. enachev
    Mar 10, 2016
    9
    add Long War mod and you have an almost better game than the original X-Com. totally worth the 5$ tag on steam. expect a campaign to last around 200-250 hours, challenging. the only downside is that the missions are quite many per month (15-20 tac battles / month).
  80. xRabia
    Apr 18, 2020
    8
    Metacritic forces me to write a seventy-five character review so that I can have my notes listed without searching game by game.
  81. dlcwolf
    Jun 14, 2019
    8
    I played both XCOM Enemy Unknown and XCOM Enemy Within. The games are 80% the same, same plot, same events, same actors, same stories, with the only difference in Enemy Within there are a bit more of new events, the human enemy Exalt, and few new enemies. There is no reason to play both since i see the second more complete and vast. If you want to play, just play the second. For the game,I played both XCOM Enemy Unknown and XCOM Enemy Within. The games are 80% the same, same plot, same events, same actors, same stories, with the only difference in Enemy Within there are a bit more of new events, the human enemy Exalt, and few new enemies. There is no reason to play both since i see the second more complete and vast. If you want to play, just play the second. For the game, i appreciated really, even if it is not at the high level of the original X-COM. But is well done and made modern. I had anyway the feeling that the authors tried to make more commercial and accepted by a wider range of gamers, exemplifying the gaming. For example, I found less researches es to do, and also the combats are made easier with less commands. So i say 7 for the first, and 8 for the second.… Expand
  82. SilverOrlov
    Sep 26, 2019
    9
    When I started playing this game for the first time, I didn’t really like it. But after some time I tried to play it again and this time I really liked it. Work and arrangement of the base, upgrading and supply of the team, global choices, and most importantly, turn-based tactics on the battlefield itself. All this is on par with, albeit banal, but very interestingly made story. This gameWhen I started playing this game for the first time, I didn’t really like it. But after some time I tried to play it again and this time I really liked it. Work and arrangement of the base, upgrading and supply of the team, global choices, and most importantly, turn-based tactics on the battlefield itself. All this is on par with, albeit banal, but very interestingly made story. This game deserves its ratings and reviews.… Expand
  83. dopp
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Amazing tactical game, with great replayability value, great graphics and immersive story, a lot of pseudo sci-fi technical stuff and researches, which i LOVE!! very fun! There are some caveats here and there, UX is not well thought, a little bit disbalanced soldier types out and few bugs here and there, but i forgive it, as it's the first game in franchise.
  84. RogueV
    Dec 5, 2019
    8
    A decent expansion for one of the greatest strategy games of all time. Doesn't completely revolutionize the experience like XCOM 2's War of the Chosen, but anyone who plays XCOM 1 would benefit from owning this.
  85. Nerevarinho
    Jul 4, 2020
    9
    Would reload savegame again.
    ..............................................
  86. Genek13
    Nov 18, 2019
    8
    Very good DLC which add some new mechanics and options to the game.
    Shame that campaign don't change much comparing to the original.
  87. Denis94
    May 15, 2020
    8
    El padrino de los juegos de estrategia táctica, un juego casi perfecto que combina la gestión de el planeta tierra frente a la invasión alienígena y al mismo tiempo el combate por turnos, un juego fácil de aprender pero difícil de manejar, quizás donde más escasea es en el modo historia que es flojo pero lo "arreglan" sin duda con la expansión "Enemy Within", para bien o para mal acabarásEl padrino de los juegos de estrategia táctica, un juego casi perfecto que combina la gestión de el planeta tierra frente a la invasión alienígena y al mismo tiempo el combate por turnos, un juego fácil de aprender pero difícil de manejar, quizás donde más escasea es en el modo historia que es flojo pero lo "arreglan" sin duda con la expansión "Enemy Within", para bien o para mal acabarás odiando a esos dichosos Alienígenas!… Expand
  88. g014n
    Aug 8, 2021
    8
    To this date, still the best XCOM. Have reinstalled it (don't have Chimera Sq) and it is still relevant today despite XCOM2 being released.

    Now to be fair, I got the most out of this game because of the Longwar mod, but that was back in the day. Vanilla play will be good enough for most people even today. It loses points because it has obvious problems, little bugs, QoL is not as    To this date, still the best XCOM. Have reinstalled it (don't have Chimera Sq) and it is still relevant today despite XCOM2 being released.

    Now to be fair, I got the most out of this game because of the Longwar mod, but that was back in the day. Vanilla play will be good enough for most people even today.

    It loses points because it has obvious problems, little bugs, QoL is not as good as it could be, etc. There are a lot of small problems that will get in the way and upset you a bit, but no showstopper or anything like that.    … Expand
  89. dimvla
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    xcom enemy within long war is probably the king in the turn based strategy games. unparalleled stategic and tactical options, a ton of mods and a magnificent soundtrack. highly recommended for the genre fans
  90. starssun
    May 28, 2021
    9
    Epic game, thank you ................ Don't know why so many bad reviews ...
  91. Asp_klg40
    Sep 12, 2021
    8
    Супер игра, проходится моментально, каждая миссия сложна и захватывает, шансы не подкручены и играется очень приятно, сюжет интересен, а дополнение только улучшает игру.
  92. tontonac
    May 16, 2022
    9
    Small additions to a great game, but I wouldn't have paid separately for this one though.
  93. fishgameing
    Aug 14, 2023
    8
    this is not the most gargantuan colossal sized expansion ever but it's still a good expansion and i would say the game is not the same without it

    here's what to expect from it (mostly spoiler free): - a new resource that can be picked up during abduction and ufo raid missions - two new mutually exclusive side-classes based on the resource (one focusing on small improvements to regular    this is not the most gargantuan colossal sized expansion ever but it's still a good expansion and i would say the game is not the same without it

    here's what to expect from it (mostly spoiler free):
    - a new resource that can be picked up during abduction and ufo raid missions
    - two new mutually exclusive side-classes based on the resource (one focusing on small improvements to regular soldiers, and the other focusing on turning your soldiers into cumbersome but powerful behemoths)
    - an additional enemy faction whose operations revolve around sapping your own operations and gaining some of this oh so sweet resource (you can launch infiltrations to slow them down and get intel on their base's location)
    - two new alien units (one focused on ambushing soldiers and another focused on head-to-head combat)
    - a new side campaign called Operation Progeny that works similarly to the Slingshot DLC
    - a new key mission that appears a little under a month after clearing the alien base
    - extra tanky sectopods

    ... and a plethora of bugfixes, balance tweaks and improvements to make the game the best version of itself that it could possibly be    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PC Game of 2013
61
#61 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
59
#59 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 11, 2014
    90
    Augmented XCOM is better, although it does not fix some basic flaws. Great the first time you play it. [Dec 2013]
  2. GameCritics
    Jan 16, 2014
    65
    Xcom: Enemy Within is a decent expansion to a slightly flawed original.
    Read full review
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Dec 30, 2013
    80
    It doesn't fix larger flaws, but it's still a solid expansion. [Jan 2014, p.80]
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