Xenonauts

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 196 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 140 out of 196
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 196
  3. Negative: 24 out of 196

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  1. Tedious
    Aug 23, 2019
    9
    Make sure you play the community edition as it is a much fuller experience than the base Xenonauts. If you enjoy the game then you can also get your hands on "X-division" which is an enormous (free) mod that more than doubles the scope of the game (and is a serious challenge).

    A reasonable number of the more negative reviews relate to things which have since been improved such as clunky    Make sure you play the community edition as it is a much fuller experience than the base Xenonauts. If you enjoy the game then you can also get your hands on "X-division" which is an enormous (free) mod that more than doubles the scope of the game (and is a serious challenge).

    A reasonable number of the more negative reviews relate to things which have since been improved such as clunky controls, balance and excessive difficulty. That said, this is still a difficult game and if you don't want to continually save scum you'll have to consider every move.    … Expand
  2. Knightpt
    Jul 14, 2014
    8
    It's definately the best classic x-com game remake. I don't realy consider FIraxis X-com as a true classical x-COM remake, that one is more of a completely new game with just the story of the classic. Xenonauts on the other hand tries to update classical old x-com UFO unknown to better graphics, always stay faithfull to the feeling and vibe of it's roots and even tries to add something ofIt's definately the best classic x-com game remake. I don't realy consider FIraxis X-com as a true classical x-COM remake, that one is more of a completely new game with just the story of the classic. Xenonauts on the other hand tries to update classical old x-com UFO unknown to better graphics, always stay faithfull to the feeling and vibe of it's roots and even tries to add something of its own to grow on the classical game.

    The developers realy had a lot of attention to keep the old vibe and never get too radical in changes, i understand that and i realy apreciate people realy respecting one of the best strategies game ever made, that many many companies tried to reproduce but always failed to recreate the feeling.

    Xenonauts can capture some of the initial x-com vibe, i'm very please with that. I don't give more of a score because the balance doesn't feel right sometimes. People keep losing countries to the aliens in times you can't even build a radar detection there, i believe the developers wanted to give us a feeling of urgency, but it feels realy fake like if a country will go dark in 2 months if you just don't go there and kill stuff... feels unnatural. The game does a good job of keeping random stuff happening in the world you can't control or do anything but losing a country very fast like they are sitting ducks just doesn't feel right.

    Other than that, the random maps are repetitive. There is a comunity mod you can download to add more variety but feels... cheap from the developers not doing that aswell.

    So basicaly two strong negative points, but realy gets you the feeling of nostalgia from x-com and a bunch of other good stuff in the strategy genre, totaly worth the price and feel the love (and respect / admiration) the devs had with x-com - A true homage.

    Recomended.    … Expand
  3. Mercent
    Mar 28, 2014
    10
    Prepare for lots of hair pulling and table banging. The odds are against you but when one of your men dies, more likely than not, it is your fault for being careless and not planning ahead; one must learn and adapt in order to survive in this game. A thinking man's game.
  4. Zakuman
    Jun 3, 2014
    9
    The game is very fun and true to the spirit of the original xcom :) I love both this and firaxis's Xcom, but where firaxis made an action film, with cutscenes etc. This one is more serious and difficult, fending of the alien invasion feels much more desperate an effort. Thumbs up, from me :)
  5. Sghignifiss
    Jun 16, 2014
    10
    Here we are, finally writing the proper review for this game. I've decided to wait for the final version before writing anything about it because despite the long time it took to be finished, it really deserves to be evaluated in its final shape.

    First thing first, I must say there are lots of x-com remakes out there. Since I'm one of the few lucky players that have played (and loved,    Here we are, finally writing the proper review for this game. I've decided to wait for the final version before writing anything about it because despite the long time it took to be finished, it really deserves to be evaluated in its final shape.

    First thing first, I must say there are lots of x-com remakes out there. Since I'm one of the few lucky players that have played (and loved, despite I was just a kid) the original series the time it was released, it is well-known that all later remakes never really succeed to reach the quality (or even the game type) of the original. X-Com: Enemy Unknown and its successors were a very complex but still very engaging type of game. None of the later versions was as deep as the old ones, and this is plain truth.

    Xenonauts is just another remake, but this time it is the right one. It is clear that the developers have vastly played the old series and have absorbed the real nature of it. Everything here is in place and working, something (aka aerial fights, just to tell one) is even better than the original, if it could be possible!

    Now that I'm grown up and I understand what tactics mean, playing this game make me desire to come back in time and play the old series the way I'm playing Xenonauts now. It's really a lot of fun. My love to the old series is even bigger now, thanks to Xenonauts and its incredible fidelity to the original game.

    The game itself is really well done, in mostly every aspect. It does give you the right sensation of alien invasion, it is really hard to manage every ufo in sight and succeed. Aerial fights are often quite difficult but entertaining (only con: waiting time during retreat). Ground combat is simply great, the AI is sufficiently smart to even surprise you, sometimes, and that's really appreciated for a game like this. Base management is quite intricate due to a menu system I really do not love that much, but it is still playable without great difficulty.

    For me is a plain 10/10 also considering it is and indie game. Absolute try for every fan of the old series.    … Expand
  6. br54
    Jul 13, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Xenonauts is the spiritual successor to UFO: Enemy Unknown, also known as X-Com: UFO Defense. Sadly I've never experienced UFO Defense. But after playing Xenonauts I get a pretty good sense on what kind of game UFO Defense was.

    When I first went into Xenonauts I was skeptical about what I was in for. Something like turned base strategic combat was very different to the traditional RTS play style. It took some time to get use to but in the end I found that it was easy to comprehend and easy to learn for newcomers such as myself.

    The game's graphics might drive people away because they're "dated" or "unpolished". But I feel like the art style works great. The style looks retro and it fits with the game. It's not overwhelming my computer with triple A 3d graphics and its a nice throwback to the older era of games.

    The game's soundtrack is fantastic! It makes me feel very immersive. It gets me pumped to take down a UFO during the Air combat minigame and gives me a sense of hoplessness during night missions. And the SFX being done by Tapio Liukkonen, the guy who did the SFX in Amnesia the dark decent, is a plus in my book.

    One of my favorite things of the game is the setting. The game is set during cold war 1979. Everything is very low tech and at the beginning you feel overwhelmed by the Alien invaders using Plasma weaponry while you're still running around with simple ballistic rifles. But as time goes on and you gather Alien technology you get to see the world advance from people using things like old Apple Macintosh to fully functional Holographic computers! From your simple Ballistic weapons to Laser, Plasma, and soon MAG. And even robotic arms for the handicap! And even the creation of the Internet! (Or the Internetwork as the game calls it) You get to see the world unfold around you as your technology moves fast and you create better and better equipment.

    As you research things the game will give you an explanation on what the item you just researched is. All this is set in the little archive known as the Xenopedia. It's where all the documented alien life forms UFO's technology weapons etc. go. I spent hours in the Xenopedia reading as much as I could, learning about the Alien's and why they came to Earth.

    With all the positives aside there are still some downsides on the game. It's obvious the game isn't complete even though it's officially released. There are many bugs and glitches that need to be ironed out but Goldhawk interactive is working hard to fix them all. The game has no in-game tutorial. It took me awhile to learn the games controls that could have been summed up in a small tutorial. (There is a game manual but it's something I didn't look for.) There is a lot of cool unused content in the game that would have been very fun to use in the game. Another problem is the Alien powers. Some aliens get things like mind control and can make your teammates start killing each other. This is a thing I desperately hate. There's no way to defend against it. It's based on the bravery of the soldier and I have no idea how it works. Hopefully they add something to counter Alien Mind control. But for now I go into the game files and simply disable Mind control.

    Probably my biggest letdown was the final mission.

    (Spoiler below!) Skip the next paragraph to avoid any spoilers about the game!

    The final mission is hard and makes you rush but it's not that satisfying. I would have loved to see a long ass mission that would take a long time to complete. In the last mission you're infiltrating the alien Dreadnaught and you're suppose to kill the leader of the alien invasion. But it's just one big hallway guarded by tons of aliens. It doesn't seem like a dreadnaught and feels very rushed for a last mission. I expected something large and intimidating like the alien bases you have to infiltrate and destroy around the world. Though this can probably be fixed by the lovely map editor. :)

    (Spoiler ends)

    Xenonauts is a fantastic game. It gives me the experience I missed out on with UFO defense. It's very in depth and makes me work for the things I need. I love the micromanaging and constant tension that your best soldier might die around the next corner. It's a game that I couldn't recommend enough to anyone who loved the original X-com.    … Expand
  7. Homiccus
    Nov 27, 2013
    9
    This. This is not one of those fancy-shmancy streamlined games with pixel shading lollipop graphics and stunning 'oh-my-word' audio FX... This is something completely different. A fan service for all 'old timers' perhaps?
    It's still in beta, the updates are rolled out on regular basis, but what's there already is all honey and no tar. This title has the look and feel of the 1994 classic,    This. This is not one of those fancy-shmancy streamlined games with pixel shading lollipop graphics and stunning 'oh-my-word' audio FX... This is something completely different. A fan service for all 'old timers' perhaps?
    It's still in beta, the updates are rolled out on regular basis, but what's there already is all honey and no tar. This title has the look and feel of the 1994 classic, but with clean UI and comfortable, adequate graphics.
    Any veteran of old UFO will feel right at home the features and gameplay is nearly identical but with enough differences to pique your interest from the very beginning. The atmosphere is not lacking, there is a sense of loneliness and hopelessness throughout and, although you know very well what awaits, there is no telling what shape will it take. The difficulty is at least challenging, you can do your best on geoscape and on the ground but you'll still be watching your diminishing money supply and mounting casualties.
    Make no mistake this game is from previous era in terms of technology, but if you love it it really loves you back!    … Expand
  8. SigilFey
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    This is the original 1993 XCOM: UFO Defense (UFO: Enemy Unknown) remade for modern day systems! Being a die-hard XCOM fan, I can assure anyone that has any doubts that we finally have it. Every single mechanic from the original game is here. The title is religiously devoted to the original formula.

    If anything, the developers have IMPROVED on the original. A much better interface.    This is the original 1993 XCOM: UFO Defense (UFO: Enemy Unknown) remade for modern day systems! Being a die-hard XCOM fan, I can assure anyone that has any doubts that we finally have it. Every single mechanic from the original game is here. The title is religiously devoted to the original formula.

    If anything, the developers have IMPROVED on the original. A much better interface. An overall darker, more gritty feel to the universe. The dogfighting minigame is just awesome. Graphics are polished and do well more than simply "get the job done". If you are someone who has ever been curious about why the original game was so successful -- or if you are brand new to the whole XCOM arena -- don't hesitate for a second to pick this up!

    Can't recommend this enough! What an accomplishment!    … Expand
  9. dkurjery
    Jul 16, 2014
    9
    Matching what the developers are advertising for this game, it is a good re-imaging of old classic UFO series game in a different time era.

    The only cons of this game is the engine itself, which is quite crappy and in fact only suits for casual game. Most of the game's issues arise from the engine, like unexpected long loading time, creating random dummy files under system root, or    Matching what the developers are advertising for this game, it is a good re-imaging of old classic UFO series game in a different time era.

    The only cons of this game is the engine itself, which is quite crappy and in fact only suits for casual game.

    Most of the game's issues arise from the engine, like unexpected long loading time, creating random dummy files under system root, or some occasional stability issues.    … Expand
  10. Chromium
    Jan 1, 2014
    10
    Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. It's hard to imagine a remake of X-COM that doesn't get something wrong after all, there have been plenty of remakes and sequels, and none of them have quite captured the feel of the original X-COM. And yet here we are, with Xenonauts, a 'reimagining' of X-COM for the modern age which gets everything right from the get-go.

    It all starts with the first    Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. It's hard to imagine a remake of X-COM that doesn't get something wrong after all, there have been plenty of remakes and sequels, and none of them have quite captured the feel of the original X-COM. And yet here we are, with Xenonauts, a 'reimagining' of X-COM for the modern age which gets everything right from the get-go.

    It all starts with the first thing you'll notice: the look and feel. This game's design drips polish: the artwork is fantastic, the music tense and atmospheric, the menus and on-screen controls gorgeous and easy-to-use. This is how X-COM would have looked if it were made yesterday instead of in the 90s, with beautiful high-res textures and realistic, polished designs for everything from guns to aircraft.

    Other than a few fundamental differences, this is the real-deal X-COM: Multiple bases, multiple teams, research, manufacturing, terror missions, crash sites, landings, hapless civilians running around in tactical maps, more alien types than you can shake a stick at. This game lacks nothing the original offered, and expands significantly on its predecessor: new air combat mechanics, for instance, allow you to take command of your interceptors and engage enemy UFOs in a real-time-tactics minigame, significantly enhancing the fun-factor of shootdowns.

    If you've always felt let down by X-COM sequels, remakes and spinoffs UFO Extraterrestrials, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, et. al. then give Xenonauts a try. It took almost 20 years, but finally, someone got it right again.    … Expand
  11. Shagrost
    Jun 1, 2013
    10
    it's like a dip into childhood and again play the most favorite game of my life, but someone carefully considered all your children's comments about balance or logic of situations.
    And happiness, I again experienced almost the same feeling that once experienced from the original. I did not think that would ever happen again. Thanks to the developer. Clean the chakras, not otherwise.
  12. sh4dow
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    Having just finished this game for the second time (this time on "insane"), I can finally and confidently write this review. Does the game have its flaws? Occasional bugs and a somewhat broken endgame mission? Yes. But compared to the overwhelming rest of the game, it's nothing. It's also nothing because this is the ONLY game (I'm aware of) that delivers an updated UFO experience thatHaving just finished this game for the second time (this time on "insane"), I can finally and confidently write this review. Does the game have its flaws? Occasional bugs and a somewhat broken endgame mission? Yes. But compared to the overwhelming rest of the game, it's nothing. It's also nothing because this is the ONLY game (I'm aware of) that delivers an updated UFO experience that still stays very close to the original. ALL official X-COM sequels (except "Terror from the Deep" of course) are pathetic in comparison. THIS is the game UFO I have been waiting for for about 15 years (played "X-COM 1 & 2" a little late)! I generally have not played something this satisfying in a long while.… Expand
  13. Haba
    Jun 30, 2014
    9
    After twenty years, there is finally a game that comes close to the magic of the original X-Com. Xenonauts is built around a diamond-hard core vision and doesn't compromise. The developer's vision was to take the best parts of X-Com and transfer them to the modern age, no more and no less. Some welcome additions have come and some exploitable mechanics have gone.

    This is the one UFO    After twenty years, there is finally a game that comes close to the magic of the original X-Com. Xenonauts is built around a diamond-hard core vision and doesn't compromise. The developer's vision was to take the best parts of X-Com and transfer them to the modern age, no more and no less. Some welcome additions have come and some exploitable mechanics have gone.

    This is the one UFO game that resonates most soundly with me. And the game studio's open minded attitude toward modding gives great hope for future "editions" of Xenonauts.    … Expand
  14. BooBoo71
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    Amazing old school style game definitely the second coming of Xcom , very challenging, frustrating and exciting game with an amazing mod community that is making a great game even better. 10 out of 10 for me!!
  15. Jetteseraph
    Jun 2, 2013
    9
    A great redux of an old classic. Everything you loved about the original X-com is here, with some improved mechanics and re-imagined. The beta overall is quite good, with some balance issues that need to be resolved. Even so, game is wholly playable, fun and quite a challenge, even on normal.
  16. Sigma77
    Jul 14, 2013
    9
    Before I even get into it I'm just going to flat out tell you that $20 for the pre-order plus beta access is totally worth it. This title isn't even out yet I know and I never; ever do this but I felt compelled to post here.

    I must say this is like someone took my favorite strategy game from my freshman year of high school and added so many great new features and layers to the gameplay.    Before I even get into it I'm just going to flat out tell you that $20 for the pre-order plus beta access is totally worth it. This title isn't even out yet I know and I never; ever do this but I felt compelled to post here.

    I must say this is like someone took my favorite strategy game from my freshman year of high school and added so many great new features and layers to the gameplay. I've been playing the beta over the last month and the amount of updates is really great, I'm excited and I look forward to the final product.    … Expand
  17. juanval
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    This game is a masterpiece. At first you see the graphics and the game doesn't seem attractive, but the gameplay is perfect, in my opinion is better than the original xcom.

    There are 3 very strong points: 1 combat, with an interesting AI (it's easy to suffer casualties), 2 base management, and 3, wolrd map strategy, much deeper and funnier than the original XCOM. The problem I see is    This game is a masterpiece. At first you see the graphics and the game doesn't seem attractive, but the gameplay is perfect, in my opinion is better than the original xcom.

    There are 3 very strong points: 1 combat, with an interesting AI (it's easy to suffer casualties), 2 base management, and 3, wolrd map strategy, much deeper and funnier than the original XCOM.

    The problem I see is that an entire campaign lasts too much hours. Graphics can be obsolete but for me is not a problem. This game is pure gameplay and graphics are not important. I enjoyed more this game than Firaxis Xcom (nice graphics but limited gameplay).

    All original XCOM fans should play this game. Congrats to the developers and we must be happy to enjoy another gem from the kickstarter initiave.    … Expand
  18. CptFlippy
    Jun 22, 2014
    9
    Well it is finally out, and needless to say it was a long 6 years.

    Great game, if you are an original X-COM fan get this game, you will not be disappointed. It is not a 10 though and in truth closer to a 8.5. For one the graphics, would love to see this game done with X-COM Enemy Unknown graphics. Also, there are a few things mechanics wise that are not bugs, but things that should be    Well it is finally out, and needless to say it was a long 6 years.

    Great game, if you are an original X-COM fan get this game, you will not be disappointed. It is not a 10 though and in truth closer to a 8.5. For one the graphics, would love to see this game done with X-COM Enemy Unknown graphics. Also, there are a few things mechanics wise that are not bugs, but things that should be in game, like being able to shoot when your soldier is in the air. They are minor things, but when you add them up it does take from the game. Otherwise it is a solid 8.5 - 9.0 game and for 24.99 it is worth it.    … Expand
  19. Gixian82
    Jun 23, 2014
    9
    Ok, finally a remake of the old XCOM games that is close to what fans of the old games wanted to see. :) The graphics are simply AMAZING with all the high-res hand-painted sprites, the tactical combat is very similar, just a slightly more polished tactical combat from the old games, and the global strategy part of the game is very similar to the old XCOM. While not being anything close toOk, finally a remake of the old XCOM games that is close to what fans of the old games wanted to see. :) The graphics are simply AMAZING with all the high-res hand-painted sprites, the tactical combat is very similar, just a slightly more polished tactical combat from the old games, and the global strategy part of the game is very similar to the old XCOM. While not being anything close to an AAA-game, the game's production qualities are perfect and the game seems to be very polished and made with love, thumbs up for that.

    My only issue with the game is that some game design decisions regarding (small) simplification on the strategic part of the game are weird and unnecessary to me, thus not giving 10 points to it.

    I definitely recommend this game to any old XCOM or UFO trilogy fan - this is probably the best XCOM game ever made than can be played in 2014.    … Expand
  20. Megaleif
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    Eagerly awaited, I thought xenonauts would never be finished but the 30th of May it went live. And live it was. I loved the old X-Com:Ufo Defense and Terror from the Deep titles and played them to death. I hoped for the X-COM EU to fill the shoes but I tried it and found it lacking. Xenonauts seemed like a long shot but I was checking up on it from time to time, waiting for it to beEagerly awaited, I thought xenonauts would never be finished but the 30th of May it went live. And live it was. I loved the old X-Com:Ufo Defense and Terror from the Deep titles and played them to death. I hoped for the X-COM EU to fill the shoes but I tried it and found it lacking. Xenonauts seemed like a long shot but I was checking up on it from time to time, waiting for it to be finished. What a treat I was in for. Turn-based isometric tactical gaming in a crisp, modern UI, with just the right level of granularity. And that is just the ground combat. The UFO interceptions are exciting and give a new aspect, and the world map strategy is as deep as the original games.
    One of my favourite aspects of the original games was the oppressive, brutal atmosphere. You were always fighting uphill and hoping for your veteran squaddies to pull through each mission. The music was key here, and Xenonauts delivers what is possibly an even better score for this. In particular the night missions are haunting and will have you sweating with each end turn, just seeing the hidden movement splash screen , hearing screams in the dark merging with the ominous musical backdrop. Brilliant. I am so so happy.
    I have tracked three times the amount of time gaming this compared to X-com EU so far and I have just began.    … Expand
  21. JamesBondX
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    Can't recommend this highly enough!

    It's very much like the original XCOM: UFO Defense. They included some improvements to air combat, added more realistic weapons and updated the old graphics with new 2D sprites and nicer textures. I think it looks very good with the current graphics and I like the "cold war" style, which later then get's upgraded with high-tech equipment of course.    Can't recommend this highly enough!

    It's very much like the original XCOM: UFO Defense. They included some improvements to air combat, added more realistic weapons and updated the old graphics with new 2D sprites and nicer textures.

    I think it looks very good with the current graphics and I like the "cold war" style, which later then get's upgraded with high-tech equipment of course.

    It's a great game and I'd really want to see the developers rewarded for creating this, it's all one has ever dreamed    … Expand
  22. Fran_cisco
    Nov 21, 2015
    10
    It's incredible, a true remake.

    Excellent gameplay
    Decent graphics and art
    Gives the same scary/tense/"yeah F** off you alien!!" feelings of the original 'X-COM UFO Unknown'
  23. Qzzz
    Jun 5, 2014
    10
    Czekałem na ta gre od 3 lat. Spelnienie marzen, powrot pierwszego UFO :) Zajebioza :) polecam. Nawet na standardowym poziomie trudnosci nie jest latwo.. najtrudniej zadbac o to by koszty stale nie przewyzaszyly przychodow.
  24. Mascalzone
    Jul 8, 2017
    8
    What an amazing old style pearl! Xenonauts it's exactly what it is intended to be: a solid and pretty remake of UFO: Enemy Unknow, and you can make it even better thorugh mods.
  25. Aloo
    Aug 22, 2014
    8
    A very good remake of the original 1994 game.
    Definitely recommended for fans of the original game. it has modified and added some features while removing others.
    I'm not sure if I would recommend this to people unfamiliar with the original X-com. For today's standards the visuals may be lacking, there is no animations worth mentioning ect. The game may be frustrating at first as some    A very good remake of the original 1994 game.
    Definitely recommended for fans of the original game. it has modified and added some features while removing others.
    I'm not sure if I would recommend this to people unfamiliar with the original X-com. For today's standards the visuals may be lacking, there is no animations worth mentioning ect.
    The game may be frustrating at first as some of the features are undocumented or not explained and require the user to do some browsing on the games forums to understand what is going on. Once you get a hang of it it gets easy.
    subtract 2 points if you need HD graphics
    subtract 3-4 points if you don't like repetitive tactical ground missions
    add 1 point if you use the community version (you get it on steam together with the official version).
    Is it perfect? No, but for me it has that "one more turn" factor that I love.    … Expand
  26. Gnawer
    Sep 14, 2014
    9
    This game is sort of hard to get into, it has a mean learning curve. I would say it's significantly more difficult than either the new XCOM or the original UFO. But once you get used to it, it's actually quite good. Very challenging, but not unfair. AI for various aliens is actually quite amazing: they all have their own "character" when moving on a battlefield. Overall, the game may lackThis game is sort of hard to get into, it has a mean learning curve. I would say it's significantly more difficult than either the new XCOM or the original UFO. But once you get used to it, it's actually quite good. Very challenging, but not unfair. AI for various aliens is actually quite amazing: they all have their own "character" when moving on a battlefield. Overall, the game may lack a certain polish, but it is a must for everyone interested in the genre.… Expand
  27. Laniere
    Jul 30, 2014
    9
    After 6 entire campaign and more than 150+ hours played i've to say that this is a FANTASTIC game.

    It's a xcom-like strategy game, great AI, great game, A REAL difficult game at high difficulties. It's frustrating and really hard but every mission, every kill, with all your squad you will feel the gratification. It's a must have. The only con is that there are not a lot of map,    After 6 entire campaign and more than 150+ hours played i've to say that this is a FANTASTIC game.

    It's a xcom-like strategy game, great AI, great game, A REAL difficult game at high difficulties. It's frustrating and really hard but every mission, every kill, with all your squad you will feel the gratification.

    It's a must have.

    The only con is that there are not a lot of map, but the game gets update costantly so it's definatly not a con.

    IMHO the strategy game of the year.    … Expand
  28. wordsmith77
    Jul 21, 2014
    9
    More than worthy successor of an old X-COM. In today's world of all-3d games this one feels just right. Whoever liked Jagged Alliance 2 will like Xenonauts as well. Nice cartoon like graphics was the first hookup for me. I just love the graphics of this game, it feels so good to watch finally nice game within the pollution of those full 3d strategy games of today with all those lightningsMore than worthy successor of an old X-COM. In today's world of all-3d games this one feels just right. Whoever liked Jagged Alliance 2 will like Xenonauts as well. Nice cartoon like graphics was the first hookup for me. I just love the graphics of this game, it feels so good to watch finally nice game within the pollution of those full 3d strategy games of today with all those lightnings and particles and useless effects.

    About game itself- there are plenty of reviews, for me I can say that I enjoyed it and will certainly play it again. It has some flaws, so to summarize:
    Pluses:
    - super graphics + texts + sounds -> great atmosphere
    - AI was nice surprise
    - combats are pretty tactical, especially ground ones (almost like Jagged All.2)

    Minuses:
    - game economy could be better (especially on higher difficulty)
    - no real option to defend vs PSI attacks is quite a big flaw, then it's just random (load-save)
    - too short play time, on Normal diff. in 2-3 days (played only at evenings)    … Expand
  29. ClMick
    Nov 29, 2014
    9
    I couldn't tell you what I prefer as an original XCom fan: The first two games from the ninetees, the recent excellen reboot by Firaxis or this. Xenonauts is definitely made with a lot of love and respect for the original games. The graphics, which seem to be a stumbling point for some, look like a great continuation of the original cheap alien-movie art that was in the original.I couldn't tell you what I prefer as an original XCom fan: The first two games from the ninetees, the recent excellen reboot by Firaxis or this. Xenonauts is definitely made with a lot of love and respect for the original games. The graphics, which seem to be a stumbling point for some, look like a great continuation of the original cheap alien-movie art that was in the original.

    Essentially it's all about the gameplay and that could hardly have been better.    … Expand
  30. emaringolo
    May 10, 2015
    9
    This is the best XCOM remake ever made to date. Improved strategy, improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and the essence of the original XCOM from MicroProse.

    I played XCOM I (Enemy Unknown), XCOM II (Terror from the Deep), and XCOM III, and this one combines the best of each to provide a signature gaming experience. You will get into the mood very quickly. The music is very good,    This is the best XCOM remake ever made to date. Improved strategy, improved graphics, enhanced gameplay, and the essence of the original XCOM from MicroProse.

    I played XCOM I (Enemy Unknown), XCOM II (Terror from the Deep), and XCOM III, and this one combines the best of each to provide a signature gaming experience. You will get into the mood very quickly.

    The music is very good, the scientific research tree is good, and the overall history is good.

    The flip side are repetitive maps and something that was also present in the original XCOM: playing without saving is suicide but doing it after every turn is boring, but an usual practice nonetheless (no one wants to lose their best soldiers).

    I look forward to play a second part of Xenonauts but this time remaking the "Terror from the Deep" experience and scenarios.    … Expand
  31. Babutto
    Jul 25, 2020
    8
    Pros.:
    - Successor of X-Com: Ufo Defense.
    - Nice progress in research and development.
    - Good difficulty levels.

    Cons.:
    - Closer to the end the battles are too similar.
    - The developers should inform if you lose one region, there is no turning back.

    So far, it's a great game and a great original X-Com set. For some it may seem out of date, but didn't regret a minute of playing.
  32. Alikhan230
    May 16, 2020
    8
    Better than original XCOM. More of Content. Less of an element of randomness.
    8/10
  33. Dracoblack
    Dec 8, 2020
    8
    A really enjoyable indie game, when I got it was bug free, not encountered even one. The game is like a sequel of the old x-com games, it provides a lot of fun and a great bang for your bucks. It took me 50 hours to finish it, playing without being in a hurry in normal difficulty. It's not perfect and a lot of things can be improved, but for an indie game I think it's very good. I've evnA really enjoyable indie game, when I got it was bug free, not encountered even one. The game is like a sequel of the old x-com games, it provides a lot of fun and a great bang for your bucks. It took me 50 hours to finish it, playing without being in a hurry in normal difficulty. It's not perfect and a lot of things can be improved, but for an indie game I think it's very good. I've evn backed the second on kickstarter, I think the team behind it can get it evn better.… Expand
  34. Slayver
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    Amazing old school style game definitely the second coming of Xcom, very challenging, frustrating and exciting game with an amazing mod community.
  35. JackPlack
    May 5, 2022
    8
    One of the best X-Com remake, but maybe should upgrade some rules - i dont feel progress except graphics and little too much repeatable.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best PC Game of 2011
82
#82 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
51
#51 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Jan 21, 2015
    84
    If you wish to dethrone the Eternal Emperor of computer gaming, you can't have gaping holes in your armor, and thanks to the repeating and completely flat terrains as well as some balancing issues, that's precisely what Xenonauts has. However, in many other ways this is the best UFO-game thus far and thanks to modability and an active community, we just might be witnessing the birth of a legend. [Jan 2015]
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 22, 2014
    70
    A worthy tribute to UFO: Enemy Unknown/X-COM: UFO Defense, but far from perfect. If you feel that your inner hard core gamer is not dead yet, give it a try and have fun. [Sept 2014, p.64]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Aug 27, 2014
    70
    Retro looks can only get you so far, and in the case of Xenonauts, the longer you play it, the more annoying things you discover. A primitive leveling up system (there are no classes or special abilities), contrived combat mechanics, a moth-eaten 2D engine that doesn’t know how to rotate or zoom. In the end, the strategic part becomes much more interesting than tactical battles.
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