The Bureau: XCOM Declassified

 PlayStation 3
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 86
  3. Negative: 14 out of 86
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  1. strapcharles
    Aug 21, 2013
    9
    I can't say that the overall gameplay dynamics are as clean as I would want them to be, but the background and story of this game are absolutely genius. I'm glad they are deciding to move away from strictly WWII and actually tap into more current and interesting American political struggle. Really great game.
  2. JPG127
    Aug 20, 2013
    8
    This is overall been a good game so far. Not as good as Enemy Unknown, but still awesome. If this game had been named something else, came out three years ago instead of the end of the current generation of systems or had not been associated with the original concept of an FPS, it would have scored better. Controls were solid, game play so far is good and story is decent.
  3. smoovelai
    Aug 20, 2013
    10
    I don't understand the bad reviews

    Solid Third person shooter, not very innovative in this department but gets the job done and is very enjoyable(why take points away for that) The tactics are fun and different the game took a lot of risk and i applaud that rather than just being a mass effect 2 clone. I will add the tactics in battle may not be for everyone but if your not a fan of    I don't understand the bad reviews

    Solid Third person shooter, not very innovative in this department but gets the job done and is very enjoyable(why take points away for that)

    The tactics are fun and different the game took a lot of risk and i applaud that rather than just being a mass effect 2 clone. I will add the tactics in battle may not be for everyone but if your not a fan of tactics don't rate this game badly because your not good at it

    The story is entertaining enough and made me want to finish the game what else could you ask for? i see too much complaining about what the game isn't but it does not get any credit for what it is

    reviewers rather give games like Saints Row 4 which was just a clone of saints row the third with super powers great scores because its simple minded and easy. I give a game like SR4 a 4-5 its the same thing as saints row the third with annoying super powers i did not even want them in the game wish they were optional.

    Thank you 2k Marin for trying something different the game is solid and fun I hope these biased reviews don't completely mess up your sales game is worth the money    … Expand
  4. fa1601
    Aug 20, 2013
    9
    Aunque digan lo contrario las Criticas,The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, Es un gran Juego! te gusta la serie Falling Skies, este es tu Juego, que mezcla tercera persona, shooter, estrategia tactica!
  5. Delpiero23
    Aug 28, 2013
    8
    Good game, very fun. Just like everybody here says, it could be more polished. The reviews are too low, this game really deserves at least a 8. Buy it, you won´t be disappointed.
  6. theeDarkhorse
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    Critics are wrong. It has the most expensive polygons i've ever seen. It is wonderfully voiced. It's gorgeously tactical yet perfectly first ''persony''. Theres even a perk/upgrade system not unlike Mass Effects.

    If i made this game i'd have expected better reviews. I suspect the people reviewing this game were chosen by the editors for their expertise in reviewing tactical games.    Critics are wrong. It has the most expensive polygons i've ever seen. It is wonderfully voiced. It's gorgeously tactical yet perfectly first ''persony''. Theres even a perk/upgrade system not unlike Mass Effects.

    If i made this game i'd have expected better reviews.

    I suspect the people reviewing this game were chosen by the editors for their expertise in reviewing tactical games. This game is half tactical ergo the half-hearted reviews.

    This game failed to disappoint me and im saddened it took me so long to play it because of my respect for the average metacritic review score. Lesson learned    … Expand
  7. ERRORandBSOD
    Aug 27, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Xcom enemy uknown. игру?
    Конечно лунатиками.
    Еще DLC приходится.
    Ну     … Expand
  8. Freddo222
    Dec 19, 2014
    8
    I really liked this one. Its a solid cover and shoot third-person-shooter with a cool setting. Sure the AI could be better but you can work around it. Graphics are nice, enemies look good. I also liked the strategic hub, it really worked for me. Overall i would recommend it.
  9. nineohhnine
    Sep 12, 2015
    8
    The Bureau is not a game you pick up and immediately understand what’s going on. I see it has a gift for those waiting between Xcom Enemy Within and the next Xcom release. In short, it’s for Xcom fans.

    From the very beginning they mention Elerium generators (which tells loyal Xcom player that they’ve been keeping something from the public since Elerium can’t be reproduced). The way    The Bureau is not a game you pick up and immediately understand what’s going on. I see it has a gift for those waiting between Xcom Enemy Within and the next Xcom release. In short, it’s for Xcom fans.

    From the very beginning they mention Elerium generators (which tells loyal Xcom player that they’ve been keeping something from the public since Elerium can’t be reproduced). The way they incorporate the overview commands from previous Xcom ,with third person shooter is different, but it works.

    Thru the whole game they go back and touch on major areas of the Xcom genre. The HQ has the same department as Xcom Within but what I like the most is that they've taken the newly advanced technology from Xcom Within and outdated it to the 1960’s. In one screen shot you’ll see the Hyperwave antenna and another moment in the game you’ll see the outdated Sectopod. Ever wonder where you get so many solders to hire in all the past Xcom games. Explained in The Bureau. (But ya gotta listen)

    The problem with most reviewersgamers is that their main objective is to beat the game, not to play the game. If your main goal is to beat The Bureau, just put another notch on your belt, you should leave The Bureau and most games on the shelf. But if you are a Real GamerXcom Fan, play the game, listen and see what they are bringing to the table. Xcom fans will enjoy this game much greater than a first time player who can’t possibly understand the EXtraterrestrial Combat cult    … Expand
  10. KingThorness
    Nov 6, 2019
    10
    This was definitely a hidden gem. An excellent game with an action packed storyline.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best PS3 Game of 2013
72
#72 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2013
80
#80 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. GameCritics
    Oct 13, 2013
    80
    After everything I've written, it should be quite clear to XCOM fans that The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is an entirely different kettle of fish despite sharing a few superficial elements. If the developers hadn't tried to connect the two, I suspect that more people might be pleasantly surprised by what it offers—a fantastically detailed 60's setting, an interesting approach to squad-based shooting, and a genuinely surprising sci-fi story that's told with panache.
    Read full review
  2. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Sep 27, 2013
    75
    The Bureau is a though game to get into, not because of the difficulty but because of the unreliable Battle Focus, which you use to issue commands to your two companions. Another problem are the seemingly unending waves of enemies bearing down on you. [September p.50]
  3. Play UK
    Sep 25, 2013
    57
    Technical issues, iffy storytelling and some questionable choices make for an uneven experience that fails to capitalise on what a fantastic license XCOM is. [Issue#235, p.76]
See all critic reviews »