XCOM 2

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 518 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 332 out of 518
  2. Mixed: 93 out of 518
  3. Negative: 93 out of 518
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  1. jstevo
    Oct 20, 2016
    10
    Initially this game was frustrating; being quite a good gamer, but having not played the original XCOM, I selected “moderate” difficulty. This was a huge mistake; not only was the game punishing every SINGLE error I made, I was aimlessly wandering a map and dying often. Losing key staff members. Eventually rage quitting.
    However, after throwing the toys out the pram, I stomached my pride,    Initially this game was frustrating; being quite a good gamer, but having not played the original XCOM, I selected “moderate” difficulty. This was a huge mistake; not only was the game punishing every SINGLE error I made, I was aimlessly wandering a map and dying often. Losing key staff members. Eventually rage quitting.
    However, after throwing the toys out the pram, I stomached my pride, and started the game on “easy/first time playing XCOM.” This is where I really started to enjoy the game; I was able to successfully complete missions, move forward in the overall game etc.
    It’s still difficult, but I really started to enjoy it. It’s a clever game, very few times have I ever had to pause when playing a different game and think “I could lose this round if I make 1 mistake” or constantly cycling through different tactical options, or after completing a move go “DAMN I should of considered that.”
    Most games nowadays dumb everything down to be completely generic and enjoyed by everyone. This is deliberately hard, and has a steep learning curve.
    Its also full of bugs; like everywhere. Sometimes so many things go wrong that you actually go “what just happened in the last 10 seconds” the camera pans to nothing, someone falls through a floor. Its bizarre, but I still love it. Well worth the price.    … Expand
  2. Malooga
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    Did you like/love X-Com Enemy Unknown? Buy X-Com 2. That's the basic gist of things, but I still have like 50 characters to go for a minimum review...so...aliens.
  3. Pureray
    Sep 27, 2016
    10
    The fight for Earth, just became a whole lot harder in Xcom2! A simply great addition for any strategist fan to have for their Playstation 4! It shares the same game mechanics from the original, now with better visuals and more new enemies and equipment to experiment with in the battlefield!
  4. Kai82
    Jan 16, 2021
    10
    A great sequel. The story is set approx 20 years after X-Com Enemy Within / Unknown. Earth has surrendered to the aliens (We would have no sequel otherwise;-). The X-Com project was abandoned and the aliens created a shining new benevolent future for humanity. This is however a facade as they have a more sinister agenda. You are again the commander of X-Com and freed from captivity to beA great sequel. The story is set approx 20 years after X-Com Enemy Within / Unknown. Earth has surrendered to the aliens (We would have no sequel otherwise;-). The X-Com project was abandoned and the aliens created a shining new benevolent future for humanity. This is however a facade as they have a more sinister agenda. You are again the commander of X-Com and freed from captivity to be the leader of the resistance. The aliens and the puppet government troops called Advent will try to stop you. The general gameplay is the same. It is half base management (Development & Research, building, training etc.) and half turn based strategic combat missions. You have a mobile headquarter in form of the Avenger a captured alien supply craft. Here you can build several facilities. There are requirements, building / maintenance costs and of cause you must have enough power supply. Facilities can be upgraded to gain additional benefits. You research new technologies and build weapons / items that help you. Be warned there is a huge mysterious Avatar Project run by the aliens. It is basically a game over timer and it should be a priority to stop them. There will be monthly supply drops and dark events. You get a choice to stop 1 of 3 events and face the disadvantages that go along with the others . These range from don't bother me with this to crippling your efforts. There is a new resource called intel. It is used to contact the resistance on other countries and is a valuable resource. Try to get a good balance with building facilities and researching. Then there are the turn based missions. You send out a squad of soldiers on different types of missions. You have normally a concealment in place as long as you don't attack or be spotted (Use this to full advantage). There are 4 classes of soldiers available with a fifth being unlockable. These are Ranger, Grenadier, Specialist and Sharpshooter. All classes are useful and the extra class requires a bit of research and building but is worth it. The final mission would be far more menacing without 2 members of it in my team. Many staples / features return. Your soldiers level up into a new ranks by defeating enemies. With each rank you can chose 1 of 2 abilities. There are a few interesting builds as there are overlaps and branching parts. Be warned your soldiers can permanently die or be wounded which means unavailability until full recovery. There is again a training facility where you can unlock some benefits if you have a soldier with the needed rank. It should be a no brainer that the squad size upgrades should be high on the list and that you should train a few rookies to have replacements in case of wounded or dead soldiers. There are a few new enemies you must prepared for. Be warned that some missions have a time limit or are more difficult (retaliations for example) if you want to get the best results. As X-Com staple you have a great variety on difficulty settings. The higher once are truly challenging. I recommend a play-trough on lower difficulties to learn the mechanics and then starting with the higher once. The game mechanics overall work well and they mastered the art in giving us more of the same and some additions that are refreshing but not to alienating. The story itself delivers as there are great twist and a strong final. Overall this is an excellent sequel and one of my favorite strategy games. An easy recommendation especially for fans of the genre.… Expand
  5. brandoncargill1
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Great game, as long as you don't mind utilizing a quick save. That is an absolute must, unless you want to beat your head against the wall. You definitely earned your progression and I enjoyed the difficulty.
  6. azog
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    Elapsed strategy game with turn-based system.
    The title is not without errors but it certainly is the best strategy released on PS4. Fantastic game big opportunities tactical and strategic.
  7. nismo10
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    Lo mejor que ha jugado en años, es un juego dificil, pero gratificante cuando ganas, es al principio dificil de entender, pero una vez entendido pasarás horas y días enteros disfrutando, lo recomiendo ampliamente.
  8. mikehettfield
    Oct 7, 2016
    10
    I was having my doubts, but at the end this game Is such a epic one to me, i love the character customization and the setting, is just how strategy games should aim for, I-m so glad it-s on ps4 now so more people get to know thhe series and keep it growing, STOP READING ANYMORE AND GO GET IT!!!! XD
  9. Atilla1456
    Oct 5, 2016
    10
    Incredible game, exactly what I bought it for. It holds true to the XCOM Franchise, and presents new challenges while adding new functions. A great story also comes along with the great gameplay and "athmosphere" of XCOM 2. A game that is worth buying.
  10. kernowtom
    Jan 2, 2017
    10
    This is my favourite game of 2016. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves turn based games. It is very challenging but never too difficult. The game is a good length and is perfect for multiple playthroughs.
  11. Dattwood7
    Sep 27, 2016
    10
    If you liked XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within, you'll like this game. You might have to get used to the new classes (the biggest change, in my opinion), but there are enough improvements in this game to win you over (one of the biggest is undoubtedly the improved character customization options: You'll get so attached to your crew you'll want to restart every time one of them gets hurt.) ThereIf you liked XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within, you'll like this game. You might have to get used to the new classes (the biggest change, in my opinion), but there are enough improvements in this game to win you over (one of the biggest is undoubtedly the improved character customization options: You'll get so attached to your crew you'll want to restart every time one of them gets hurt.) There might be some bugs, and you might gripe about some other little things, but the core game is there. This is an excellent strategy game, simple as that.… Expand
  12. pelotasDePiedra
    Oct 5, 2016
    10
    Fantastic gama that improves on the first one in every aspect. The difficulty has been ramped up though so you need to be prepared to lose more people this time around. Delicious game regardless!
  13. TraceSkipper
    Apr 13, 2017
    10
    Frustrating, stressful and not enjoyable. I played it on easy and I raged quit a few times until i had enough and deleted it. Then I spent a day thinking about what I did. Am I too sensitive to handle these types of experiences? What has happen to me?? So I redownloaded it and for better or worse I am all IN! To make an experience difficult as this is the only way that this game could beFrustrating, stressful and not enjoyable. I played it on easy and I raged quit a few times until i had enough and deleted it. Then I spent a day thinking about what I did. Am I too sensitive to handle these types of experiences? What has happen to me?? So I redownloaded it and for better or worse I am all IN! To make an experience difficult as this is the only way that this game could be made. An Alien race has taken over earth and they are better than you and they know it. So go ahead play it show yourself you can.… Expand
  14. horrorsparadise
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Welcome back commander.
    Xcom2 arrived on PS4 and boy the battle for Earth has never been harder and funnier than this. It will not come as a surprise the game is good. It was good when it came to PC and the XCOM: Enemy Unknown/within were great. It suits the console great and the new mechanics, new enemies and equipment are also great. Will always be one of the best turn based games out    Welcome back commander.
    Xcom2 arrived on PS4 and boy the battle for Earth has never been harder and funnier than this. It will not come as a surprise the game is good. It was good when it came to PC and the XCOM: Enemy Unknown/within were great. It suits the console great and the new mechanics, new enemies and equipment are also great. Will always be one of the best turn based games out there. But nobody will properly read meta review about this game. It's awesome. Good to see you again commander.    … Expand
  15. thrill747
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Oh man, such a great game! This review is for the benefit of anyone who might be "on the fence" about getting this game. Basically, if you already played the crap out of XCOM:Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within and are looking for more then you gotta get this game. It does have a few glitches in gameplay and cut-scenes but nothing that ruins the game, stops the game, or ever takes you out of theOh man, such a great game! This review is for the benefit of anyone who might be "on the fence" about getting this game. Basically, if you already played the crap out of XCOM:Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within and are looking for more then you gotta get this game. It does have a few glitches in gameplay and cut-scenes but nothing that ruins the game, stops the game, or ever takes you out of the game. All-in-all it remains a super-challenging and immersive XCOM experience. Highly recommended! Just be sure to save often 'cuz it is not easy!… Expand
  16. Knight_Shade
    Feb 2, 2019
    10
    I've always been a fan of Turn-based strategies since Rebel Star, Laser Squad etc. and I've enjoyed most of the XCom games so maybe I am biased in my opinion but this version lived up to my expectations.

    This is an excellent revamp and extension of the old classics with a great storyline and new characters and weapons. I played it on normal settings and finished it, although it is hard    I've always been a fan of Turn-based strategies since Rebel Star, Laser Squad etc. and I've enjoyed most of the XCom games so maybe I am biased in my opinion but this version lived up to my expectations.

    This is an excellent revamp and extension of the old classics with a great storyline and new characters and weapons. I played it on normal settings and finished it, although it is hard / impossible to keep your favourite characters alive all the way through without some luck.

    Highly recommend to anyone who likes the genre. Still the best of the bunch imo.    … Expand
  17. gqmasters3
    Oct 31, 2019
    10
    This game is superb. I am really surprised the user score is so low; I can only imagine people didn't like how hard the game is so they decided to cry a fit over it, but I don't know that for sure. XCOM2 is a lot of fun, challenging and it has a replay value through the roof. I highly recommend this game if you like turn based tactical RPGS.
  18. Xcommander
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    The XCOM 2 was amazing game but incomplete until war of the chosen expansion.i recommend if you want to play XCOM 2 buy war of the chosen expansion that complete game in every aspect
  19. ZeroV
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    - finished couple of times, including War of The Chosen
    - playing on legend difficulty now and loving it
    - graphics 10/10, story 8/10, DLCs 9/10, gameplay 9/10, soundtrack 7/10 - loading screens are definitely not something for the impatient - space orientation sometimes requires higher precision due to some level complexities - great challenge, intuitive learning curve - a minor    - finished couple of times, including War of The Chosen
    - playing on legend difficulty now and loving it
    - graphics 10/10, story 8/10, DLCs 9/10, gameplay 9/10, soundtrack 7/10

    - loading screens are definitely not something for the impatient
    - space orientation sometimes requires higher precision due to some level complexities
    - great challenge, intuitive learning curve
    - a minor rendering glitches, mostly humorous but not game breaking
    - the game constatly pushes you to do better no matter how good you think you were → thats my favorite aspect, its like an aggressive super hyped over enthusiastic proactive chess couch (with lasers)    … Expand
  20. X-comfan18
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    The best turn based UFO Defence game that I've played.

    XCOM was Great. XCOM has further built up on it's strengths and created an even better product with Updated Graphics and Campaign. Every single DLC had a profound impact on gameplay and refined it even further.

    Grab the complete XCOM2 bungle for best experience.
  21. michaeljhuman
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    This is based on playing more recently than a lot of these reviews, and on a PC. I don't have the issues others have. Also, I have War of the Chosen installed, which might change how the base game plays even when not doing WOTC.

    Ok, I consider this one of my favorite games ever. Hard, sure. But rewarding. It took me time to learn how to deal with some of the challenges. But I have    This is based on playing more recently than a lot of these reviews, and on a PC. I don't have the issues others have. Also, I have War of the Chosen installed, which might change how the base game plays even when not doing WOTC.

    Ok, I consider this one of my favorite games ever. Hard, sure. But rewarding. It took me time to learn how to deal with some of the challenges. But I have beat it quite a few times, not sure what difficulty levels.

    War Of the Chosen adds interesting, though sometimes stressful challenges. I would say play the base game first, and beat it. Then take on WOTC.

    There's a fair amount of customization of difficulty. For example, in my game, I can double the turn timers.

    Reading the reviews, I can see this is not for everyone. I don't know if the game was buggy in earlier versions, and/or if WOTC has improved things a lot. But I loved the game BEFORE buying WOTC.

    Yeah, 10/10 seems high, but this game made me want to keep going back and restarting, and trying different ideas.    … Expand
  22. Shortbuss1211
    Nov 27, 2022
    10
    This game can be very frustrating at times.. you will either hate it or love it ..one of my top ten list but so is Final Fantasy so take it as it is .. opinion
  23. Yojimbo2015
    May 20, 2023
    10
    The seminal turn-based strategy game returns with some upgraded visuals and a conscious attempt to inject a bit more variety into the missions and maps. As with a lot of strategy sequels, some of the tinkering seems to be there for its own sake and adds a layer of complexity without really adding to the enjoyment. For this reason it doesn't quite capture the imagination in the same way asThe seminal turn-based strategy game returns with some upgraded visuals and a conscious attempt to inject a bit more variety into the missions and maps. As with a lot of strategy sequels, some of the tinkering seems to be there for its own sake and adds a layer of complexity without really adding to the enjoyment. For this reason it doesn't quite capture the imagination in the same way as Enemy Within, but it's a top notch strategy title nonetheless.… Expand
  24. GABRIEL1030
    Oct 16, 2016
    9
    It´s a nice strategy game, the maps are aleatory and the experience is well balanced.

    Presentation 8
    Graphics 8
    Gameplay 8
    Sound 8
    Endless Appeal 9.5

    The game is very satisfactory because every stage is different, the new customization options are welcome.
  25. Markos-
    Feb 13, 2019
    9
    it is true as some say that the game lacks originality. It is, in fact, just "more of the same" if compared to the previous.
    However, this game is in any case great if you do love turn based tactical combat, carefully improving your soldiers and weaponry as you progress. Getting attached to your squad members helps for an added immersion (I recommend to name them after friends, etc... ).    it is true as some say that the game lacks originality. It is, in fact, just "more of the same" if compared to the previous.
    However, this game is in any case great if you do love turn based tactical combat, carefully improving your soldiers and weaponry as you progress. Getting attached to your squad members helps for an added immersion (I recommend to name them after friends, etc... ).
    It is more of the same (really good stuff).    … Expand
  26. Johnnybont
    Oct 26, 2016
    9
    This is an amazing game, a great advancement on the previous instalment. A must play for everyone who owns a PS4 and is looking for a strategy game! yes, it is a little buggy and yes the camera can be a little annoying, but the game play is king here and massively makes up for these points.
  27. Rox22
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    I was so happy when I heard this was getting a PS4 port. So was it worth the wait? H3ll yeah!

    It took everything great from the last game, and improved upon it. It looks like they did listen to most of the feedback from the previous game. Visually on par with last game with bigger and more varied environments. Even though the game improves on so much it also feels too much like    I was so happy when I heard this was getting a PS4 port. So was it worth the wait? H3ll yeah!

    It took everything great from the last game, and improved upon it. It looks like they did listen to most of the feedback from the previous game.

    Visually on par with last game with bigger and more varied environments.

    Even though the game improves on so much it also feels too much like the game before it. This is not a bad thing, just wish they could have added more new elements eg. ship combat from the original series.

    Also now there is a great and engaging story, delivered far better than the first game with some great and developed characters.

    Overall:
    XCOM 2 is a great improvement and upgrade from the previous game, but does now need some fresh gameplay mechanics for the next game.    … Expand
  28. monks99
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    So much fun but difficult at first. But great! Just great! I hope there are more games like this.
  29. hokido
    Oct 8, 2016
    9
    After both Valkyrie Chronicles and The Banner Saga this year i was more than happy to jump into another turn based strategy game, this time the follow up to the very good XCOM Enemy Unknown/Within.

    As with the previous game it is a real challenge you have to think constantly, go charging in and you will get slaughtered, patience is the key and there is no better feeling than luring a    After both Valkyrie Chronicles and The Banner Saga this year i was more than happy to jump into another turn based strategy game, this time the follow up to the very good XCOM Enemy Unknown/Within.

    As with the previous game it is a real challenge you have to think constantly, go charging in and you will get slaughtered, patience is the key and there is no better feeling than luring a group of Aliens into a well planned out trap.

    This brings me onto one of the only issues i have with the game time sensitive missions, countless times i have had to rush across the map to secure a piece of Intel or blow something up after which i have to watch my squad get annihilated, because in order to reach the objective in time strategy has to go out of the window.

    This is my only gripe in what otherwise it a top quality turn based strategy game and a great follow up to 2012's XCOM.    … Expand
  30. fallouts
    Sep 27, 2016
    9
    Great game. Must own for fans of the first two on last gen of consoles. The graphics are crisp, clean and stylish. The game play is improved with lot of new features and new classes.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS4 Game of 2016
32
#32 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
34
#34 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. RPGamer
    Jan 3, 2018
    80
    XCOM 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel, which is a good thing. It takes the lion's share of the gameplay from the last game and embeds it into the new game's foundation, shifting around some pieces to support the new gameplay fixtures without really altering the heart of the experience. With new soldier classes, enemy types, mission objectives, an all-new base, and a story built on losing the invasion the last time around, the new game provides the same intense combat experience and resource management series veterans expect. It ups the ante in terms of difficulty, and the result is a nail-biting game of close calls and narrow victories. While this may turn off some, it provides an amazing feeling of victory when one finds the sweet spot between keeping troops alive and advancing the long-term narrative-driving projects.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Nov 27, 2016
    90
    While it’s a shade short of perfect, there is no comparison: you will find no finer strategy game on PS4. [Christmas 2016, p64]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 21, 2016
    90
    No mere sequel, XCOM 2 reshapes everything with lots of success. It won't coddle you, and the invisible dice hate you, but overcoming these odds is as sweet as ever. [Dec 2016, p.72]
See all critic reviews »