Created by the original game designer of X-COM, Julian Gollop, this game brings back the wonky aspects of that title that the Firaxis versionCreated by the original game designer of X-COM, Julian Gollop, this game brings back the wonky aspects of that title that the Firaxis version left out in the interest of streamlining the game. For better or worse these "unfun" parts are back in. Examples such as inventory management and arranging transportation of soldiers between bases. Recruitment of soldiers and base management has also become more expansive or tedious depending upon your viewpoint. I feel like I'm playing quartermaster logistics officer half the time.
Still, there's a lot of fun to be had, and the story is interesting. The game feels a lot more like an RPG than X-COM as you explore the planet by travelling across nodes essentially to reveal the world. The combat is well-designed, with an impressive damage model that allows you to see exactly where you're aiming and what the cone of fire is, and also location specific damage that allows you target critical locations of the enemy. I was impressed by how the enemies continously evolved throughout the game until the very end into variants that are more intelligent and have more capabilities. Along with constantly evolving technology, this made combat fresh and exciting with every mission. The terrain is almost fully destructible just like the original X-COM. Fights often turn into entertaining games of positioning, taking advantage of openings, and controlling zones with overwatch.
What brings Phoenix Point down considerably are the number of game-breaking bugs. My inventory disappeared randomly. When reloading a mission, one of my characters had been turned into an oven(couldn't move but could still fire a gun). Load times for tactical maps are really quite terribly long for some reason. Unlike most isometric tactical games, Phoenix Point has many levels with constantly respawning enemies, which I personally found incredibly annoying.
This game feels like it was a little too ambitious, especially with the 3 competing factions that you can ally with. Faction approval rating is very important, and there are actual missions they can give you, with valuable technology as rewards. It reminded me of Fallout: New Vegas. These factions always end up going to war with each other towards the end of the game though regardless of what you do.
As an X-COM veteran, I should note that this game is quite difficult. Often you will come across enemies and situations that you just can't handle, and that seem quite unfair. I'm sure this is intentional, and just the nature of the game they're trying to create, but it can be frustrating to have your guys die or get mind-controlled and there's not much you can do about it.… Expand
