Earth has changed. Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces. XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, was left decimated and scattered.
Now, in XCOM 2, the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda and eliminating all who dissent from their new order. Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity.
Always on the run, and facing impossible odds, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to ignite a global resistance, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all.
While it mightn’t look as crisp and clear as the PC version, console controls are easy to use — after all, we’ve already experienced the franchise on Xbox and PlayStation before. The only thing that really lets consoles down is ridiculously large loading times, which you’ll really feel if you’re relying on deft saves to get out of a tight spot. After playing on Xbox One, I continue to question why Firaxis and 2K didn’t just release XCOM 2 to all platforms at the same time.
A must have game for any strategy lover: XCOM 2 builds on his predecessor strengths with a new compelling setting, solid gameplay and an high challenge level capable of delivering great rewards. If you love turn-based strategy, you can't miss it.
A masterpiece - one of best games on Xbox. [Dec 2016, p.74]
XCOM 2 manages to improve a formula that had almost nothing wrong with it to begin with, adding a sense of urgency to the already unpredictable nature of its turn-based combat. It’s a rewarding experience, if not sometimes cruelly unfair.
Visually, XCOM 2 looks good, better than the last game, but it still doesn’t look amazing.
One of last generation’s best sci-fi games returns to consoles and continues apace, changing very little but adding a lot to the mix.
It’s still an addictive play on the Xbox One with overall good gameplay that is well presented and for it’s price, it’s excellent value.
February 17, 2020
Catherine: Full Body and XCOM 2 Collection may arrive on Nintendo Switch soon.
July 9, 2017
Watch XCOM 2 War of the Chosen showcasing its Skirmisher faction. Watch video
