XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based tactics game from Firaxis Games. As the leader of an international secret organization, you defend Earth against an alien invasion. Between missions you decide on research, personnel and the expansion of the underground command center.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown was released in October 2012 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Later ports followed for iPhone and iPad, Android and PlayStation Vita. On Vita the game was released as XCOM: Enemy Unknown Plus.

The main game was released natively for PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, Android and PlayStation Vita. The PC version was also released for Linux. On PS Vita the release is called Enemy Unknown Plus and includes additional content. The Xbox 360 version can be played on some newer Xbox consoles via backward compatibility, but it is not a dedicated Xbox Series version.

Each campaign combines worldwide mission planning with tactical battles. On a strategic map you respond to alien activity and decide which countries receive help. On the ground you command a small squad that moves across the map turn by turn.

XCOM: Enemy Within expands the main game with genetic modifications, mechanized MEC troopers, additional enemies, missions and equipment. On PC it is available as an expansion, while on Xbox 360 and PS3 it was offered as a standalone package. The smaller add-ons Slingshot Pack and Elite Soldier Pack add missions and soldier customization respectively. Enemy Unknown Plus on PS Vita bundles the game with additional content.

The historical Windows minimum requirements list a dual-core processor at 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, a GeForce 8600 GT or Radeon HD 2600 XT and 20 GB of free storage. The recommended setup calls for 4 GB RAM and a graphics card from the GeForce 9000 or Radeon HD 3000 series. The original Windows versions listed by the manufacturers are not equivalent to the current requirements of the Steam client.

Cover and positioning often decide victory or defeat. You place soldiers in half or full cover, flank enemies, use elevation and plan limited actions. Special abilities, grenades and targeted fire open different routes through the same mission.

Your operatives gain experience and develop into specialized fighters. Snipers support from a distance, assault troops push forward and support soldiers help the team. If an experienced soldier dies, they are permanently lost from the ongoing campaign. Equipment, training and careful decisions therefore carry special weight.

Between missions you expand the underground base, recruit personnel and fund new facilities. The available funds don't cover every project at once. You have to weigh whether to upgrade the interceptors, your squad's equipment or global satellite surveillance first.

Recovered alien artifacts and studies of the enemy unlock new equipment. Research and production go hand in hand: once technologies are developed, they can later be used in armor, weapons or other facilities.

Abductions, crashed UFOs and other threats send your squad to shifting areas of operation. The campaign is more than a series of battles: decisions about where to deploy affect resources and the trust of the countries involved.

XCOM demands careful resource management and the ability to deal with setbacks. A risky position can endanger not only the current mission but also the development of your whole team. Different tactics and the loss of experienced soldiers ensure that campaigns feel noticeably different.

Besides the single-player campaign, the PC version offers multiplayer battles and cross-platform multiplayer, according to Steam. However, the game's focus is on the standalone campaign with base management and tactical missions.

According to Steam, the PC version supports German interface, German voice-over and German subtitles, among others. English, French, Italian, Spanish and other languages are also available. The game is designed for mouse and keyboard controls as well as tactical orders to individual soldiers.