XCOM® 2 - Buyer's Guide

Explore XCOM 2's critically acclaimed strategy gameplay, criticizing its randomness and difficulty.
Fan-art of XCOM® 2

In XCOM 2, humanity is on the brink of extinction after a crushing defeat by alien forces. This critically acclaimed sequel to the 2012 Game of the Year, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, follows a new wave of resistance fighters as they aim to overthrow the extraterrestrial oppressors. From their mobile headquarters, the Avenger, players lead their troops into combat, leveraging new tactical strategies to outmaneuver a diverse array of enemies. With five soldier classes, customizable and upgradeable equipment, and procedurally generated missions, the fate of humanity rests in the hands of players.

Should I play XCOM® 2 in 2024?

The good

XCOM 2 is continuously lauded for its immersive gameplay, compelling turn-based combat, and high replayability. Gamers have sunk hundreds of hours into it, often finding it addictive and satisfying. Many appreciate the challenging difficulty curve, though it does fluctuate. The game is recognized for its strategy depth, enriched further by DLCs and a thriving modding community. The visuals and cinematic presentation also receive high praise, adding to the overall experience.

The bad

The recent updates that introduce a new 2K launcher and a controversial privacy policy have left a sour taste in many players’ mouths. This launcher has been criticized for being invasive, disruptive, and causing issues with mods. These changes have led to a slew of negative feedback, with some players even suggesting alternative means to access the game. The new Terms of Service (TOS) agreement has been a significant point of contention, drawing ire for its invasive data collection practices.

Verdict

XCOM 2 remains a jewel of the strategy genre, beloved for its dynamic gameplay and extensive modding community. However, the recent requirement to use a 2K launcher that enforces a controversial privacy policy has alienated many long-time fans. If privacy concerns and the new launcher aren’t deal-breakers for you, this game still offers an exceptional tactical experience well worth your time. But if these issues are a sticking point, you might want to explore other strategy games or look for workarounds. 🚀🎮



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In-game Screenshot

Screenshot of XCOM® 2

Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG