XCOM: Enemy Unknown
| XCOM: Enemy Unknown | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio | Firaxis Games | ||
| Publisher | 2K Games | ||
| Erstveröffent- lichung |
 October 9, 2012 October 12, 2012 October 12, 2012  |
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| platform | Windows , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360 , Mac OS X , Linux , iOS , Android | ||
| Game engine | Unreal Engine 3 | ||
| genre | Turn-based strategy game | ||
| Game mode | Single player , multiplayer | ||
| control | Mouse and keyboard (PC), game controllers (consoles) | ||
| system advantages preconditions |
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| medium | Blu-ray Disc , DVD-ROM , download | ||
| language | German | ||
| copy protection | Steamworks | ||
| Age rating |
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XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a computer game from the developer Firaxis Games and was released by the publisher 2K Games on October 9, 2012 in the US and October 12, 2012 in Europe and Australia for Microsoft Windows , PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 . It is a turn-based strategy game and remake of the classic strategy game UFO: Enemy Unknown from 1994, but at the same time it relies on new game elements.
action
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is set in the near future, where following an alien invasion, Earth responded to the threat by creating an elite, multinational military and scientific organization called XCOM. XCOM's mission is to fend off the alien invasion by deploying emergency teams to locations across the world. The player takes on the role of the commander of XCOM and continues the war against the alien enemy, who is technologically far superior to the troops on earth. The plot is advanced by the player triggering certain events in missions (such as the capture of an alien) or specifically selecting certain missions.
The actual plot is strictly linear. While the focus of the player is initially on the investigation of the aliens, a secret alien base and several command ships have to be stormed in the further course. In the course of the plot it turns out that a powerful psionically gifted race has enslaved numerous alien peoples and is now terrorizing the earth with them. Towards the end of the actual course of action, psi abilities are discovered in various people , which ultimately turns out to be the key to warding off the invasion. In the final, the player's mission team storms the alien mother ship, which has taken position over the Atlantic.
Gameplay
The player takes control of troops in the battlefield, which he can fulfill objectives in turn-based missions. Between the battles, the player in the XCOM control base controls the research and development of new technologies from extraterrestrial finds and captured aliens, he expands the base, takes care of the finances and monitors the activities of the aliens.
The turn-based combat system uses a 3D perspective. The player controls a team of up to six human soldiers or robots who hunt the aliens on the map and have to fulfill other, mission-dependent goals. A fog of war ensures that the aliens and their trains remain hidden from the player until his soldiers come within range and have a clear view of the enemy. The soldiers can carry items and learn special skills that they can unlock with experience gained in combat. The use of these items and abilities is controlled by a toolbar on the HUD , whereby tactics such as waiting for enemies to appear and automatically firing at targets, throwing grenades, healing allies and others can be chosen. Walls and objects in the area provide cover for the soldiers to protect them from fire. Units can also open support fire on enemies and sneak around enemies using camouflage. Cutscenes and dynamic camera movements are designed to capture particularly exciting moments in the game, such as kills and special abilities. The game also includes certain RPG elements, such as gaining experience, with which new skills can be unlocked for soldiers, depending on how many battles the characters have already been through.
The actual building strategy part of the game takes place between the missions. XCOM's underground base, called the Ant Farm , can be expanded through expansion, manufacturing and research programs. From here you can control how scientists and engineers use resources that were captured in missions or come from sponsors of the organization. A holographic model of the earth allows the player to assess the situation around the world, send out planes to intercept UFOs and send soldiers to fight aliens on the ground. The base also offers opportunities for soldiers to relax or to practice in the training room. There is also a memorial wall for fallen fighters. In contrast to the original, there is only one XCOM base in the game, the location of which can be selected at the start of the game. Passive bonuses are granted depending on the chosen continent. The player can expand their ability to spot alien activity by sending spy satellites over areas of interest.
Some game elements from the 1994 original have been modified or removed. The psionic battle of the original is possible again. The time unit system, the always visible grid map and the inventory system, however, have been removed. The initial mission phase of landing from the transport vehicle has also been removed, the missions now start with the troops already landed in the field. Map layouts are no longer random, but opponents are still placed randomly.
There are differences in operation between the platforms, however, no content compromises have been made for the console versions. The PC version uses a mouse-controlled interface and should be changeable by mods. A multiplayer mode for player-versus-player battles also exists. A given budget of points is used for the formation of a team of up to six human soldiers, aliens or both. Humans are customizable through their weapons, armor, and equipment. A simpler version of the experience system from the single player is also available. The alien units are not customizable, but have the skills corresponding to the respective types from the single player.
publication
XCOM: Enemy Unknown was released on October 9th, 2012 in the US and launched on October 12th, 2012 in Europe and Australia. The game can be purchased either as a retail version or as a download from Steam .
A number of different editions have been announced, for the PC there is a normal and a special edition, the latter with a number of unique items such as an artbook, posters, badges, desktop backgrounds and the soundtrack. For pre-orderers, bonuses such as the classic XCOM soldier, a recruit for the team based on the soldiers of the original, different customization options for armor and additional colors attract.
Since June 20, 2013 there is also a version for iOS , since April 24, 2014 for Android and since June 19, 2014 for Linux and SteamOS . The game is now marketed as XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Pack with the DLCs Elite Soldier Pack and Slingshot Pack via GOG.com without DRM .
The successor XCOM 2 appeared in 2016 .
Ratings
- GameRankings: 89.86% (PC), 88.22% (PlayStation 3), 88.00% (Xbox 360)
- Metacritic: 89% (PC), 88% (PlayStation 3), 89% (Xbox 360)
- EuroGamer: 9/10
- G4: 4.5 / 5
- IGN: 8.2 / 10
- insidegames.ch: 88%
- Gamestar: 85%
- Games current: 90%
- tvgc.de: 10/10
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ XCOM: Enemy Unknown now available on Linux and SteamOS . Article from PC Gamer on June 19, 2014, accessed February 14, 2015
- ↑ XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Pack on GOG.com , accessed November 3, 2018
- ↑ XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Test / Review . Article from insidegames.ch, December 10, 2012, accessed on January 19, 2013