A Blast from the Past: XCOM - Defending Earth with Strategy and Grit
Hello my fellow gamers! Let's hop in the time machine and journey back to 1994 when a little game called XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown took the PC gaming world by storm. If you're a fan of nail-biting strategy, heart-pounding tactics, and a dash of sci-fi intrigue, then buckle up because we're diving into the awesomeness that is XCOM!
Also if you have an interest in the X-Files, Men In Black or Independence day TV series and movies, you may also love this game as it was released around the hype when the world was going through a crazy alien obsessed phase in the 90's, which we still cannot get enough of.
Setting the Scene
Imagine that aliens are invading Earth and it's up to you to lead the charge against these otherworldly baddies. You are the commander of a secret organisation that is funded by various nations around the world that has been activated to deal with such a threat from a hostile alien force form another planet.
The aliens have definitely not come in peace, as every encounter or attempt to negotiate with them results in a dog fight in the skies above in your interceptor fighter craft with UFO's of varying sizes or engaging in tactical ground based missions were boots on the ground are required to recon UFO crash sites and retrieve the alien technology, as well as eliminating any hostile forces that may have survived the crashes.
XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown lets you step into the shoes of a commander in charge of the Extra-terrestrial Combat Unit (XCOM). The game serves up a mix of government secrets and global teamwork, all set in a near-future world where humanity rallies together to fend off an alien invasion.
Gameplay Adventures
Alright, let's break down the game into two main parts: the strategic base management and the tactical combat. It's like having your own secret alien-fighting clubhouse!
Base Breezy Management
Picture this: You're not just playing a game; you're running a top-secret underground base that's Earth's last hope against an alien invasion. Welcome to the strategic layer of XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown, where you call the shots, allocate resources, and make the tough decisions that will determine the fate of humanity.
As you gain more funding by selling alien and earth weapons, performing admirably in missions and shooting down as many UFO's as possible, you can use your funding to build more than one base. These other bases can be located anywhere in the world, just like when you placed your first base.
The great thing about this is your detection range will increase to find the alien menace and you can despatch soldiers and aircraft to intercept, destroy or damage and crash land UFO's and deploy mission from your other base as well as from your original base at the same time.
The Base Blueprint
Your XCOM base isn't just a bunch of rooms; it's a hub of activity that you'll need to carefully construct. Think of it like building your dream house, only this one comes with high-tech labs, research facilities, and a whole lot of alien-fighting pizzazz.
Facility Placement: The base is divided into different sections, each with a unique purpose. Want a research facility close to your living quarters? Need a manufacturing plant near your command centre? It's all up to you. Placing facilities strategically is key for efficient resource management. Also your base can be attacked by aliens from time to time, knowing the layout of the base also goes to your advantage.
Resource Management: Ah, the heart of the matter. You've got limited funds, scientists, engineers and time. Your goal is to juggle these resources to maximize your alien-busting potential. Need more advanced weaponry? Allocate resources to research projects. Want to produce those shiny new plasma rifles? That's where manufacturing comes in.
The more scientist's you have researching a project, the quicker it get s researched. The more engineers you have on hand, the quicker the manufacturing process goes for new alien and earth technologies.
A careful balance needs to be struck between having lots of soldiers, but also having enough weapons to arm them. Sometimes if you leave a large amount of soldiers at a base that is attacked and they have no weapons to fight with, you will find you will start losing resources very quickly at an immense rate if they can not offer up any resistance against the alien invaders.
Personnel Puzzles: Just like any organization, you'll need skilled personnel to get things done. Scientists help with research, engineers speed up manufacturing, and soldiers… well, you know what they're for. Balancing your human resources is vital as you don't want your engineers twiddling their thumbs while your labs are overwhelmed.
The more experience your soldier get on the battlefield, the less likely they are to panic during battles and sometimes shoot your own men as they fire panic bursts from their weapons in random directions. They will also have more stamina meaning they can move further during turns on the battlefield, carry more items and be better shots with increased accuracy percentages for each turn when attacking and alien foe.
Research and Development
Ever wanted to tinker with alien gadgets? Here's your chance! Research forms the backbone of your XCOM operations, allowing you to learn from the enemy and adapt their tech for your benefit, which can also be used against them.
Alien Artefacts: As you send your squad to battles, they'll return with alien artefacts which are basically bits and bobs that you can analyse. These artefacts unlock new research projects, giving you insights into the aliens' motives, technology, and weaknesses. If you pick up an alien weapon on the battlefield you have not researched yet, you will not be able to use it. Talk about levels of detail in this game, it just blew me away back when it came out.
Project Prioritization: With limited resources, you'll need to pick your battles. Do you focus on laser weapon research to give your squad an edge, or do you dive into alien biology to understand your enemies better? Your choices directly impact your ability to survive future encounters.
Researching different areas opens up other advanced projects, for instance studying an alien which has thick skin or armour, opens up the option for you to research advanced armour to equip your soldiers with, sometimes blended with alien artefacts or alloys to make them stronger than anything available on earth.
Manufacturing Magic
Once you've cracked the code on alien technology, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start manufacturing some seriously cool gear.
Blueprints to Reality: Researching new technology opens the door to manufacturing new equipment. From plasma rifles that make you feel like a space cowboy to advanced armour that turns your soldiers into walking tanks, you're in charge of outfitting your squad for success.
Resource Conversion: Remember those resources you've been carefully allocating? Now's the time to put them to use. Engineers convert resources into tangible gear, allowing you to arm your squad with the best tools for the job.
Strategic Choices
In the world of XCOM, nothing is simple. Every decision you make has a ripple effect on the game's world, your budget, and your chances of survival.
Global Panic: As the alien threat spreads, countries around the world are watching. If you ignore too many alien incidents in one country, panic levels rise, and they might pull their funding from your operation. Balancing your global presence while handling local threats is a high-stakes game. You also need to deal with terror sites were aliens invade cities and start destroying towns, villages and eradicating civilians that live there.
You can get bonuses money wise if you end a terror site successfully with the least amount of civilian casualties. If too many
Budgeting Woes: Money doesn't grow on trees, even in an alien invasion. You've got to think about how to best spend your budget – on research, manufacturing, recruiting, and more. One wrong move could leave you strapped for cash when you need it most.
One way to make money is to sell off the alien tech you no longer need or want. This can fetch high value some pieces, depending on what it is. Earth weapons can also be sold as well as the alien tech as the items you use is like nothing else on earth and everybody wants them,
The strategic layer of XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown isn't just a side note; it's a full-blown adventure of its own. Building your base, managing resources, and making tough calls are all part of the thrill. So, as you dive into this world of underground labs and resource allocation, remember that the fate of Earth is in your hands. It's time to strategize, build, and fight back against the alien onslaught!
Tactical Showdowns: Getting Your Alien-Busting Groove On
Now for the best bit of the whole game, it's time to roll up those sleeves and dive into the action-packed world of tactical showdowns in XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown. Picture this: you're not just watching aliens on a screen – you're leading your very own team of soldiers into the fray, and trust me, it's a ride you won't want to miss!
Ground Mission Mayhem
Soldier Squad: Alright, these aren't just any soldiers; they're your squad, your crew, your buddies in battle. As they take down aliens and earn their stripes, they level up and gain new skills. It's like watching your pals level up in a RPG, only this time, they're also shooting down extra-terrestrial baddies!
Hiding and Seeking: Oh, cover is your best friend here. You've got trees, walls, buildings – you name it, you can hide behind it. Picking the right spot for your soldiers is like playing a life-sized game of hide-and-seek, and trust me, those aliens are no joke. Keep your squad safe by using the environment to your advantage.
Mystery Awaits: Ever played peekaboo? Welcome to the "fog of war." You only see what your soldiers see, so each step is a leap into the unknown. Who's lurking behind that corner? Could there be aliens ready to pounce? You'll have to find out one cautious step at a time.
Turn-Based Tactics: Imagine playing a game of chess where every move matters – that's the turn-based magic of XCOM. Your soldiers have action points they can spend on moving, shooting, and using special abilities. It's like choreographing a dance of destruction with your squad, and the aliens are your dance partners.
Sky-High Alien Showdowns
UFO Tussles: Wait, did I mention the UFOs? These aliens aren't just chilling on the ground; they've got spaceships zipping around the skies too. When you spot one on your radar, it's your cue to send your interceptors up for a sky-high tussle.
Aerial Action: Time to put on your pilot goggles – you're now in control of interceptor aircraft. Think of it like being in a movie dogfight – dodging, shooting, and trying to outmanoeuvre the alien craft. It's like playing a space arcade game, but with higher stakes.
Sky-Ready Upgrades: Just like your ground troops, your aircraft can get an upgrade too. Better tech, cooler weapons – you name it. Researching new stuff, outfitting your planes, and keeping them in tip-top shape are all part of the game.
Get Ready for the Thrills
Tactical showdowns in XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown aren't just about the strategy; they're about immersing you in an epic experience that'll have you cheering, gasping, and maybe even tearing up a bit.
It's Movie Time: Seriously, get ready for cinematic suspense. Every mission feels like a scene out of an action-packed blockbuster. From the thrill of a successful mission to the heartbreak of losing a beloved squad member, XCOM knows how to make you feel all the feels.
So there you have it, fearless commander! Tactical showdowns in XCOM are like stepping into a world where every move counts, every shot matters, and every victory is a celebration. Whether you're guiding your squad on the ground or leading the charge in the skies, the excitement never stops. So suit up, grab your laser rifles, and let's show those aliens who's boss!
Legacy and More
Fast forward to the present, and XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown's influence still shines bright. It birthed a whole bunch of sequels, spin-offs, and games that owe their awesomeness to this classic. Think "XCOM 2" and the "Phoenix Point" series – they all tip their hats to the game that started it all.
There you have it, folks! XCOM: UFO Enemy Unknown isn't just a game; it's a timeless adventure that takes you from strategic base management to tactical alien battles. With its captivating storyline, heart-racing combat, and that extra sprinkle of 90s magic, it's a gaming experience that's stayed fresh through the decades.
As we celebrate this iconic gem, let's remember that the thrill of battling space invaders never goes out of style.
This is a game that really bytes back from the past! Game on!
Henry
