DLCwolf XCOM 2 Review

The game retains the same gameplay as XCOM and its predecessors, combining a strategic part focused on managing and expanding a base with a world map to explore and turn-based tactical missions. The core of the game is the duality between strategy and tactics: on one side, resource management and research in the base to improve the soldiers' equipment; on the other, the turn-based tactical missions, where strategic decisions are put to the test. The game is well-balanced, which is crucial for this genre: it takes very little to make it either too easy or incredibly difficult, by tweaking just small details like the number of enemies or their equipment. For example, you usually face groups of three enemies, and as long as no other groups are triggered, you can eliminate them one by one, making sure not to activate the next group. If the groups were larger or if all the enemies activated at once, the game would go from manageable to nearly impossible, without even needing to introduce stronger or better-equipped units from the start. This showcases the game's excellent balance. What I didn’t like, however, was the configuration of certain enemies. I started playing on normal difficulty and found the tactical missions quite challenging from the get-go. However, what really frustrated me was the introduction of two super-special units that made me quit the game and restart it on easy mode. These units had an ability that broke the turn-based system, allowing them to act on every single move my units made, without waiting for the end of my turn. In practice, for every action my soldiers took (two per soldier), these units could respond with as many actions, up to 10 in total if I had 5 soldiers. On top of that, they had superior stats in terms of weapons, attacks, and abilities, making the fight extremely frustrating. Fortunately, when playing on easy difficulty, these turn-breaking units were excluded, restoring the classic turn-based system. From a graphical standpoint, the game is well-made: good textures and well-designed environments, although they start to feel repetitive towards the end, a typical trait of the XCOM series. The story follows the events of XCOM (1), but it's quite simple and predictable, though still linear and coherent. Overall, XCOM 2 rehashes the familiar strategy-tactical formula of the series. Those already familiar with the genre will find yet another iteration of the same formula, with a few variations here and there, but no significant changes. If I had to recommend just one title in the series, I would say XCOM (1), along with the Enemy Within DLC, is the best choice for newcomers to this type of game. For veterans, XCOM 2 offers a similar experience to the first game, almost like an "XCOM 1.5," but without any big surprises. So, it’s a positive experience for those looking to relive the same gameplay, but be warned that you'll encounter the same mechanics as always. A final note on the expansions, Shen and the other one (not the War of the Chosen DLC): they don’t add anything particularly significant. They introduce a Mech, weaker than the soldiers, and some weapons that are only useful in the early missions, but nothing really worth purchasing. In conclusion, my judgment is positive for those who have never played this type of game (though I would still recommend XCOM: Enemy Within), but just above sufficient for those who are already familiar with the series. Expect the same mechanics, with little originality and a rather bland story. Unfortunately, the characters remain stereotypical and largely irrelevant.