XCOM 2 Reviews
XCOM 2 doubles down on the trademark gameplay of the franchise while adding some new elements to help keep things fresh. A challenging jaunt, the game is at its best when testing players' limits and layering the feeling of dread and hopelessness from fighting a superior foe. The random nature of the game can feel unfairly difficult at times and an assortment of bugs and niggles keep XCOM 2 from achieving perfection. For lovers of strategy gaming, however, the game is an excellent representation of the genre.
XCOM 2 rises above these small errors, and is still a highly recommendable strategy game for those both new and familiar with the franchise. Both friendly and hostile upgrades are doled out to yourself and the opposition over the course of the entire campaign, ensuring variety through to the end. Whether or not you will make it there is entirely on you, which is why success is celebrated and losses so discouraging. XCOM 2 introduces new elements that keep the strategy game fresh, continues to overwhelm the player with options, and challenges you to overthrow the alien overlords in power. There isn't much more I could ask for.
XCOM 2 is a big success that delivers in just about every way you could ask for. Fans of the franchise or the strategy genre in general will love it.
XCOM 2 manages to raise the stakes and challenge of its predecessor without ever becoming too frustrating. Defeat will be frequent and death even more so, but victory is all the more sweet for it. In short, it's bigger, better, broader, and even more brutal!
XCOM 2 encourages a holistic kind of thinking that was never really necessary in its predecessor.
XCOM 2 is not without flaws and shortcomings, but it has enough quality substance to overcome most of its problems.
Technical issues aside, XCOM 2 stands as an outstanding sequel to an already amazing strategy game.
XCOM 2 hits Xbox One and PS4, letting console gamers feel the tension, desperation, and satisfaction of strategy for themselves.
Small technical issues hold XCOM 2 back, but it's still as compelling as ever.
XCOM 2 is everything a sequel should be, keeping the things that everyone loved about the first game while changing things up as much as possible.
There are still only a few games that do what XCOM does, and even fewer that do it so well.
Relentless strategy defined by tactical brilliance
An almost perfect sequel, only spoiled by some frustrating bugs.
XCOM 2 is a tour de force of the tactical turn-based shooter genre. The game can be relentless and its AI unyielding, but this just makes you want to go back in for more!
This game is a true diamond in the genre. A rough diamond, admittedly, but it shines through all the same. I've been waiting for this sequel for the longest time and, as expected, Firaxis delivered. XCOM 2 is genre-defining and exceeds expectations - it's a game you don't want to miss.
XCOM 2 improves on its predecessor in every aspect and yet manages to keep its core elements untouched. Addictive game play, amazing and realistic battlefields, a must-have title for all strategy fans.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Firaxis has outdone themselves with 'XCOM 2'. It is a tactical experience without peer, better even than its predecessors. It is draining and agonizing, but in a good way. The high difficulty may turn off some gamers, but it's worth every second.
All in all XCOM 2 is a solid sequel. In many ways, it's more of the same with some new enemies, mechanics, skills and weapons to make it feel like a true sequel rather than a mere expansion. It doesn't make any big changes to the formula but improves upon the original. Fans of the first should find a lot to like here, but newcomers may want to start with the original XCOM. At the end of the day, it's a solid, fun, and incredibly unforgiving strategy game that will test your wits and your patience. Don't get too discouraged when your favorite soldier is disintegrated by a lucky crit from a laser beam. That's just the XCOM experience.
XCOM 2 delivers an excellent port to the PS4. It has been cleverly designed to take advantage of a gamepad and this alleviates many potential concerns. Below this lays an experience that is unrivalled when it comes to strategy titles, particularly on console. The constant feeling of 'backs against the wall,' with scant resources and war decisions to be made, conveys a constant feeling of tension, which only serves to enhance the story of guerrilla resistance. Of course, with the permanent death mechanic, the tales of battle with much loved soldiers are rich for sharing between friends as a badge of honour and craft a memorable experience, living long after the game is finished—which, of course, is not a short one, by any means, providing the substantial difficulty is not a turn-off.
XCOM 2 is finally here, and we're taking a break from mourning our fallen squaddies to tell you how great it is.