XCOM 2 Collection Reviews
2K has evolved Firaxis Games and Feral Interactive’s deep strategy title in yet another way and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here.
Despite some serious technical compromises this is still XCOM 2 and playing it on Switch in handheld mode is just as engrossing as any other version.
Getting XCOM 2 Collection running on the Switch is a technical achievement, however there were a number of cutbacks that needed to be made to make this happen. If you can live with some downgraded visuals and subpar performance, XCOM 2 Collection on the Switch is a must buy. Just make sure to keep it in handheld mode.
It felt like I was spending more time waiting for the game to load or process than I was actually playing, and eventually I just ended up with a strong urge to redownload it on Steam and play it there instead. Since XCOM 2 is entirely turn-based, the poor performance doesn't really have an effect on the gameplay, so if you can put up with it then the game is still just as good as it ever was. I couldn't really put up with it, though, so sadly this is one Switch port that really drags down an otherwise excellent game.
XCOM 2 on the Nintendo Switch is the complete package, including all DLC and the War of the Chosen expansion. Tactical gaming on the go will cost you a little graphical fidelity and a few frames, but in the war against the Elders, it's a small price to pay.
The XCOM 2 Collection on Switch is the full-fat XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen experience. Virtuous has had to knock the graphics right down to the lowest setting, there's plenty of framerate issues and bugs that we've already encountered on other platforms and the not-insignificant – but hopefully very shortly patched – problem with the game's character creation pool, but this is still a highly playable version of the game. If you can make peace with some stuttering and long loading times and aren't too offended by pretty ugly textures here and there, you'll be rewarded with one of the very best turn-based tactical titles currently available. XCOM 2 is nothing short of a masterpiece and now you can play it on the go, which we reckon is well worth any sacrifices made here.
While the effort is admirable, it makes quite a few sacrifices to get it all functional and working on Switch’s hardware
Regardless of your history with the series, the XCOM 2 Collection is an enticing offer for strategy fans. With the game bundled together with its sizeable War of the Chosen expansion, plenty of DLC and the option of playing while on the toilet, this is probably the best way you can choose to play XCOM 2.