Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.
Players can directly control the movement and actions of each soldier, allowing for a high degree of tactical nuance. You must carefully consider your decisions, as poor positioning or target selection can lead to the loss of valuable soldiers. The turn-based system enables you to shoot at specific body parts or environmental objects, adding layers of complexity to the combat.
The research system empowers you to unlock new technologies, weapons, and equipment, giving your soldiers an edge against the alien threat. Likewise, managing and expanding a network of covert bases across the globe is crucial for securing resources and responding to emerging threats. These strategic choices provide a sense of agency and meaningful decision-making.
The game offers a wide range of mission types, from defending cities from abductions to assaulting alien bases. Each objective requires a unique tactical approach, forcing you to continuously reevaluate your strategies to succeed.
You can shoot through walls, destroy cover, and even bring down entire buildings to gain advantages over the aliens. This destructibility adds an additional layer of strategic depth, as you must consider the environmental impact of your actions.
The game's high-stakes atmosphere, where poor decisions can have severe consequences, contributes to a sense of tension and accomplishment when you succeed. This challenging difficulty captures the spirit of the classic X-COM games.
Despite the game's complexity, it provides a wealth of tooltips and information to help you understand the various systems and mechanics. Additionally, the ability to customize soldier loadouts and equipment allows you to tailor your approach to your preferred playstyle.
The procedurally generated environments and enemy compositions ensure that no two campaigns or missions are exactly the same. This unpredictability encourages you to adapt your tactics and strategies accordingly, contributing to the game's replayability.