Released in 2016, XCOM II stands as a monumental achievement in the tactical turn-based strategy genre. Developed by Firaxis Games, this sequel to the 2012 reboot, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor while introducing a plethora of innovations that have significantly enhanced the gameplay experience.
Narrative and Setting
One of the most significant departures from XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the narrative and setting of XCOM II. Instead of defending Earth from an impending alien invasion, players find themselves in a world where the aliens have already won. This dramatic shift in storyline presents XCOM as a guerrilla resistance force fighting against a well-established alien regime. The darker, more desperate tone of XCOM II’s narrative is a stark contrast to the hopeful defence effort of the original game. This change not only adds depth to the story but also influences the gameplay mechanics, emphasizing hit-and-run tactics and strategic subterfuge over direct confrontation.
Strategic Layer and Base Management
XCOM II introduces a more dynamic and engaging strategic layer compared to its predecessor. The Avenger, a repurposed alien supply craft, serves as the new mobile base of operations, replacing the static underground base from XCOM: Enemy Unknown. This mobility allows players to move across the globe, responding to alien activities and forging alliances with resistance cells. The strategic map, known as the Geoscape, is more interactive and presents players with a variety of mission types and strategic decisions. Resource management has also been overhauled, requiring players to balance their time and resources between building facilities, researching new technologies, and recruiting soldiers.
Tactical Combat Innovations
The tactical combat in XCOM II has seen several significant improvements, enhancing both complexity and engagement. One of the most notable innovations is the introduction of procedural map generation. Unlike the fixed maps of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM II’s missions take place on procedurally generated maps, ensuring that no two missions are ever the same. This change significantly boosts replayability and keeps players on their toes, as they cannot rely on prior knowledge of map layouts.
Additionally, the concealment mechanic adds a new layer of strategy to the game. At the start of most missions, XCOM soldiers begin in concealment, allowing players to scout enemy positions and set up ambushes. This mechanic encourages a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to engagements, as players must decide when to strike and when to stay hidden. The addition of environmental destruction also enhances tactical options, allowing players to blow up cover, collapse buildings, and generally reshape the battlefield to their advantage.
Soldier Classes and Abilities
XCOM II expands upon the soldier classes introduced in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, adding more depth and customization options. Each class now has two distinct skill trees, allowing players to tailor their soldiers’ abilities to their preferred playstyle. The new classes introduced, such as the stealthy Ranger and the psionically gifted Psi Operative, bring unique abilities and roles to the battlefield, further diversifying tactical possibilities. The bond system, which develops relationships between soldiers, introduces additional tactical considerations. Bonded soldiers can perform special abilities when deployed together, adding another layer of depth to squad composition and strategy.
Enemy Variety and AI Improvements
The enemies in XCOM II are more varied and challenging than those in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The introduction of the Advent forces, genetically modified human-alien hybrids, provides a new type of adversary with unique abilities and tactics. Classic enemies from the original game, such as Sectoids and Mutons, have also been redesigned to be more threatening and strategically interesting. The AI in XCOM II has been significantly improved, with enemies capable of more sophisticated manoeuvres and strategies. This heightened AI sophistication requires players to adapt and refine their tactics continually, ensuring that combat remains challenging and engaging throughout the game.
Modding Support and Community Engagement
Firaxis Games has embraced the modding community with XCOM II, providing robust support for user-generated content. The game was released with the Long War 2 mod, developed by Pavonis Interactive, which drastically overhauls the game and extends its lifespan. The inclusion of mod tools and integration with the Steam Workshop has led to a thriving modding community, with countless mods that add new missions, soldier classes, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. This commitment to modding has not only extended the game’s longevity but also fostered a strong, engaged community that continues to contribute to the game’s evolution.
Technical and Visual Enhancements
XCOM II benefits from significant technical and visual enhancements over its predecessor. The graphics engine has been updated to provide more detailed environments, improved character models, and more dynamic lighting effects. These visual improvements enhance the immersive experience, making the alien-occupied Earth feel more vivid and tangible. Performance optimizations and regular updates have also addressed many of the technical issues present at launch, ensuring a smoother and more stable gameplay experience for players.
Honouring the Legacy
XCOM II represents a substantial leap forward in the turn based strategy genre, building on the success of XCOM: Enemy Unknown while introducing a wealth of innovations that enhance every aspect of the game. From its engaging narrative and dynamic strategic layer to its improved tactical combat and extensive modding support, XCOM II offers a rich and rewarding experience that stands the test of time. As a sequel, it not only honours the legacy of its predecessor but also carves out its own identity as a cornerstone of modern strategy gaming.
