With near-perfect execution, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a must-play for any strategy fan.
92
Verdict
93%
Steam
89
IGDB
Verdict score based on confidence-adjusted Steam reviews?
Very Positive on Steam (93% positive from 58K reviews)
Critically acclaimed (89/100 critic average)
Engaging multiplayer/co-op experience
Outstanding soundtrack
Steep difficulty curve may not appeal to casual players
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a 2012 turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. It is a "reimagining" of the 1994 strategy game UFO: Enemy Unknown. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is set during an alien invasion of Earth in an alternative version of 2015; the player controls an elite, multinational, paramilitary organization called XCOM and commands troops in a series of turn-based tactical missions. Between missions, the player directs the research and development of technologies from recovered alien technology and captured prisoners, expands XCOM's base of operations, manages finances, and monitors and responds to alien activity.
Runs well on modern hardware.
Last updated 1d ago
It is 2026. I first played X-COM: UFO Defense when I was in high school. This game (XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within) was released before my son was born. He is now in high school, and while educating him on tactical strategy games prior to the release of Zero Company, XCOM has sucked me in anew. This game is a masterpiece and I'm losing hours to it again. The X-Com series has given me some of my fondest gaming memories. If for some reason you've never played this game, it's an absolute must buy.
Great game and a ton of fun once you get into it. Building your squad, making tactical decisions, and then watching your carefully planned strategy completely fall apart never gets old.
100% recommended. XCOM is easily one of the hardest single player games I've ever played (impossible + iron man + entire second wave is borderline masochistic experience) - "getting xcom'd" is known for a reason. If you are up for a challenge, this is the game.
Reviews sourced from Steam. All reviews belong to their respective authors.
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