The tactical turn-based genre has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks in part to the phenomenal success of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its sequel, XCOM 2. These games, with their blend of squad management, strategic decision-making, and nail-biting combat, have inspired a generation of developers.
If you’re a fan of XCOM’s unique brand of challenge and excitement, there’s a whole universe of games out there waiting to be explored. But with so many options available, where do you begin? Let’s dive into what makes XCOM tick and explore some fantastic alternatives.
What Makes XCOM So Compelling?
XCOM’s brilliance lies in its intricate interplay of mechanics. You’re not just controlling soldiers in combat; you’re managing a global defense force, constantly balancing resource allocation, technological advancement, and geopolitical considerations. Every decision carries weight, and the threat of permanent failure looms large.
These elements contribute to XCOM’s signature sense of tension. Each mission feels like a desperate fight for survival, where even your best-laid plans can go awry in an instant. The permadeath system adds an extra layer of emotional investment, making each loss feel truly significant.
Games That Share the XCOM DNA:
- Darkest Dungeon
Developed by Red Hook Studios, Darkest Dungeon takes the turn-based combat and high-stakes tension of XCOM and plunges it into Lovecraftian horror. Your band of heroes must venture into dungeons filled with terrifying monsters, navigating not only physical threats but also their own psychological vulnerabilities.
The game’s gothic art style and unsettling atmosphere create a genuinely disturbing experience, while the complex stress system adds a unique psychological dimension to character management.
- Into the Breach
Subset Games’ Into the Breach offers a streamlined take on tactical turn-based combat, focusing on puzzle-like scenarios with giant mechs battling kaiju monsters. While it lacks XCOM’s overarching narrative and base building, Into the Breach excels in delivering tight, strategic battles where every move counts. The game encourages experimentation and replayability, thanks to its procedural generation and multiple mech customization options.
- Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
This post-apocalyptic adventure takes inspiration from both XCOM and classic RPGs like Fallout. You control a squad of mutants on a quest for survival in a ravaged wasteland. The game combines tactical combat with stealth elements, allowing you to carefully plan ambushes and utilize your environment to gain an advantage.
Mutant Year Zero also features a compelling narrative and rich world-building, making it a great choice for gamers who enjoy storytelling alongside strategic gameplay.
More Than Just Combat:
It’s important to remember that the appeal of games like XCOM extends far beyond just combat encounters. The genre is about:
- Strategic Thinking: Making tough decisions under pressure, weighing risks and rewards, and adapting your strategies to unforeseen challenges.
- Resource Management: Allocating limited resources effectively, researching new technologies, and prioritizing your squad’s development.
- Narrative Investment: Building attachments to your characters, experiencing their triumphs and tragedies, and feeling the weight of responsibility for their fate.
Continuing the Adventure:
This is just a starting point – many other games capture the essence of XCOM in unique ways. Have you played any titles that share its DNA? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below! What elements are essential to capturing the “XCOM experience?” Could a game do these things even better?
The beauty of this genre is its adaptability. Developers can take the core principles of XCOM – challenging combat, strategic decision-making, and a sense of persistent consequence – and weave them into wildly different settings and experiences.
Think about it:
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Historical Settings: Imagine commanding squads of soldiers in World War II or even ancient Rome, facing off against historically accurate enemies and employing tactics appropriate to the era.
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Fantasy Worlds: XCOM’s formula could translate seamlessly into a fantasy setting, where you lead a band of adventurers battling dragons, goblins, and other mystical creatures. The possibilities for unique character classes, abilities, and lore are practically limitless.
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Sci-Fi Beyond Aliens:
While alien invasions are a staple of the genre, why not explore other sci-fi threats? Think about defending Earth against rogue AI, interdimensional incursions, or even hostile robotic factions.
The key ingredients remain the same – a blend of tactical combat, strategic resource management, and the constant threat of failure.
It truly begs the question: What wouldn’t make a good XCOM-inspired game?
Here are some frequently asked questions based on the article:
Q: What makes games like XCOM so appealing?
A: XCOM-like games offer a thrilling combination of tactical turn-based combat, strategic base management, and high-stakes decision-making. The constant threat of permanent failure adds to the tension and immersion.
Q: Besides combat, what other elements define these games?
A: Strategic resource allocation, technology research, character development, and often a compelling narrative are all key components that contribute to the depth of XCOM-inspired experiences.
Q: Can you give me some examples of games similar to XCOM?
A: Darkest Dungeon, Into the Breach, and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden are just a few examples that share XCOM’s DNA while offering unique twists on the formula.
Q: Could the core mechanics of XCOM work in different settings?
A: Absolutely! The article suggests historical settings, fantasy worlds, or even alternative science fiction scenarios could all provide compelling backdrops for similar gameplay.
Q: What are some defining features that would make a game “feel” like XCOM?”
A: Think challenging turn-based combat, permadeath (or high-stakes consequences), strategic base management, research and development of new technologies, and impactful character customization.
