Should I play XCOM: Enemy Unknown first?

If you’re a fan of turn-based strategy and alien invasions, then you’ve probably heard of the XCOM series. With its blend of tactical gameplay and resource management, XCOM has become a staple in the genre. But with multiple games in the series, including the original X-COM: UFO Defense, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and XCOM 2, you might be wondering where to start. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not you should play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before diving into the other games.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, released in 2012, is a reboot of the original X-COM game. It introduces players to the XCOM organization, which is tasked with defending Earth against an alien invasion. The game features turn-based tactical battles, base management, and a research system to unlock new technologies. It received critical acclaim for its deep gameplay mechanics and strategic depth.

While XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a great starting point for newcomers to the series, it’s not necessary to play it before the other XCOM games. Each game in the series has its own unique story and mechanics, so you can start with any game that catches your interest. However, playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown will give you a good foundation in the series’ gameplay mechanics and introduce you to the XCOM universe.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before the other games depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy playing games in chronological order or want to experience the evolution of the series, starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a good choice. However, if you’re more interested in a particular setting or storyline, feel free to jump into one of the other XCOM games. Regardless of where you start, the XCOM series offers a challenging and rewarding experience for fans of strategy games.

Overview of XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. It is a reboot of the original X-COM series and was released in 2012. The game takes place in a future where Earth is under attack by an alien force, and players take on the role of the commander of a secret organization known as XCOM.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown combines tactical combat with base building and resource management elements. Players must lead a team of soldiers to engage in combat missions against the alien invaders. Each soldier has unique abilities and can be customized with different equipment and skills.

The game features a persistent campaign where players must manage their resources and make strategic decisions to defend Earth from the alien threat. This includes researching new technologies, producing weapons and equipment, and making diplomatic decisions with other countries.

The tactical combat in XCOM: Enemy Unknown is turn-based and takes place on a grid-based battlefield. Players must carefully position their soldiers, use cover effectively, and make calculated decisions to outmaneuver and defeat the enemy. The game offers a variety of mission types, ranging from rescue operations to defending against alien assaults.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its challenging gameplay, deep strategy, and engaging story. It has been hailed as one of the best turn-based strategy games of all time and has spawned a series of sequels and expansions.

Comparison to other XCOM games

The XCOM series is a popular franchise of turn-based strategy games that have gained a cult following over the years. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the first game in the rebooted series and is often considered the best entry point for newcomers.

Compared to other XCOM games, XCOM: Enemy Unknown offers a more streamlined and accessible experience. The game introduces the mechanics and concepts of the series in a beginner-friendly manner, allowing players to understand and master the core gameplay elements before diving into more complex strategies.

One major difference between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its successors is the level of customization. While later games in the series, such as XCOM 2, offer more options for customizing your soldiers and base, XCOM: Enemy Unknown has a simpler approach. This can be seen as a positive for players who prefer a more focused and straightforward experience.

In terms of difficulty, XCOM: Enemy Unknown strikes a good balance between challenging and manageable. It provides a fair challenge without being overly punishing, allowing players to learn from their mistakes and improve their strategies. This makes it a solid starting point for newcomers to the XCOM series.

Additionally, XCOM: Enemy Unknown has a compelling story that keeps players engaged throughout the game. The sense of urgency and the high stakes create a tense and immersive atmosphere, making it a memorable gaming experience.

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In conclusion, while playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown before other XCOM games is not necessary, it is a highly recommended starting point for newcomers to the series. Its accessible gameplay, balanced difficulty, and captivating story make it a standout entry in the XCOM franchise.

Pros of starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown

There are several reasons why starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a good idea:

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1. Introduction to the XCOM series: XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the first game in the modern XCOM series and serves as an excellent introduction to the franchise. Playing this game will give you a good understanding of the core gameplay mechanics, story, and characters.
2. Engaging and challenging gameplay: XCOM: Enemy Unknown offers a unique blend of turn-based strategy and tactical combat. The game requires careful planning, resource management, and decision-making to succeed. It provides a challenging experience that will keep you engaged for hours.
3. Accessible for newcomers: XCOM: Enemy Unknown is designed to be accessible to newcomers to the series. The game provides tutorials and a gradual learning curve that eases players into the mechanics and systems of the game.
4. Storyline and narrative: XCOM: Enemy Unknown features a compelling storyline that revolves around defending Earth from an alien invasion. Playing this game will allow you to fully experience the narrative and create a connection with the characters and their struggles.
5. Modding community: XCOM: Enemy Unknown has a strong and active modding community. This means that there are plenty of mods available that can enhance your gameplay experience, adding new features, weapons, and missions to the game.

Overall, starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a great choice for both newcomers to the series and veteran players. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the series’ gameplay mechanics, story, and characters, while also offering an engaging and challenging gameplay experience.

Cons of starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown

1. Missing out on the improvements of newer games: XCOM: Enemy Unknown was released in 2012 and since then, there have been several sequels and expansions that have built upon the gameplay mechanics and introduced new features. By starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, you will not experience the improvements and additions that have been made in the later games.

2. Outdated graphics and visuals: XCOM: Enemy Unknown may not have the same level of graphical fidelity as the newer games in the series. If you are someone who values cutting-edge visuals, starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown may leave you feeling underwhelmed.

3. Limited customization options: Compared to the later games in the series, XCOM: Enemy Unknown offers fewer customization options for your squad members. This means that you may not have as much control over the appearance and abilities of your soldiers, which can be a drawback for players who enjoy personalizing their characters.

4. Less refined gameplay mechanics: Over time, the XCOM series has refined and improved its gameplay mechanics, making the later games feel more streamlined and balanced. By starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, you may encounter some rough edges and less polished mechanics that have been addressed in the subsequent titles.

5. Potentially missing out on a better introduction to the series: While XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a great game in its own right, some players argue that starting with one of the newer games, such as XCOM 2, can provide a more exciting and immersive introduction to the series. These newer titles often have stronger narratives and more engaging storylines, which can help to hook players right from the beginning.

6. Less access to community and mod support: With the release of newer games, the player base and modding community often shift their focus to the latest installment. If you start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, you may find that there are fewer active players and fewer mods available compared to the newer games.

FAQ:

Should I play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before XCOM 2?

Playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown before XCOM 2 is not necessary, but it can provide you with an understanding of the game mechanics and story that will enhance your experience in XCOM 2.

Is it important to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before playing the XCOM: Chimera Squad?

No, it is not important to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before playing XCOM: Chimera Squad. XCOM: Chimera Squad is a standalone game that takes place in the same universe but has its own unique story and gameplay mechanics.

Will I miss out on anything if I start with XCOM 2 instead of XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

If you start with XCOM 2 instead of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, you may miss out on some of the story and character development from the first game. However, XCOM 2 does a good job of introducing new players to the game mechanics and explaining the events of the previous game.

Should I play XCOM: Enemy Unknown if I have already played XCOM: Enemy Within?

If you have already played XCOM: Enemy Within, playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown might feel repetitive as the latter is an expanded version of the former. However, if you enjoyed XCOM: Enemy Within and want to experience the original story and gameplay, it can still be worth playing.

Do I need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before playing XCOM: War of the Chosen?

To fully understand and appreciate the story and new features in XCOM: War of the Chosen, it is recommended to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown first. XCOM: War of the Chosen is an expansion pack that builds upon the events of the original game, so playing it without prior knowledge may result in confusion.

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