Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, XCOM 2 delivers an updated and even more challenging turn-based strategy game. For those new to the XCOM series, it revolves around you, the commander, leading an army one squad at a time. You strive to defend Earth from the alien invaders, make careful decisions in managing your base, and lead tactical missions into the field. Each soldier can be customized to your aesthetic preferences , allowing you to tweak and shape your dream soldier, and then proceed to watch them die horribly at the hands of the enemy.
While the initial release was sub-par in terms of performance, the core mechanics still shined through; taking turn-based gameplay and making it engaging and intense. As you progress through the campaign, you will only be met with more powerful and dangerous enemy types and scenarios. With procedurally generated maps, the missions are kept fresh and interesting. While the time restriction on most of the missions is my least favorite design choice, it does add a sense of urgency to each mission.
Failing to complete the objective in the turns allowed can result in numerous mission fail states, the worst of which can be losing your entire squad. Fail too many times, and the aliens will prove victorious, spelling the end of mankind as we know it.
If you enjoy a challenge and the ever present risk of death and defeat, I highly recommend Ironman mode, which makes all of your decisions permanent as well as the deaths of your troops.
Bedsforth 