XCOM® 2
" Deep strategy game with challenging tactical combat and rich customization but privacy concerns "
XCOM® 2 Review
XCOM® 2 stands as a highly regarded tactical turn-based strategy game, praised for its deep strategic gameplay, challenging difficulty, and rich customization options. Players lead a resistance against an alien occupation, with gameplay revolving around tactical combat, soldier management, and resource allocation. The War of the Chosen expansion is frequently highlighted as a transformative addition that greatly enhances the game's narrative depth and replayability.
However, recent changes to the game's End User License Agreement (EULA) and terms of service by publisher 2K/Take-Two have sparked significant controversy. These updates introduce extensive data collection and spyware-like behavior, including bans on mods and potential privacy violations, leading many players to uninstall or avoid the game despite its quality. Technical issues such as occasional bugs and crashes persist but are generally considered secondary to the gameplay experience.
Overall, XCOM 2 remains a masterclass in tactical strategy but is currently overshadowed by concerns over privacy and corporate practices.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the deep and rewarding tactical combat that requires strategic thinking and nerve. The game's customization options for soldiers and loadouts add personal attachment and replayability.
The War of the Chosen expansion is celebrated for dramatically enriching the game with new factions, enemies, and narrative elements, elevating the experience to genre-defining status.
Graphics and sound design, while showing their age, still provide an immersive atmosphere with memorable environments and cinematic combat sequences.
Mod support is another frequently noted positive, extending gameplay longevity and variety.
Criticisms
The most prominent criticism is the recent EULA and terms of service changes by 2K/Take-Two, which introduce invasive data collection and ban mods, causing widespread distrust and backlash.
Players report issues with the new game launcher, mod compatibility problems, and occasional bugs or crashes that can disrupt progress.
The RNG combat system, while integral to the game's challenge, can feel frustrating when high-percentage shots miss.
Some DLC content, especially cosmetic packs and certain enemy encounters, receive mixed or negative feedback for balance or thematic reasons.
Long load times and a steep learning curve may also deter newcomers.
Pros
- • Deep and challenging turn-based tactical combat with real consequences.
- • Highly customizable soldiers and equipment enhance player attachment.
- • War of the Chosen expansion adds significant narrative depth and gameplay variety.
- • Engaging strategic layer involving resource and time management.
- • Strong modding community extends replayability and content.
- • Immersive sound design and cinematic combat sequences.
- • Procedurally generated maps keep campaigns fresh and unpredictable.
Cons
- • Recent EULA changes introduce invasive data collection and spyware concerns.
- • Modding banned by new terms, frustrating longtime community members.
- • Occasional bugs and crashes disrupt gameplay, including critical mission failures.
- • Steep learning curve and UI complexity can overwhelm new players.
- • RNG combat can be frustrating with unexpected misses on high chances.
- • New launcher causes mod compatibility and installation problems.
- • Some DLC content is seen as low quality or poorly balanced.
Rating Criteria
XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.
