Frequent readers of IGN know what a long shadow X-COM casts over the whole genre of squad-based, tactical alien invasion games. While games like Fallout, Silent Storm and Jagged Alliance have managed to offer up the squad-based, tactical part, it's taken a long time for developers to try their hand at the alien invasion part while also incorporating X-COM's base-building and overall strategy components. Fortunately, we're seeing more and more games following that model. Most aren't very good, but they're headed in the right direction.

UFO Afterlight is just such a game. Building on the lessons learned in UFO Aftermath and UFO Aftershock, Afterlight (which is actually a real word) offers up the goods in terms of concept -- xenophobic alien hunts, futuristic research and manufacturing paths, base management, labor and resource allocation and pretty much anything else that the head of a self-sufficient, futuristic, alien-fighting force might enjoy. In this case however, too much repetition in the battles and a cumbersome base interface make Afterlight somehow less than the sum of all its parts.

IGN Rating

7.5 Presentation
It's a nice attempt to improve on the previous games. Campaign doesn't really have as much direction as we'd like.
8.0 Graphics
Colorful designs might turn some gamers off, but we like the game's strong visual style.
5.0 Sound
The weapon sounds aren't enough to bring battle to life. Music and voice acting are questionable.
7.0 Gameplay
Tactical battles can be fun but they need more variety. There's lots of meat at the strategic level but it's hard to get at it.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
There are presumably multiple ways to progress through the game but also lots of repetition no matter which approach you take.

OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

7.4
Decent