Part 1.) Going Through Changes
When doing some research into this game you will find that many key members of the development team that created XCOM and XCOM2 are missing in the credits.
Some have joined a new company called
Bit Reactor, others might have been reassigned or otherwise. I'm not here to speculate, yet it is certainly clear that the new and remaining members of Firaxis have developed an interesting XCOM experience.
While many things have changed whether it be art style, music or even story development, this game remains at the core an XCOM game. Gone are the days of base building/defense, customizing soldiers, in depth research projects/engineering, or sending your interceptors out to engage with UFOS. You might ask yourself, so why the hell would I want to play this dumbed down version of XCOM much less purchase it?
The answer is as stated above, it's the core of the game. This game focuses more on tactics than strategy, although you will learn later as you play there is a balance to both. You start out with 4 team members attempting to stop a assassination/kidnapping of the mayor of City 31. Breach Mode is the standard in which every mission starts. You'll start out determining which member goes through which entrance where depending on your selection can result on different outcomes.
Unlike the two XCOM games prior where the player will move all of his or her pieces on the chessboard and the enemy does in kind. This is where we come to the first divergence of the series. In layman's term, it's more like chess where as you make a move and then you're opponent takes a turn. Keeping an eye on the top right of your screen will show you who goes next. Plan your strategy based on that.
The best thing about this game is that you now have aliens/hybrids in your ranks which add an entire layer of fun. Do you want a borderline psychopathic Mutan full of rage? How about a Human hybrid who can use a kinetic energy shield on himself or one of your teammates becoming practically invincible? Ok, but what if you could have a Snake
Man Lady use her tongue to reach out and grab her foes where she can smother them? (Tip: save allies) and spit poison! Sounds like my ex gf. No, what if you had a Sectoid in your party that could mind control (if done right) the entire field and make them succumb to his/your/it's will?
If you play this game yourself you'll have a better understanding of the dynamics, if you haven't played this game then you might find this all convoluted. To be honest it can be, but once repeated bear with me we'll all get through this. There will be peace on earth and everyone will be happy until the third game in which we're doomed.
Stay tuned for part 2, I hope all of you are doing alright, but more so importantly will still be alive later this week when I drop a Deuce.
-n0x
:: Edit ::
Here's a screen shot of a debriefing where I had my ass handed to me. I was holding my breath on my last turn, which all paned out and I was rewarded the achievement of Army of One (Basically you won a battle with only one member standing)