Are There Any Games Like XCOM?

Yes, absolutely! The influence of the XCOM series on the gaming landscape is undeniable, and consequently, there are numerous games that borrow heavily from its core mechanics and design principles. While no game is a perfect 1:1 clone, many offer similar experiences with their own unique twists. From tactical turn-based combat to strategic base management, there’s a wealth of options for fans looking for that familiar XCOM feel. This article will explore several examples, offering insights into what makes them similar and what sets them apart.

Defining the XCOM Experience

Before diving into the alternatives, let’s briefly outline what makes an XCOM game “XCOM-like.” Key characteristics include:

• Turn-Based Tactical Combat: Battles unfold on grid-based maps where players control a squad of soldiers, moving them strategically and engaging enemies in turns.
• Permadeath: A harsh but impactful feature where soldiers lost in combat are gone permanently. This instills a sense of risk and consequences to every decision.
• Strategic Layer: Beyond the battles, players manage a base, research technologies, recruit and equip soldiers, and make strategic decisions that impact the overall campaign.
• Cover System: Utilizing cover to reduce enemy hit chances is crucial, adding depth to the combat scenarios.
• Customization: Often, there’s a level of soldier customization, letting players personalize their troops with unique skill sets and appearances.

With these elements in mind, let’s explore some of the best games that capture that same magic.

Games That Capture the XCOM Spirit

Spiritual Successors and Strong Contenders

• Phoenix Point: Often touted as a spiritual successor to the original X-COM games, Phoenix Point shares many similarities in its strategic and tactical gameplay. Developed by Julian Gollop, the creator of the original X-COM, it features a challenging and deep combat system where body parts can be individually targeted and damaged. While it can be harsher and less balanced than XCOM in some ways, it offers a deeper and more complicated combat with many tactical options, making it a worthy experience for XCOM veterans.
• Gears Tactics: This title transplants the Gears of War universe into the turn-based strategy realm. With cover-based combat reminiscent of XCOM and a focus on squad-based tactics, Gears Tactics delivers a fast-paced and visceral experience. Its linear story and hero characters differentiate it from XCOM, but the tactical depth remains.
• Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden: This game combines stealth mechanics with turn-based combat, offering a unique blend of exploration and tactical gameplay. The post-apocalyptic setting and memorable characters make it a compelling experience for those wanting a similar experience with a fresh take.

Exploring Other Similar Titles

• Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters: If you love XCOM but want a grim, dark sci-fi setting, this is your game. It’s a great option for those who want a more Warhammer 40k based game with the strategic and tactical elements they love.
• Xenonauts 2: This title harkens back to the more complex and unforgiving nature of the original X-COM games. Its strategic layer is highly detailed, requiring players to carefully manage their base and resources.
• Forgotten but Unbroken: If you are looking for a WW2 setting, Forgotten but Unbroken is a tactical turn-based strategy game inspired by XCOM. It focuses on resistance fighters, allowing players to lead their forces against the Axis powers during the Second World War.
• Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus: While more unique in its mechanics, this title is a good option for those who want to combine the world of Warhammer 40k with the tactical turn-based systems of games like XCOM.

Beyond the Direct Inspiration

• Baldur’s Gate Series: While not exactly like XCOM, the turn-based combat and dice rolls found in Baldur’s Gate titles can feel similar, especially to those who enjoy the more strategic side of tactical games.
• Hard West: This supernatural Wild West tactical RPG blends turn-based strategy with a unique theme, giving players cover-based shootouts with supernatural elements in the American West.
• Phantom Doctrine: This game takes the turn-based tactical formula and places it within the espionage world of the Cold War, offering an experience focused on stealth and strategic planning.
• Rebel Cops: This is a turn-based tactical game with a focus on stealth and careful planning, placing players in the role of rebel police officers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is XCOM 3 being made?

Yes, Firaxis has confirmed that XCOM 3 is still in development. While the studio shifted focus to Marvel’s Midnight Suns, they’ve assured fans that the XCOM franchise is not forgotten.

Who is considered XCOM’s spiritual successor?

Phoenix Point is widely considered the spiritual successor to the original X-COM games due to its similar mechanics and the involvement of Julian Gollop, the creator of the original X-COM.

Is there a game like XCOM but in a WW2 setting?

Yes, Forgotten but Unbroken is a tactical turn-based strategy game inspired by XCOM, set during World War II where you lead resistance fighters against the Axis powers.

What Warhammer game is like XCOM?

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters and Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus are often compared to XCOM due to their turn-based tactical gameplay and squad management.

Which is more challenging, XCOM or XCOM 2?

XCOM 2 is considered easier on Veteran and Commander difficulty levels compared to the previous games. However, on Legendary difficulty, XCOM 2 is significantly harder than previous games on Impossible difficulty.

Can XCOM 2 be played endlessly?

Yes, XCOM 2 does not have a hard end point. While there is a final mission, you can continue playing side missions indefinitely, albeit with increasing enemy difficulty over time.

How many years separate XCOM and XCOM 2?

XCOM 2 is set in 2035, which is 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its expansion, XCOM: Enemy Within.

Is XCOM’s combat truly random?

While XCOM utilizes a Random Number Generator (RNG), the results are determined by a fixed seed number. Given the same circumstances (soldier, position, enemy, cover), the outcome is always the same.

Is Phoenix Point better than XCOM?

This is subjective. Phoenix Point offers a deeper, more complicated combat system with many tactical options, but it is considered a harsher, less balanced game compared to the more streamlined XCOM.

In what order should I play the XCOM games?

The recommended order is to play the games in their release order. Start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, then XCOM: Enemy Within (expansion), followed by XCOM 2, and its expansion, War of the Chosen.

Is Baldur’s Gate similar to XCOM?

While not a direct comparison, Baldur’s Gate shares similar turn-based combat mechanics with dice rolls to determine success, which can feel like a simplified version of XCOM’s tactical combat.

Who is the strongest soldier class in XCOM 2?

Many players consider the Reaper class to be the strongest in XCOM 2 due to its stealth capabilities and powerful abilities.

What is flanking in XCOM?

Flanking occurs when a unit moves to a position that removes an enemy’s cover bonus, indicated by a yellow shield icon next to their health. Flanking increases the attacker’s hit and critical chances.

Why is the Commander important in XCOM?

The Commander is pivotal as they oversee every aspect of XCOM, including strategic planning, soldier management, logistics, research, and tactical combat. They are responsible for directing all operations.

Is XCOM considered a AAA game?

Technically, XCOM is often considered a AA game, which means while it’s a high-quality title, it might not have received the same massive funding as a full AAA game.

Conclusion

The influence of the XCOM franchise on the tactical turn-based genre is immense. While there are no perfect clones, numerous titles capture the core essence of XCOM, offering varied experiences to fans. Whether it’s a spiritual successor like Phoenix Point, a different setting like Gears Tactics, or a thematic shift with games like Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, the options are plentiful for players looking for a similar and challenging tactical gameplay experience. This article provides a great starting point for those exploring the genre, and the FAQs will hopefully give you the insight you need to start on your tactical journey.