Is XCOM: Enemy Within a Full Game?
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The short answer is no, XCOM: Enemy Within is not a full, standalone game. It is, rather, a comprehensive expansion pack for the critically acclaimed strategy title XCOM: Enemy Unknown. While it introduces a significant amount of new content, features, and gameplay mechanics, it fundamentally requires the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown to function. Think of it as a vast and transformative DLC rather than a separate entity. This crucial distinction is essential to understand as it directly impacts how you approach playing the XCOM series.
What Does “Expansion Pack” Mean?
An expansion pack is designed to build upon and enhance an existing game, adding new features, story elements, and sometimes even fundamental changes to the gameplay. XCOM: Enemy Within does all of this, introducing a wealth of content that fundamentally alters how you approach the base game. It is not a new game in its own right but a crucial extension to the existing one. This means you cannot simply purchase and play Enemy Within; you must also possess XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
Key Additions of Enemy Within
Enemy Within adds several key features, including:
- New Units: Introduce the MEC Troopers, powerful cybernetically enhanced soldiers, and Gene Mods, allowing soldiers to gain potent biological enhancements.
- New Enemies: Introducing threats like the Mechtoids, formidable robotic adversaries, and enhanced versions of existing alien enemies.
- New Missions: Expands the mission variety with both strategic and tactical missions that push players to adapt to new challenges.
- New Strategic Layer: Enhanced base management, including research options, and a new resource in Meld, adding complexity to strategic decisions.
- New Story Elements: While not a separate storyline, Enemy Within introduces themes of transhumanism and enhances the game’s lore.
- New Maps and Environments: Further expands the tactical options on the battlefield.
All of these changes are integrated into XCOM: Enemy Unknown, fundamentally transforming and enhancing the base experience. Therefore, Enemy Within is not a standalone entity but a vital upgrade.
Why Is This Important?
Understanding that Enemy Within is an expansion pack and not a full game is crucial for several reasons:
- Purchase Requirements: You will need to own a copy of XCOM: Enemy Unknown to play Enemy Within. Attempting to play it without the base game will prove impossible.
- Gameplay Experience: Playing Enemy Unknown without Enemy Within is a drastically different experience from playing with the expansion. It’s important to recognize that when experiencing reviews or player comments, they may be talking about the game with the expansion’s features, making it vital to keep the distinction clear.
- Game Order: For newcomers to the series, it’s often recommended to play the base game of Enemy Unknown before diving into Enemy Within, which serves as an experience enhancer.
- Modding: Many mods, like the popular Long War mod, are built with the understanding that players are using Enemy Within, making it a necessary component to consider when going in depth with the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Play XCOM: Enemy Within without XCOM: Enemy Unknown?
No, XCOM: Enemy Within requires the base game XCOM: Enemy Unknown in order to play. It is an expansion pack that adds content to the original game.
2. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a Separate Game Install?
Technically, Enemy Within is not installed as a separate game. It modifies and adds content to the existing XCOM: Enemy Unknown installation.
3. Does Enemy Within Change the Entire Game?
Yes, Enemy Within significantly changes the game, adding new enemies, units, missions, strategic options, and resources. It fundamentally enhances and transforms the base experience.
4. Should I Play XCOM 2 or Enemy Within First?
It’s best to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown (EU) before attempting XCOM 2. Furthermore, it’s recommended to beat the base EU game before starting Enemy Within (EW). This allows you to grasp the basic mechanics before adding complexity.
5. How Long Does It Take to Beat XCOM: Enemy Within?
When focusing on the main objectives, XCOM: Enemy Within is about 27.5 hours in length. Achieving 100% completion typically takes around 50 hours.
6. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a Good Game?
Yes, XCOM: Enemy Within is widely considered an excellent expansion, enhancing the original with new challenges and options. It maintains the spirit of the base game while expanding its mechanics.
7. Does XCOM: Enemy Within Have Multiple Endings?
No, as far as is known, there is no alternate ending in Enemy Within.
8. What Order Should I Play XCOM Games?
The recommended order is: XCOM: Enemy Unknown then XCOM: Enemy Within, followed by XCOM 2 and finally XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. This ensures you experience the games in the intended progression.
9. Are XCOM 1 and 2 Connected?
Yes, XCOM 2 is a sequel set 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within. It builds on the narrative and assumes familiarity with the previous game.
10. What does Enemy Within Add to XCOM?
Enemy Within adds new abilities, upgrades, and weapons, as well as new enemies, maps, missions, and strategic and tactical gameplay elements. It also introduces new multiplayer content and new themes via gene therapy.
11. Can You Beat XCOM Without Losing a Country?
Yes, it is possible to win without losing a country by focusing on satellite coverage and carefully selecting which countries to defend. However, it’s a very difficult challenge, especially on higher difficulties.
12. Does XCOM Long War Work with Enemy Within?
Yes, Long War is designed for XCOM: Enemy Unknown with the expansion XCOM: Enemy Within. It greatly expands on the base game’s mechanics and challenges.
13. What Is the Difference Between XCOM: Enemy Within and Long War?
Enemy Within is an official expansion pack, while Long War is a community-made mod that drastically overhauls the game, adding hundreds of changes.
14. Which Game is Better XCOM 1 or 2?
While both are excellent games, XCOM 2 is generally considered superior due to increased variety in enemies, mechanics, and playstyles, especially with its expansion, War of the Chosen. Both are best experienced with their respective expansions.
15. Is XCOM Worth Playing After XCOM 2?
Yes, XCOM (especially with Enemy Within) is still worth playing as it offers a distinct experience that is not a straight upgrade compared to XCOM 2. It provides its own unique flavor, despite its age.
Conclusion
XCOM: Enemy Within is not a standalone game but a highly recommended expansion pack that enriches and expands the experience of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It adds a plethora of new content and significantly alters the base gameplay, making it essential for fans of the series. It’s crucial to own the base game first, so you can understand the distinction and the order in which to play the series for the best experience. By understanding this, players can fully appreciate the contributions of this expansion and its important role within the XCOM universe.