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CRITIK

XCOM 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of XCOM 2
Item: XCOM 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAction, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Simulation, Turn-Based, RPG, Thriller, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 5, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperFiraxis Games

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of XCOM 2, highlighting its intriguing and engaging narrative that immerses players in a world where humanity is under alien rule. Critics like COGconnected appreciated how the story welcomes both returning fans and newcomers to the series, setting the stage for a thrilling experience. GamesRadar++ and Metro GameCentral commended the unique premise of leading a resistance group against the alien regime, adding depth and urgency to the gameplay. Push Square and Cheat Code Central lauded the emotional impact of the story, emphasizing the weight of decisions and the personal moments of triumph and failure that players experience. The Digital Fix and Digital Spy noted the fresh scenario and higher stakes presented in the sequel, creating a sense of insurmountable odds and adding tension to the narrative. While the overall sentiment towards the story of XCOM 2 was overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks. Game Rant mentioned that the story may feel a bit far-fetched at times but ultimately fits well within the thematic elements of the XCOM series. GameStar highlighted the demotivating nature of the story, which begins with the alien invaders winning in the previous game, potentially setting a tone that may not resonate with all players. The Escapist noted that the narrative serves the gameplay efficiently, implying that the story could be more robust or impactful in certain aspects. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the story of XCOM 2 is a standout feature of the game, with its gripping and gritty narrative capturing the essence of humanity's struggle against alien domination. The majority of reviewers appreciated the fresh take on the XCOM universe, the high stakes, and the compelling character-driven elements that enhance the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the believability of the plot or its pacing, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like CGMagazine and Gameplanet praising the game for its underdog resistance theme and the sense of desperation it conveys. Overall, XCOM 2's story is a major highlight that contributes significantly to the game's success and enjoyment for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud XCOM 2's captivating narrative where players lead a resistance against alien rule, praising its emotional depth and high stakes. While some noted minor flaws like the story feeling far-fetched at times, the majority found the story to be a standout feature that adds to the game's gripping and gritty experience. Overall, XCOM 2's story is a major highlight that enhances the game's success and enjoyment for players, offering a fresh take on humanity's struggle against alien domination.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of XCOM 2 for its engaging and strategic turn-based combat, with many highlighting the depth and variety it offers. Critics such as GamesRadar++ and Push Square commended the layers of gameplay that feed into each other, allowing for progression and customization of soldiers. The combat was described as varied in tactics, enemies, equipment, and maps by Metro GameCentral, with excellent storytelling adding to the strategy level. The addition of new elements like concealed units, procedurally generated encounters, and a focus on upgrading resources while facing unpredictable missions, as mentioned by The Digital Fix, further enhanced the gameplay experience. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of XCOM 2 was positive, there were some criticisms raised by a few reviewers. CGMagazine pointed out issues with sluggish gameplay, janky collision detection, laggy turns, and irrelevant cover, which hindered the overall experience for them. Brash Games also noted animation issues that could be skipped or corrected, impacting the smoothness of the gameplay. These criticisms, however, were in the minority compared to the overwhelming praise for the game's strategic depth and challenging tactical decisions. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of XCOM 2. The game was lauded for its engaging turn-based combat, strategic decision-making, and customization options for soldiers. Critics appreciated the challenging nature of the gameplay, with many highlighting the rewarding feeling of success when strategic plans paid off. Despite some minor issues mentioned by a few reviewers, the majority agreed that XCOM 2 offers a highly immersive and enjoyable tactical experience that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised XCOM 2's engaging turn-based combat, deep strategic gameplay, and customization options for soldiers. Some minor criticisms included sluggish gameplay and animation issues, but these were overshadowed by the game's challenging and rewarding tactical experience. Overall, XCOM 2 was hailed as a must-play for fans of the genre for its immersive gameplay and strategic depth.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics who praised the Graphics and Visual Design of XCOM 2 highlighted several positive aspects. Cheat Code Central commended the highly polished visuals, noting the attention to detail in environmental animations and the diverse bestiary that brings the game world to life. GameCrate also lauded the top-notch visuals, mentioning vibrant lighting effects, detailed weapons, and visually distinct enemies. Additionally, GameStar and TheSixthAxis appreciated the visually impressive elements of the game, such as cinematic camera movements during combat, appropriately dystopian environments, and striking enemy designs. On the other hand, some critics raised concerns about the Graphics and Visual Design of XCOM 2. CGMagazine and InsideGamer.nl criticized the graphics for various issues like ugly textures, stiff character models, bugs, hitches, and camera problems. Metro GameCentral and Digital Spy also mentioned the awkward mix of realistic and goofy sci-fi elements in the visuals, although they acknowledged that some maps looked good under certain conditions. Furthermore, We Got This Covered highlighted occasional clipping issues and performance problems with framerate drops despite meeting recommended specifications. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of XCOM 2 is mixed. While some reviewers like Cheat Code Central, GameCrate, and GameStar appreciated the enhanced visuals, detailed character models, and procedural generation of maps that added variety to the game, others such as CGMagazine and InsideGamer.nl were critical of the graphics due to various technical issues and design choices. Despite the differing opinions, it seems that the majority of critics found merit in the game's visual presentation, with a few acknowledging areas that could be improved upon to enhance the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics had mixed views on the Graphics and Visual Design of XCOM 2. Positive feedback highlighted polished visuals, attention to detail, and diverse bestiary, while negative points included ugly textures, stiff character models, bugs, and performance issues. Overall, some praised the enhanced visuals and detailed character models, while others criticized technical problems and design choices.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of XCOM 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Critics like Push Square, Cheat Code Central, and High-Def Digest praise the game's soundtrack for its heroic and intense atmosphere, with Push Square specifically mentioning that the soundtrack is salute-worthy. Brash Games and Softpedia highlight the immersive and intense sound effects, such as weapon sounds and character dialogue, that keep players engaged and alert during gameplay. Softpedia even goes as far as to describe the sound design as excellent, enhancing the overall mood and gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of XCOM 2. The Digital Fix points out issues with audio syncing in cutscenes, which can disrupt the immersive experience for players. Despite the overall positive reception of the sound effects, Impulsegamer mentions that the music can feel generic for a real-time strategy game, although they appreciate the unique sound effects for weapons, explosions, and character dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that XCOM 2 excels in its Sound Design and Music, enhancing the gameplay experience and immersing players in its tactical atmosphere. Critics like COGconnected, Brash Games, and GameCrate appreciate the diverse voice acting, intense soundtracks, and well-done music and sound effects. While there are minor criticisms regarding audio syncing and generic music, the majority of critics agree that the sound design and music of XCOM 2 contribute positively to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about XCOM 2's Sound Design and Music, praising the heroic soundtrack and immersive sound effects that keep players engaged. While some critics note issues with audio syncing and generic music, the majority agree that the game excels in enhancing gameplay with its stellar sound design.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for each gaming platform, some critics noted specific aspects that worked well despite the technical issues. For the PS4 version, COGconnected mentioned that while there were framerate issues and long loading times, they considered them as minor setbacks, indicating that the core gameplay experience was still enjoyable. On the Xbox One platform, ZTGD highlighted that while performance could be hit and miss with occasional long load times and stuttering, these issues did not significantly affect the overall experience. Moving to the PC platform, Softpedia noted that XCOM 2 ran mostly smoothly, with occasional issues related to camera control and slight delays during gameplay, suggesting that the game was generally playable. On the negative side, the PS4 version of XCOM 2 received consistent criticism from multiple reviewers. GamesRadar++ and PlayStation Universe both highlighted major loading time issues that significantly impacted the overall experience. Additionally, InsideGamer.nl and Push Square emphasized the frustration caused by long loading times and technical hiccups, such as frame rate drops and audio blips. For the Xbox One version, The Digital Fix pointed out various technical issues like glitches, crashes, and gameplay problems that greatly affected the player experience. On the PC platform, critics like Hardcore Gamer and The Digital Fix mentioned significant technical issues such as stalling after turns, crashes, and performance problems that had a notable impact on stability and gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that XCOM 2 faced technical performance challenges across all gaming platforms. While some reviewers acknowledged minor setbacks or issues that did not severely impact gameplay, the majority highlighted significant problems such as long loading times, frame rate drops, crashes, and various glitches that hindered the overall experience. Critics like CGMagazine, who played on PS4, described the technical performance as stuttering, glitchy, and with random freezes, echoing the sentiments of many others who experienced similar issues on different platforms. Despite the game's strengths in terms of gameplay and mechanics, the prevalent technical issues mentioned by multiple critics detracted from the overall enjoyment and immersion in XCOM 2.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics found technical issues across all gaming platforms for XCOM 2. While some noted minor setbacks, most criticized major problems like long loading times, frame rate drops, crashes, and glitches that significantly impacted gameplay. Despite strong gameplay and mechanics, the prevalent technical issues detracted from the overall enjoyment and immersion in XCOM 2.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of XCOM 2, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its appeal. Critics like COGconnected and The Digital Fix noted the game's strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and customization options, which make each playthrough unique and engaging. The inclusion of procedurally generated missions, randomized maps, and diverse strategies, as mentioned by critics such as The Digital Fix and AusGamers, adds to the game's replayability. Additionally, features like soldier customization, different research paths, and mod support, as highlighted by critics like Brash Games and GameCrate, offer players a wide range of options to explore, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could impact the replayability of XCOM 2. Issues such as technical problems, as mentioned by critics like PlayStation Universe and Hardcore Gamer, may hinder the desire to replay the game due to frustration. The learning curve and challenging nature of the gameplay, while appealing to many, could also be a barrier for some players looking for a more casual experience. Moreover, InsideGamer.nl highlighted concerns about the multiplayer mode lacking depth and customization compared to the single-player experience, potentially limiting the overall replay value for those interested in multiplayer gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of XCOM 2. The game's blend of strategic turn-based combat, resource management, and customization options, combined with its challenging gameplay and procedural elements, creates a compelling experience that keeps players coming back for more. Critics like Game Informer and GameStar commend the game for its difficult choices, compelling battles, and tactical depth, making it easy for players to immerse themselves in multiple playthroughs. Despite some technical issues and learning curves, the majority of critics agree that XCOM 2 offers extensive replay value, making it a must-have for fans of the genre seeking a dynamic and customizable strategy experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about XCOM 2's replay value due to its strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and customization options that keep each playthrough fresh and engaging. Procedurally generated missions, randomized maps, and diverse strategies enhance replayability. However, technical problems and a steep learning curve may deter some players. Despite these drawbacks, XCOM 2's blend of turn-based combat and customization options makes it a top choice for strategy game fans seeking a dynamic and customizable experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics unanimously praised XCOM 2 for its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling. Many highlighted the addictive nature of the game, with Game Informer describing it as "challenging and rewarding," while Cheat Code Central commended the game for improving upon its predecessor's design elements and adding more layers of strategy and choice. The Digital Fix lauded XCOM 2 for its challenging and rewarding tactical turn-based shooter experience, emphasizing the relentless AI and unique gameplay mechanics that offer countless hours of fun. Additionally, GameCrate noted that the game provides an enjoyable and replayable experience with visually appealing graphics and immersive sound design. On the downside, several critics mentioned technical issues that hindered the overall experience of XCOM 2. For instance, InsideGamer.nl pointed out long loading times and graphical bugs on consoles, while Hardcore Gamer expressed that technical problems significantly detracted from the game's potential despite its customizable characters and improved combat mechanics. Wccftech highlighted shockingly bad performance as a major drawback that prevented XCOM 2 from reaching true masterpiece status, despite improvements in gameplay and graphics. These technical issues were seen as fixable but did impact the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the majority of critics viewed XCOM 2 favorably, considering it a standout title in the strategy genre. Metro GameCentral went as far as calling it "one of the best sequels of the last decade and possibly the best strategy game of all time," emphasizing its ability to achieve ambitious goals with ease. The consensus among reviewers is that XCOM 2 offers a highly engaging and rewarding experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike, with its addictive gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling outweighing the technical issues present in the game. The general sentiment leans heavily towards praising XCOM 2 as a must-have for strategy game enthusiasts, with its flaws being overshadowed by its strengths, as highlighted by critics like GameStar and Digitally Downloaded.

TL;DR

Critics hailed XCOM 2 for its addictive gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling, praising its improved design elements and challenging tactical shooter experience. Despite technical issues like long loading times and graphical bugs, the majority of reviewers consider it a standout title in the strategy genre, with some even calling it one of the best strategy games of all time. Overall, XCOM 2 is highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike, offering a rewarding experience that outweighs its flaws.

CRITIK

Reviews

194 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Feb 8, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is one of the best strategy games of all time, offering unparalleled combat engagement and a sense of accomplishment. It may not be for everyone, but those who give it a chance will not be disappointed.

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100

AusGamers

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is praised as a brilliant sequel that improves on the flaws of its predecessor, offering a masterful turn-based experience that is a must-buy for fans of the genre or games in general.

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100

New York Daily News

Feb 17, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is a far more challenging and better game than its predecessor, offering addictive gameplay and a satisfying experience despite occasional bugs and annoyances.

100

Metro GameCentral

PlayStation 4

Sep 29, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is a game without any serious flaws, and which achieves its ambitious goals with a disarming ease. It's one of the best sequels of the last decade, and arguably the best strategy game of all-time.

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100

Digital Spy

Feb 8, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is a follow-up that does everything right by offering the best extraterrestrial skirmishes since Independence Day, coupled with genuine tactical depth that doesn't come at the expense of accessibility.

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100

IBTimes UK

Apr 2, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is radically different and familiar, improving on what needed to be improved without losing the core appeal of the series.

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Cheat Code Central

Feb 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 improves upon its predecessor's design elements and adds more layers of strategy and choice. The story is engaging, the gameplay is solid, and the graphics and sound design are highly polished. The voice acting could be better, but overall, XCOM 2 is a worthy successor to XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

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Game Informer

Feb 1, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is a challenging and rewarding game that lives up to its legacy.

Softpedia

Feb 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is a quality sequel with impressive story and gameplay improvements. It presents plenty of challenges and strategic depth, making it a great addition to the strategy genre.

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Gaming Age

Feb 10, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

XCOM 2 is praised for its deep turn-based strategy gameplay, immersive storytelling, and high replay value, making it a must-have for fans of the genre despite some minor graphical and gameplay issues.

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