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CRITIK

XCOM: Chimera Squad

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

2020

GenresAction, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Turn-Based, Thriller, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableApr 23, 2020

PlatformPC

DeveloperFiraxis Games

Overview

XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an all-new story and turn-based tactical combat experience in the XCOM universe.

Elsewhere

6.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of XCOM: Chimera Squad are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as AusGamers, Comicbook.com, and Daily Star appreciate the unique setting of City 31, where humans, aliens, and hybrids coexist, and the exploration of themes like assimilation and post-war life. They also highlight the well-realized characters and the camaraderie established through mid-mission cutscenes and banter, as mentioned by AusGamers. The Games Machine and Twinfinite praise the game for telling a more intimate story with distinct and memorable characters. These positive aspects contribute to creating an intriguing and engaging narrative experience. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the story of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Critics like CGMagazine, Destructoid, and PC Invasion express disappointment with the limited dialogue and character interactions, which they feel prevent the story from reaching its full potential. PCMag and TheGamer mention that the story has lower stakes compared to previous XCOM games, and while it introduces new lore and character development, it may not be particularly engaging. Additionally, USgamer criticizes the lack of creeping horror and sense of mystery found in the previous games, suggesting that the story may not live up to the standards set by its predecessors. Overall, the critics' opinions on the story of XCOM: Chimera Squad are mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the unique setting, well-realized characters, and camaraderie, there are also criticisms regarding limited dialogue, character interactions, and lower stakes compared to previous games. However, it is worth noting that the majority of critics acknowledge the game's attempt to tell a more intimate story and explore themes of post-war life and assimilation. Ultimately, the overall consensus suggests that while the story may have its flaws, it still offers an intriguing narrative experience with its own distinct charm.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Positive points include the unique setting of City 31, well-realized characters, and camaraderie. However, some critics express disappointment with limited dialogue and character interactions, lower stakes, and a lack of horror and mystery. Overall, while the story has its flaws, it still delivers an engaging narrative experience with its own charm.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of XCOM: Chimera Squad received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. The game was praised for its turn-based tactical combat, with several reviewers highlighting the strategic depth and engaging encounters. AusGamers and Game Informer both commended the game for its focus on finding the right time and place to take shots, while also mentioning the replayability factor and the use of unique abilities for tag-team assaults. CGMagazine and Comicbook.com appreciated the introduction of new mechanics such as the breach mode and interleave turn order, which added depth and strategy to the combat. PC Invasion and Twinfinite praised the game for offering fresh challenges and rewarding encounters with the introduction of new mechanics like the breach phase and turn orders. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Daily Star and Metro GameCentral mentioned that while the new changes, such as the breach phase and timeline feature, sped up combat, they also removed some tactical depth. The simplified strategy level gameplay compared to the mainline games was also noted by Metro GameCentral. Stevivor pointed out that the unique skills of the agents made the human characters forgettable, which could potentially impact the overall experience. Additionally, TheGamer mentioned that the smaller scale and repetitive locations may make it harder for players to get invested in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of XCOM: Chimera Squad is very good. The introduction of new mechanics, such as the breach phase and interleave turn order, added depth and strategy to the combat, while still retaining the core DNA of the XCOM franchise. The majority of critics praised the tactical gameplay, the variety of abilities and gear, and the rewarding nature of the encounters. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the removal of certain elements and the smaller scale of the game, the positive feedback from critics indicates that XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love the gameplay of XCOM: Chimera Squad for its strategic depth, engaging encounters, and new mechanics like breach mode. While some find it lacking in tactical depth and character uniqueness, overall, it offers fresh challenges and rewarding gameplay experiences, making it a hit among reviewers.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of XCOM: Chimera Squad, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the distinct and alluring visuals of the game. Press Start Australia commends the visuals as being distinct and alluring, particularly considering the presumably meager funding. The Games Machine also notes a change in visual design, with urban environments and a brighter color palette, which adds to the visual appeal. Twinfinite simply states that the game looks incredible with great artwork. These positive comments indicate that the game's graphics and visual design have managed to capture the attention and admiration of some critics. However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by the reviewers. AusGamers, Daily Star, and Impulsegamer all highlight various visual issues and bugs that affect the overall polish of the game. This includes scenery pop-in, shots going through walls, character model glitches, and visual issues that impact the game's polish. PCMag mentions occasional stiff and awkward animations, while Stevivor points out wonky animations and floating melee characters. USgamer goes as far as criticizing the art style, describing it as not great and resembling a free-to-play mobile game, making the game look like a cheesy '90s TV drama. These negative comments indicate that there are indeed flaws and inconsistencies in the graphics and visual design of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there are positive remarks about the distinct and alluring visuals, as well as the great artwork, there are also significant criticisms regarding visual issues, bugs, and inconsistent animations. The negative comments from USgamer regarding the art style also contribute to the overall sentiment. It is clear that the game's graphics and visual design have both strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in terms of polish and consistency.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on XCOM: Chimera Squad's graphics. Some praise its distinct visuals and great artwork, while others criticize visual issues, bugs, and inconsistent animations. USgamer even compares the art style to a cheesy '90s TV drama. The game's graphics show both strengths and weaknesses, with room for improvement in polish and consistency.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

After analyzing the opinions of several videogame reviewers, it is clear that there are mixed feelings regarding the Sound Design and Music of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Some critics, such as Game Informer and Stevivor, praised the game for its fully voiced characters and excellent voice acting. These elements added depth to the narrative experience and created a sense of immersion for the players. Additionally, Twinfinite went as far as to say that the game sounds incredible, suggesting that the overall audio quality is top-notch. However, not all critics were as positive about the Sound Design and Music of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Destructoid pointed out that the audio quality can feel muddled at points, which may detract from the overall experience. They also mentioned that some of the voice acting performances don't fit the characters, potentially affecting the immersion and connection to the story. PC Invasion expressed disappointment with the alien and hybrid-type characters not sounding as they should, which could further impact the game's immersion. Taking all the opinions into account, it seems that the Sound Design and Music of XCOM: Chimera Squad have received mixed reviews. While some critics praised the fully voiced characters, excellent voice acting, and immersive sound design, others highlighted issues such as muddled audio quality, mismatched voice acting, and disappointing character sounds. Overall, it appears that the positive aspects of the audio experience outweigh the negatives, but there are still areas that could be improved upon to enhance the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Mixed reviews on XCOM: Chimera Squad's Sound Design and Music - some love the fully voiced characters and immersive experience, while others criticize muddled audio quality and mismatched voice acting. Overall, positive aspects shine through, but room for improvement remains.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in XCOM: Chimera Squad are quite varied. Several critics, such as Critical Hit and Daily Star, appreciate the inclusion of voiced squad members and the humorous interactions and quippy dialogue between characters. This adds to the in-game dynamic and makes the soldiers feel separate from the player, creating an enjoyable experience. Metro GameCentral also highlights the surprising quality of the dialogue and voice acting, considering the developer's background in the Civilization franchise. They find it to be a lot better than expected. PC Gamer praises the efficient storytelling through fully voiced characters and cartoon vignettes, further enhancing the narrative experience. The characterisation is also commended by Twinfinite, who finds it great and the voice acting well done. However, not all critics share the same positive sentiment towards the voice acting in XCOM: Chimera Squad. Destructoid mentions that the voice acting doesn't quite rise to the occasion and some performances don't fit the characters. PCMag criticizes the voice acting as generally flat and boring, lacking tension and depth. These criticisms suggest that the voice acting may not consistently meet the expectations of all players, with some performances falling short in terms of fitting the characters or delivering compelling performances. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there are positive remarks about the voice acting, particularly in terms of adding to the engaging dialogue and character interactions, there are also criticisms regarding certain performances and the lack of tension and depth. However, it is worth noting that the majority of critics appreciate the inclusion of fully voiced characters and the effort put into creating likable, well-written, and charismatic characters with their own personalities and dialogue. The voice acting in XCOM: Chimera Squad seems to contribute to the overall experience, even if it may not be universally praised.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in XCOM: Chimera Squad. Some praise the voiced squad members and witty dialogue, enhancing the gameplay experience. However, others criticize the performances as lacking depth and fitting poorly with the characters. Overall, while some enjoy the fully voiced characters and engaging interactions, not all find the voice acting consistently impressive.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

29%

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

In terms of technical performance on PC, the critics had mixed opinions. Some critics, like AusGamers and PC Gamer, mentioned that the game ran well on high settings and had modest system requirements. They did not encounter major issues apart from occasional stutters and freezes during certain moments. Twinfinite even praised the game as the most polished in the series, highlighting its overall positive technical performance. However, several critics pointed out various technical issues on PC. Comicbook.com, Critical Hit, Daily Star, Gamers Heroes, Metro GameCentral, Press Start Australia, Stevivor, The Overpowered Noobs, TheGamer, and Twinfinite all mentioned bugs, crashes, graphical glitches, and animation problems. These issues ranged from visual issues, pathing problems, and crashes to animation glitches, camera hitches, and disappearing equipment. Destructoid experienced hard crashes, but noted that the game allowed for easy recovery. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that XCOM: Chimera Squad had some technical issues on PC. While some critics had a relatively smooth experience with occasional hiccups, others encountered more significant problems that affected the overall gameplay and stability. The game's technical performance was seen as a mixed bag, with both positive aspects, such as running well on high settings, and negative aspects, such as bugs, crashes, and glitches. It is worth noting that some critics, like Twinfinite, found the game to be the most polished in the series, suggesting that experiences may vary depending on the individual's setup or tolerance for technical issues.

TL;DR

technical performance

Some critics praised XCOM: Chimera Squad for running well on high settings with modest system requirements, while others highlighted technical issues like bugs, crashes, and glitches on PC. Overall, opinions varied from a smooth experience with minor hiccups to significant problems affecting gameplay and stability. Twinfinite considered it the most polished in the series, indicating individual experiences may differ.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of XCOM: Chimera Squad are generally positive. Many critics mention the game's ability to offer hours of stimulating XCOM content, providing good value for money (GamesRadar++). They appreciate the discounted price point and the potential for interesting squad composition meta (GamesRadar++). The game's campaign offers multiple playthroughs to explore different strategies and outcomes (Screen Rant), and the introduction of new mechanics and difficulty levels adds to the replay value (Shacknews). The game also offers options and modifiers to tailor the difficulty level, and the mod community provides additional content and ways to play (CGMagazine). However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of XCOM: Chimera Squad. Some critics mention that the removal of permadeath and the limited resource of pre-made heroes reduce tension and may limit replayability (Game Informer). The lack of permadeath and the ease of the game are also mentioned as potential drawbacks that may limit replayability (VG247). The characters not being able to die is seen as reducing tension and potentially diminishing the desire to replay the game (Guardian). The technical issues and lack of variety in human characters are also mentioned as potential limitations to long-term replayability (Stevivor). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that XCOM: Chimera Squad offers a decent amount of replay value. The game's discounted price point, stimulating XCOM content, and potential for interesting squad composition meta are praised by critics such as GamesRadar++. The introduction of new mechanics, difficulty levels, and mod support are also seen as positive aspects that contribute to the game's replay value (Shacknews, CGMagazine). However, the removal of permadeath, limited resource of pre-made heroes, lack of variety in human characters, and technical issues are mentioned as potential drawbacks that may limit long-term replayability (Game Informer, Guardian, Stevivor). Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that XCOM: Chimera Squad offers a focused and worthwhile experience with enough new elements and different characters to make it worth playing (Twinfinite, VG247).

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise XCOM: Chimera Squad for its stimulating XCOM content, discounted price, and potential for interesting squad composition meta, offering good replay value. However, some critics criticize the lack of permadeath, limited hero resources, and technical issues, which may limit long-term replayability. Overall, while the game has its drawbacks, it still provides a focused and worthwhile experience with enough new elements and characters to make it worth playing.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of XCOM: Chimera Squad are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its addictive gameplay, fresh ideas, and the way it fleshes out the XCOM universe. AusGamers describes it as a mod-able, low-priced experiment that appeals to both XCOM diehards and newcomers, while CGMagazine considers it a fantastic addition to the franchise with new mechanics that enhance the gameplay. COGconnected expresses excitement for a proper XCOM 3, indicating that Chimera Squad successfully builds anticipation for future games. The game is also commended for its vibrant worldbuilding and refreshed combat and strategy by Comicbook.com. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Metro GameCentral criticizes the game for removing some endearing elements of the main XCOM games, simplifying the strategy level gameplay, and having smaller scale battles. Technical issues and lack of variety in human characters are also mentioned as drawbacks by Stevivor. The review from USgamer points out strange art choices and a reluctance to maximize bolder changes as areas for improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that XCOM: Chimera Squad is a worthwhile addition to the XCOM series, offering a fresh spin on the franchise. Critics like Critical Hit and Player 2 consider it a thoroughly enjoyable twist on the franchise, while still retaining the roots of the original game. The game is praised for its engaging gameplay, interesting story, and accessible nature. Critics such as Press Start Australia and The Games Machine highlight its ability to welcome new players while still serving the fanbase. However, some critics feel that the game falls short of its full potential, with TheSixthAxis noting its stripped-back nature and Twinfinite highlighting missed opportunities for memorable stories through permadeath. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics recommending XCOM: Chimera Squad as a solid and enjoyable turn-based strategy game.

TL;DR

Critics generally praise XCOM: Chimera Squad for its addictive gameplay, fresh ideas, and vibrant worldbuilding, making it a worthwhile addition to the franchise. Some critics point out drawbacks like simplified strategy gameplay and lack of variety in characters, but overall, the game is seen as an enjoyable twist on the XCOM series that caters to both fans and newcomers.

CRITIK

Reviews

108 reviews found

100

Player 2

Apr 23, 2020