Blast from the past surely. It's XCOM but only by lore. Mass Effect-lite if you don't get offended by the comparison. Had a pleasant 20 hours with it.

2K Games needs to reconsider its approach to developing "XCOM" titles that stray too far from the beloved turn-based strategy roots. With the XCOM community eagerly awaiting XCOM3 , the release of this game feels like a disservice to fans. I knew going in that this wasn’t a traditional XCOM game, yet I bought it anyway to support the franchise—now I'm left questioning that decision.

The narrative attempts to introduce a forgotten invasion predating the events of XCOM, suggesting we triumphed over it but conveniently erased it from memory. This premise stretches credulity and undermines the established lore. In the original XCOM, we begin with conventional human technology and gradually research to harness alien tech—this game’s backstory feels disconnected and unrealistic.

When it comes to gameplay, the experience is reminiscent of Mass Effect but lacks its polish and engagement. The third-person shooter mechanics feel clumsy, diminishing the overall enjoyment. While I found some moments of fun, my interest waned as I attempted to complete another campaign. Ultimately, it feels like a shadow of what could have been.

Despite my initial enthusiasm, I can only give this game a 5/10 at best. It's a missed opportunity to deliver a compelling entry in the XCOM universe, and I hope future titles will return to the franchise’s strategic roots that fans cherish.