PGC NEWS

In the current gaming landscape, Downloadable Content (DLC) has become almost ubiquitous. These additions range from minor cosmetic changes like outfits and weapons to substantial new gameplay, stories, and features. However, DLC has also garnered criticism for its potential for exploitation, often being used to extract additional revenue from players for minimal content. Amidst this sea of questionable DLC practices, a few gems stand out. XCOM: Enemy Within is a prime example. Developed by Firaxis Games as an expansion pack for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM: Enemy Within offers substantial value for its price, truly enhancing the base game experience.

XCOM: Enemy Within Gene Mod

Super Soldiers and Genetic Modification

XCOM: Enemy Within introduces exciting new gameplay mechanics centered around genetic modification and cybernetic enhancements, allowing players to create truly formidable soldiers. Reminiscent of the scientific advancements depicted in Captain America: The First Avenger, players can now manipulate the very biology of their XCOM operatives.

By integrating alien genetics, players can augment their soldiers with a range of powerful new abilities. These genetic modifications can enhance physical attributes like strength and resilience, or provide tactical advantages such as improved perception and reaction time. These enhancements provide greater strategic depth and tactical options on the battlefield.

XCOM: Enemy Within MEC Suit

Further expanding the XCOM arsenal is the introduction of MEC troopers. These cybernetic soldiers are created through a radical transformation process, converting human volunteers into heavily armored walking tanks. MEC troopers boast devastating firepower, increased mobility, and unmatched durability, significantly altering the dynamics of combat.

Firaxis Games has carefully balanced these powerful new additions. While super soldiers and MECs offer significant advantages, they also come with their own drawbacks. Creating the perfect soldier is impossible, requiring players to carefully consider the trade-offs and strategize accordingly.

New Threats and the EXALT Faction

With the advent of genetically modified soldiers and MEC troopers, the enemy also receives reinforcements to maintain balance. Players will not only face familiar foes like Sectoids, Thin Men, and Mutons but also contend with new threats such as the heavily armed Mechtoids, supported by Sectoid commanders, and the elusive, cloaked Seekers. These new enemy types significantly increase the challenge and complexity of combat.

XCOM: Enemy Within EXALT Operative

A significant addition to Enemy Within is the introduction of EXALT, a clandestine human organization that serves as a compelling new antagonist. Positioning themselves as a global counterpoint to XCOM, EXALT views the alien invasion as an opportunity to advance their own shadowy agenda. Operating from the shadows, they sabotage XCOM operations, leveraging captured alien technology to further their goals.

EXALT operatives mirror XCOM’s soldier classes, featuring Snipers, Assault troops, Heavies, and more. Engaging EXALT in combat provides a unique challenge, forcing players to confront an enemy that mirrors their own tactical strengths and weaknesses. Their frequent appearances and significant numbers add a new layer of strategic complexity to the campaign.

XCOM: Enemy Within Urban Combat

Expanded Maps and Missions

Addressing player feedback regarding the repetitive map design in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Firaxis Games has significantly expanded the environments in Enemy Within. Dozens of new maps, featuring diverse locations like warehouses, grocery stores, and industrial complexes, provide a welcome increase in visual variety and tactical possibilities. This added diversity greatly enhances the overall gameplay experience.

XCOM: Enemy Within New Mission

The EXALT storyline introduces a series of engaging new missions that go beyond the traditional “seek and destroy” objectives. Players will undertake diverse operations, including protecting VIPs, securing vital intelligence, and infiltrating enemy facilities. These new mission types, interwoven with existing gameplay and impacting the overall narrative, significantly enrich the campaign experience.

Lingering Issues

Despite its numerous improvements, Enemy Within inherits some minor technical flaws from its predecessor. Visual glitches, awkward camera angles, occasional clipping issues, and persistent aiming bugs remain present. However, these issues are generally minor and do not significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience.

XCOM: Enemy Within Glitch

Conclusion

XCOM: Enemy Within is a robust and worthwhile expansion that significantly enhances the XCOM: Enemy Unknown experience. The introduction of genetic modification, MEC troopers, the EXALT faction, new maps, and missions add significant depth and replayability to the core gameplay. While a few minor technical issues persist, they do not diminish the overall quality of this excellent expansion. If you enjoyed XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Enemy Within is a must-have addition.

Game Information

• Developer: Firaxis Games
• Publisher: 2K Games
• Genre: Strategy
• Release Date: November 15, 2013
• Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
• Requires: XCOM: Enemy Unknown base game

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows Vista
• CPU: Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz / Athlon X2 2.7 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: 256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT / ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
• HDD: 20 GB

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 Pro
• CPU: i7-9700K
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: Asus RTX 2080
• HDD: 1TB

Supported by 2K Games