The X-COM games were also released as part of four compilation releases: X-COM (Collector's Edition) (1998), X-COM Collection (1999) and X-COM: Complete Pack (2008), as well as in 2K Huge Games Pack in 2009.Īt least two more major titles have been planned for this series.
In 2001, Hasbro published X-COM: Enforcer, a poorly received third-person shooter loosely based on the events of Enemy Unknown, marking a low point in the series. A budget range, turn-based tactical play-by-mail multiplayer game Games: X-COM was released in 1999. There were talks of X-COM toys, comics, and even a cartoon show. A spin-off game, Interceptor, constitutes a hybrid of a strategy game and a space combat flight simulator.Īfter Interceptor, Hasbro Interactive purchased MicroProse, acquiring its studios and the X-COM brand. Apocalypse took several new directions with the series, introducing an optional real-time combat system and shifting the aesthetics to a retro-futuristic style. The first sequel, Terror from the Deep, was quickly created by MicroProse's internal team based on the same game engine and used largely identical gameplay mechanics. UFO: Enemy Unknown, featuring a turn-based ground combat system, remains the most popular and successful game in the series, having been often featured on various lists of best video games of all time. The sequels, against new alien invasions, are set underwater ( Terror from the Deep, set in 2040), in a futuristic megacity ( Apocalypse, set in 2084), and in space ( Interceptor, set in 2067 and making it a prequel to Apocalypse). The player is charged with leading this force and tasked to secretly engage and research the alien threat. The premise of the franchise is that an alien invasion beginning in 1999 prompts the creation of a clandestine paramilitary organization codenamed X-COM (an abbreviation of " E xtraterrestrial Combat") by a coalition of funding nations. The X-COM core series consisted of four main games published by MicroProse: UFO: Enemy Unknown (also known as X-COM: UFO Defense, PC and Amiga in 1994, Sony PlayStation in 1995), X-COM: Terror from the Deep (PC in 1995, PlayStation in 1996), X-COM: Apocalypse (PC in 1997) and X-COM: Interceptor (PC in 1998). Main articles: UFO: Enemy Unknown, X-COM: Terror from the Deep, X-COM: Apocalypse, X-COM: Interceptor, X-COM (Email games), X-COM: Enforcer, X-COM: Genesis, and X-COM: Alliance Original X-COM games Aggregate review scores It was followed by the prequel The Bureau: XCOM Declassified and the sequel XCOM 2. The X-COM series, in particular its original entry, achieved a sizable cult following and has influenced many other video games including the creation of a number of clones, spiritual successors, and unofficial remakes.Ī reboot series was published by 2K Games, beginning with the strategy video game XCOM: Enemy Unknown, developed by Firaxis Games and released in 2012 to critical and commercial success.
The original lineup by MicroProse included six published and at least two canceled games, as well as two novels. The series began with the strategy video game X-COM: UFO Defense created by Julian Gollop's Mythos Games and MicroProse in 1994. XCOM (originally called X-COM) is a science fiction video game franchise featuring an elite international organization tasked with countering alien invasions of Earth. Feel free to hit up the link below, to peruse the game’s page on Google Play.MS-DOS, Amiga, Amiga CD32, PlayStation, Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, OS X, iOS, Android, Linux, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch The game does contain ads, though they are likely optional as I didn’t encounter any, through the tutorial phase. The Grid is available for free from Google Play.
The graphics of the game lean a bit toward the Tron influence, with bright neon colors set against an outer space background. Players will have direct control over both what is in their power grid, as well as its layout, and mix the functional and military facets as seen fit. This second facet of the game is handled almost like a tower defense format, only the grid is in the middle, with the invaders moving in that direction from the screen’s periphery. – Upgrade your character to become the ultimate rebuilding machine – Become Frenemies with your friends and other players to increase your rewards – Attack other players’ grids in Simulation mode to earn rewards – Traverse the globe by completing objectives on each map so humanity can safely return – Upgrade your structures to maximize your defense – Build your energy grid on each map and defend it from alien attackers with energy generators, storage systems, connectors, and defenses