Perfect sequel

XCOM 2 remains similar to the original game and also has some fantastic improvements

XCOM 2 picks up after XCOM where the humans have lost the war to the aliens, who have now assimilated into earth’s population and are pushing their own agenda as the Advent. However, behind all the lies and propaganda, they are still abducting and experimenting on humans and only a small group of individuals have what it takes to fight back.

The core gameplay of XCOM 2 remains very similar to the original, however new mechanics have added a whole new element to how you approach the cover based mechanics. Explosive ordnances now have the ability to destroy any cover, so naturally my squad of six has two grenadiers with a total six grenade launchers, two rockets and a couple of hand grenades; In XCOM there’s no such thing as an overkill. Another beautiful new mechanics is the Stealth ambush. When starting covert missions, you enter the map in concealment, meaning you can catch the enemy off guard. Set up five soldiers in well-placed overwatch and trigger the enemy with the sixth and watch the most beautiful and bloody sequence of events unfold.

The game also introduces new types of hybrid enemies and some that just don’t die; the assimilation process with humans has also lead to some new technological advancements in terms of weaponry that you can research down the line giving a wide variety of weapons, utilities and combinations to choose from. The game’s randomness and freedom to choose your own path makes every playthrough just as intense and exciting as your first. The brand new customisation options for your soldiers helps make it the most in depth XCOM experience ever. You start off with a rag tag group of rebels trying to fight back but slowly, mission after mission you put together an elite squad capable of ploughing through even the toughest of situations; but don’t get too comfortable, you never know what nightmarish alien might be around the corner, just waiting to cut your party short.

XCOM 2 is the perfect sequel, and that’s something I don’t say easily. Baring a few frame rate drops when you bring down a building there is nothing wrong with the game. It has refined the XCOM formula and added enough randomness to give us one of the best strategy games in a long time. The fact that its available for '999 in India means you simply cannot go wrong with this purchase.