Finally a version of X-Com story that is accessible to masses. Due to the pausable real-time mode of tactical gameplay, with QuickSave/QuickLoad functionality, the game can now finally be enjoyed without being so stressful as the former X-Com games.
The high-res graphics makes everything easy to observe and understand, controls are top-notch and tactical options are good enough to allow for, well, "tactics", without overburdening player with thousands of factors.
As for the atmosphere, the intro movie is spooky enough, and once the biomass starts growing out of nowhere and devouring your bases, you will be scared. The thrilling dog fights between your jet fighters and enemy ships is cool to watch and there are even some tactical options available during it; the landscapes, enemy ship interiors and human base interiors are varying enough so as not to become repetitive too early, and the destruction in cities, growth of biomass in countryside and the appearance of extra terrestrials are all atmospheric enough. Personally, I have no regret that this game replaced the former X-Com series, which always felt too difficult for me.
If anyone wants to have a really easy time playing, then I can only suggest my very simple and quickly accessible tactics: Equip everyone with sniper rifles and give them enough munition for it (20+ rounds). Since sniper rifles have great range, you will be able to take out most enemies from safe distance. This way, the game becomes good for "Casual gamers".