XCOM®: Chimera Squad

Disclaimers: I have played XCOM1 +All DLCs + LW; XCOM2+All DLCs (on mobile); TheBureau:XCOMDeclassified. I have played older XCOM games as well (incompleted, tho, given that I only played them on friend's PC for a few hours). Review goes 2 parts, TL;DR so you read the keys and decide; Detailed Review goes in-depth. TL;DR Review: Heavily plot driven to maximize drama, sadly, does not deliver the level a fan wants. Breach mechanics gets rigid ASAP as the options are restricted. The graphics might seem better than previous versions, but movement is still glitching. Development is slow at first then is rapidly sped up to catch up to final stage. It is a tact&strat downgrade with smaller map and fewer units, it might be difficult for newbies, veterans feel easy yet terrible. Personal Score: 4/10 Graphics: 5/10 Audios: 3/10 Tacts&Strats: 3/10 Options&Variations: 3/10 Plot: 4/10 Gameplay: 3/10 Overall Score: 5/10 (without personal bias) Detailed Review: 1. This is not a bad game, just a game that doesn't succeed its predecessor's key winning elements; instead it took a nose-dive into plot driven style of delivery. But here's the catch: did they make all the characters interesting enough and equally specialized to the point where an average gamer would enjoy? No. 2. The difficulty is really terrible; given the limited options from entries to equipment options etc., basically, you just need to find a way to kill fast. In XCOM1/2, you need to flank, move carefully etc., this CSquad, you can choose to move, but you aren't getting enemies fast enough. Either all-in or just pray to RNG Jesus. 3. No memorable soundtrack...honestly, I am someone who listens to a track 1/2 times and I have it lock-in memory; this game offers nothing like that. VOs? Not the top quality; probably the bad plot kills the vibe, but yeah, I don't see the need for VOs with just a few lines narrating what happened. That was like Red Alert series. It was a disaster, but not that bad, there are worse.

It features a lot from XCOM but is missing that certain spark that makes the original and remakes such classics. If I had to say why i'd say it feels linear.

I like this sort of Tactic-Lite game. Its much easier game for me compared to other Xcom and I frankly quite enjoy it!

First of all it is much shorter and simpler more focused (I can see someone saying "dumbed down") experience. For me it is a plus. Fights are more of a curated, carefully designed puzzles. You still have research, base building and what not but scope of it all is much more limited. I know that it doesn't sound like a positive review but for me it was a great, short treat that was perfectly designed and very satisfying. It is not a good gateway to "grown up" X-Come since those games are much more free form and sand box'y with large scope and randomized battles. This one gives You tactical battles that are much more interesting but smaller and shorter. Other aspects (World/city map management, squad management, research, base management) are the same, more interesting and impactful but limited in scope compared to previous installments.

I love XCOM games and this one is filling the spot. Easy to get into and enjoyable within 10 mins.