This Strategy Game From 2016 Is Still One Of The Best In The Genre In 2024

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was first released in 2016, but even in 2024, it is still one of the best turn-based strategy games on the market. This title was followed by two mini DLCs that added small bits of new content. However, the big update happened a year later with the DLC, adding three new boss enemies to fight throughout the game and three Rebel factions integrated into the story.

Since, developer Firaxis has released two major games in, and the Avengers-saturated . The former takes place in the positive timeline of where humans and aliens now live in a shaky peace. However, while this game kept aspects of its predecessor, it had more tactical puzzle-like mechanics. was a complete deviation from the norm, and while it was a critical success, it failed to garner the sales to see the teased major DLC and only received the pre-planned character packs.

may not have as much to manage as other strategy games, but it more than makes up for it in numerous ways. Story-wise, this game follows the bad ending of its predecessor where the aliens won and kidnapped the player/Commander. Once free, the Commander then needs to unite the world's different rebel factions and stop the Elders before their plan is complete. This story was enhanced in the DLC by adding three more Rebel groups in the scavenging Reapers, ADVENT-defecting Skirmishers, and Psionic Templars.

The combat and systems of are also top-notch. The harder difficulties posed an unforgiving challenge for those who desired it, while the lower-tier options had just the right pace for learning the game or enjoying the story. enhanced this by adding the three Chosen who had to be actively combated to avoid a brutal assault that would lead to an instant game-over. The various soldier classes and numerous alien variants with different abilities keep the game fresh, with no two missions feeling the same.

Though taking up a position and shooting at a target with occasional ability usage may not be demanding, just feels right. Solider positioning