Xcom enemy unknown multiplayer

Introduction

“XCOM: Enemy Unknown” is widely celebrated as a revival of the classic turn-based strategy game, bringing the alien invasion narrative to life with modern graphics, deep gameplay, and a challenging strategic layer. While the single-player campaign of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” garners most of the attention, the multiplayer mode adds a unique and competitive dimension to the game. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the intricacies of the multiplayer experience in “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” exploring its gameplay mechanics, unit variety, strategic depth, community reception, and lasting impact on the genre.

Overview of XCOM: Enemy Unknown Multiplayer

The multiplayer mode in “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” allows players to engage in head-to-head battles, taking on the role of either the XCOM soldiers or the invading alien forces. Unlike the single-player campaign, where players control a full squad of XCOM soldiers against the AI, multiplayer pits two human players against each other in a turn-based duel. Each player assembles a team of units within a set point limit, choosing from a diverse roster of human soldiers, aliens, and hybrid units.

The multiplayer mode is a direct extension of the single-player experience, incorporating the same tactical depth, cover system, and fog of war mechanics. However, it introduces a layer of unpredictability and strategy that comes from facing off against another human opponent. The decisions made in multiplayer are driven not only by the player’s understanding of the game’s mechanics but also by their ability to outthink and outmaneuver their opponent.

Unit Selection and Customization

One of the most compelling aspects of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer is the variety of units available for selection. Players have access to a wide range of units, each with unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. The roster includes XCOM soldiers of various classes (Assault, Sniper, Heavy, and Support), a diverse array of alien units (Sectoids, Mutons, Chryssalids, etc.), and hybrid units that combine human and alien abilities.

XCOM Soldiers: In multiplayer, players can customize their XCOM soldiers similarly to the single-player campaign. They can choose the soldier’s class, loadout, and abilities, allowing for a personalized approach to combat. The classes offer distinct tactical roles—Assault soldiers excel at close-range combat, Snipers dominate from a distance, Heavies provide area-of-effect damage, and Support soldiers offer healing and buffs. The flexibility in soldier customization enables players to tailor their squad to their preferred playstyle, whether it be aggressive, defensive, or balanced.

Alien Units: Alien units in multiplayer bring an entirely different set of tools to the battlefield. Each alien species has its own unique abilities that can drastically alter the flow of combat. For example, Sectoids can mind control enemy units, Mutons are tanky frontline fighters, and Chryssalids can turn fallen enemies into zombies. The inclusion of aliens introduces a variety of strategies that would be impossible in the single-player campaign, where players are typically limited to XCOM soldiers. Using alien units effectively requires an understanding of their abilities and how to counter the opponent’s human soldiers.

Hybrid Units: Hybrid units are another unique feature of multiplayer. These units blend human and alien traits, creating versatile soldiers with a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. For example, a MEC Trooper with alien enhancements might have increased mobility or the ability to regenerate health. Hybrid units offer a middle ground between the raw power of aliens and the tactical flexibility of XCOM soldiers, making them valuable additions to any squad.

The point system used in multiplayer adds another layer of strategy to unit selection. Each unit has a point value based on its abilities and power level, and players must assemble their squads within a set point limit. This system forces players to make tough decisions about which units to bring into battle and how to allocate their points effectively. A squad with a few powerful units might be outnumbered by a more balanced team, leading to interesting strategic trade-offs.

Strategic Depth and Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay mechanics of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” translate seamlessly into multiplayer, retaining the tactical depth and tension that define the single-player experience. The turn-based nature of the game means that every move must be carefully considered, as a single mistake can turn the tide of battle. The fog of war mechanic, which obscures parts of the map until a unit moves into visual range, adds an element of uncertainty and risk to every decision.

Cover System: The cover system is a critical component of XCOM’s tactical gameplay. Units can take cover behind objects to reduce their exposure to enemy fire, with full cover offering more protection than half cover. In multiplayer, understanding the nuances of the cover system is essential, as it can mean the difference between life and death for your units. Players must balance the need to advance and gain ground with the necessity of keeping their units protected, leading to tense standoffs and flanking maneuvers.

Line of Sight and Positioning: Line of sight is another key factor in multiplayer battles. Units can only attack enemies they can see, and certain abilities, like the Sniper’s headshot or the Heavy’s rocket launcher, require clear line of sight to be effective. Positioning units to maximize their line of sight while minimizing exposure to enemy fire is a constant challenge in multiplayer. Skilled players will use the terrain to their advantage, setting up ambushes and controlling key areas of the map.

Psychological Warfare: The mind games between players are a significant aspect of the multiplayer experience. Since both players are operating under the fog of war, there’s a constant tension between scouting and staying hidden. Players can bluff by moving units in a way that suggests an imminent attack, forcing their opponent to react defensively. Alternatively, they might lay traps by leaving a seemingly vulnerable unit exposed, only to ambush the opponent when they take the bait. This psychological aspect of multiplayer adds depth to the gameplay, as players must not only think about their own strategy but also anticipate and counter their opponent’s moves.

Resource Management: Managing resources, such as limited-use abilities and consumable items, is crucial in multiplayer. Abilities like grenades, rockets, and medkits can turn the tide of battle but are finite, so players must decide when to use them for maximum effect. The tension of deciding whether to use a powerful ability now or save it for later adds to the strategic depth of the game.

Turn Order and Initiative: Turn order plays a significant role in multiplayer strategy. The player who moves first has the advantage of setting up their units and potentially scoring an early kill, but they also risk overextending and exposing themselves to a counterattack. Conversely, the second player can react to the first player’s moves, but they must do so without the element of surprise. Understanding how to leverage turn order to your advantage is key to success in multiplayer.

Map Design and Environmental Interaction

The maps in “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer are designed to encourage strategic play and offer a variety of environments, from urban streets and office buildings to alien landscapes. Each map presents unique challenges and opportunities, with different types of cover, elevation changes, and destructible environments.

Map Variety: The variety of maps ensures that no two matches feel the same, as players must adapt their strategies to the terrain. Some maps feature wide-open spaces, favoring long-range units like Snipers, while others are more enclosed, promoting close-quarters combat. The diverse environments keep gameplay fresh and force players to think on their feet.

Destructible Environments: The destructible environment is a standout feature in multiplayer, allowing players to alter the battlefield to their advantage. A well-placed grenade can destroy a wall, exposing enemy units hiding behind it or creating new lines of sight for your own units. This dynamic aspect of the maps adds another layer of strategy, as players can manipulate the environment to gain the upper hand.

Control Points: Some multiplayer maps include control points that offer bonuses to the player who holds them. These points can provide advantages such as additional resources or improved unit abilities, encouraging players to contest these areas and adding an objective-based element to the gameplay. Control points introduce a new layer of strategy, as players must decide whether to focus on controlling these points or prioritizing combat with the enemy squad.

Balance and Fairness

Balancing a multiplayer mode that includes both human and alien units, each with unique abilities, is a challenging task. “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” does a commendable job of maintaining balance, though there are inevitable challenges given the asymmetry between XCOM soldiers and alien units.

Unit Point Costs: The point system used to assemble squads is the primary tool for balancing the multiplayer experience. Each unit’s point cost is intended to reflect its power level, with more powerful units costing more points to include in a squad. This system generally works well, ensuring that players can’t simply stack their team with the strongest units. However, some units, particularly high-cost aliens like the Sectopod, can feel overwhelming if not countered effectively, leading to debates within the community about balance.

Skill and Experience: The skill level of the players also plays a significant role in the perceived balance of multiplayer matches. Experienced players who understand the game’s mechanics, unit synergies, and map layouts will naturally have an advantage over less experienced opponents. This skill gap can lead to one-sided matches, especially when more experienced players exploit advanced strategies that newer players may not be aware of.

Community Feedback and Patches: Firaxis Games, the developers of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” have been responsive to community feedback regarding multiplayer balance. The game has received patches and updates aimed at addressing balance issues, tweaking unit point costs, and adjusting abilities to ensure a fairer experience. While the game is not without its balance quirks, the ongoing support from the developers has helped maintain a competitive and enjoyable multiplayer environment.

Community and Competitive Play

The multiplayer community for “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” has evolved since the game’s release, developing a dedicated, albeit niche, player base. While the single-player campaign remains the main attraction for most, the multiplayer mode has carved out a unique space within the broader XCOM community, offering a platform for competitive play, strategic experimentation, and community interaction.

Tournaments and Competitive Scene: Over the years, “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” has seen the emergence of organized tournaments and competitive leagues, where skilled players come together to test their strategies against one another. These events, often organized by fans and supported by various gaming communities, showcase the strategic depth and replayability of the multiplayer mode. Competitors in these tournaments are often well-versed in the game’s mechanics, able to execute complex strategies and anticipate their opponent’s moves with precision.

The competitive scene has also fostered the development of a meta-game, where certain units, strategies, and tactics become more popular based on their effectiveness in high-level play. This evolving meta has led to ongoing discussions within the community about balance, unit selection, and optimal strategies, with players continually adapting to counter new tactics and stay ahead of the curve.

Community Content and Guides: The XCOM community has also contributed a wealth of content aimed at helping new players get into multiplayer. From detailed strategy guides to video tutorials, the community has worked to lower the barrier to entry for those interested in testing their skills against other players. These resources cover everything from basic unit selection and positioning to advanced tactics and mind games, offering valuable insights for players of all skill levels.

Challenges and Accessibility: Despite the dedicated community, the multiplayer mode of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” has faced challenges in maintaining a large player base over time. The game’s focus on turn-based strategy, combined with its relatively niche appeal, means that finding matches can sometimes be difficult, particularly during off-peak hours. Additionally, the steep learning curve and the potential for one-sided matches can be intimidating for new players, making it challenging to attract and retain a broader audience.

However, for those who do invest the time to learn the game and engage with the multiplayer community, the rewards are substantial. The satisfaction of outsmarting an opponent, the thrill of executing a perfectly timed maneuver, and the camaraderie of participating in community events all contribute to a rich and rewarding multiplayer experience.

Longevity and Legacy: While the multiplayer mode of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” may not have reached the same level of popularity as the single-player campaign, its impact on the XCOM franchise and the turn-based strategy genre should not be underestimated. The multiplayer mode demonstrated that turn-based strategy games could offer a compelling competitive experience, paving the way for future titles to explore similar concepts.

The success of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer also influenced the development of its sequel, “XCOM 2,” which introduced its own multiplayer mode with further refinements and new features. The lessons learned from “Enemy Unknown” have helped shape the evolution of the series, ensuring that multiplayer remains a viable and exciting option for players looking to test their skills against others.

Strengths of XCOM: Enemy Unknown Multiplayer

Despite its niche appeal, “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer boasts several strengths that have endeared it to fans and contributed to its lasting legacy:

1. Strategic Depth: The core gameplay mechanics of XCOM translate exceptionally well to multiplayer, offering a rich, tactical experience that rewards careful planning, adaptability, and psychological insight. The variety of units, abilities, and map dynamics ensures that no two matches are the same, keeping gameplay fresh and engaging.
2. Unit Variety and Customization: The diverse roster of XCOM soldiers, aliens, and hybrid units provides players with countless options for squad composition, allowing for personalized strategies and playstyles. The ability to customize units and loadouts adds another layer of depth, enabling players to experiment with different tactics and approaches.
3. Tension and Mind Games: The fog of war, cover system, and turn-based mechanics create a tense, suspenseful atmosphere in every match. The psychological aspect of multiplayer, where players must anticipate and counter their opponent’s moves, adds an exciting layer of complexity that sets XCOM apart from other strategy games.
4. Community and Competitive Play: The dedicated community of XCOM multiplayer players has kept the mode alive and vibrant, fostering a competitive scene that continues to challenge and inspire. Tournaments, guides, and community events have helped build a sense of camaraderie and shared passion among players, ensuring that the multiplayer mode remains a meaningful part of the XCOM experience.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer has much to offer, it is not without its challenges and areas for improvement:

1. Matchmaking and Player Base: The relatively small player base and niche appeal of turn-based strategy games have made matchmaking a challenge, particularly for new or casual players. Long wait times and the potential for uneven matches can be discouraging, making it difficult for the multiplayer mode to maintain a thriving community.
2. Balance Issues: Balancing a game with such a diverse array of units and abilities is inherently difficult, and “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” is no exception. While the point system helps mitigate some balance concerns, certain units and strategies can still feel overpowered or frustrating to play against, leading to debates within the community.
3. Learning Curve: The steep learning curve of XCOM, combined with the high stakes of multiplayer matches, can be intimidating for new players. While the community has produced numerous guides and resources, the complexity of the game may still deter some players from fully engaging with the multiplayer mode.
4. Limited Long-Term Support: While Firaxis Games provided patches and updates to address balance issues and improve the multiplayer experience, the mode has not received the same level of long-term support or content updates as the single-player campaign. This has led to some stagnation in the multiplayer community, with fewer new features or incentives to keep players engaged over the long term.

Conclusion

“XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer offers a unique and compelling experience for fans of turn-based strategy games. Its blend of deep strategic gameplay, unit variety, and psychological mind games creates a rich, rewarding environment for competitive play. While the mode faces challenges in terms of matchmaking, balance, and accessibility, it remains a beloved part of the XCOM franchise, celebrated by a dedicated community of players.

For those willing to invest the time to learn the game and engage with the multiplayer scene, “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” offers an experience that is both challenging and deeply satisfying. The thrill of outsmarting a human opponent, the tension of a high-stakes match, and the joy of discovering new strategies make the multiplayer mode a valuable addition to the game’s overall package.

In the broader context of the strategy genre, “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” multiplayer stands as a testament to the potential of turn-based games to offer competitive, player-versus-player experiences. Its influence can be seen in subsequent titles and the ongoing evolution of the XCOM series, ensuring that its legacy will continue to shape the future of turn-based strategy games for years to come. Whether you’re a veteran XCOM commander or a newcomer to the series, the multiplayer mode of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” is worth exploring for its strategic depth, replayability, and the unique challenges it presents.