Introduction
“XCOM: Enemy Within,” an expansion to the critically acclaimed “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” significantly enhances the original game by introducing new gameplay mechanics, enemies, maps, and a variety of quests. These quests are integral to the overall experience, adding depth, challenge, and narrative to the game. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the different types of quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within,” their impact on gameplay, and how they contribute to the immersive experience that makes the game a standout in the strategy genre.
1. Overview of XCOM: Enemy Within
Before diving into the quests, it is essential to understand the context in which they exist. “XCOM: Enemy Within” is a turn-based tactical strategy game where players take command of a global defense force, XCOM, tasked with repelling an alien invasion. The expansion introduces new features like Meld, a resource that allows for genetic modifications and the creation of mechanized exoskeletons, as well as new enemies, maps, and missions. These additions enrich the core gameplay loop of managing resources, researching technology, and engaging in tactical combat.
2. Types of Quests in XCOM: Enemy Within
Quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within” can be broadly categorized into several types:
- Story Missions
- Council Missions
- Meld Retrieval Missions
- Exalt Missions
- Abductions and Terror Missions
- Optional Side Quests
Each type serves a unique purpose and adds variety to the gameplay, keeping players engaged throughout their campaign.
3. Story Missions
a. The Tutorial Mission
The tutorial mission introduces players to the basic mechanics of the game. While it may not be as complex as later missions, it sets the stage for the rest of the game. Players learn how to move their soldiers, use cover effectively, and engage with the enemy. This mission is crucial for new players as it provides a foundation for the tactical decisions they will need to make throughout the game.
b. Operation Progeny
Operation Progeny is a series of story-driven missions that were initially planned as downloadable content for “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” but were later integrated into “Enemy Within.” These missions revolve around a series of mysterious events linked to a group of psychic teenagers. The missions are unique in that they introduce psionic abilities, which become a crucial aspect of gameplay later on.
Operation Progeny is notable for its challenging encounters, especially as it introduces the player to psionically enhanced enemies. The missions are set across various locations, each presenting different environmental challenges. For instance, the final mission in this series takes place in an abandoned theater, where the player must contend with multiple waves of enemies while trying to secure the objective.
c. Operation Slingshot
Operation Slingshot is another series of story-driven missions introduced in “Enemy Within.” These missions revolve around a deal with a Triad operative named Zhang, who provides XCOM with critical information in exchange for protection. The missions are set in Asia and include a daring raid on a UFO, a train rescue mission, and a final assault on an alien battleship.
Operation Slingshot is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a more narrative-driven experience compared to other missions in the game. Secondly, it provides the player with the opportunity to secure a valuable asset early in the campaign – a fully functional alien battleship, which gives the player a considerable advantage in the mid-game. The missions themselves are varied and challenging, requiring careful planning and execution.
4. Council Missions
Council missions are special assignments given to the player by the XCOM Council. These missions are typically time-sensitive and require the player to respond quickly. The rewards for completing these missions are often significant, including funding, engineers, scientists, and sometimes new soldiers.
a. Bomb Disposal
One of the most iconic council missions is the Bomb Disposal mission. In this mission, the player must locate and deactivate a bomb before it detonates, all while dealing with waves of enemies. The tension in this mission is palpable, as the player is constantly racing against the clock. The map design in these missions is often intricate, with multiple routes and enemy ambush points, making them some of the most challenging in the game.
b. VIP Escort
Another common type of council mission is the VIP Escort. In these missions, the player must locate and safely extract a VIP from a hostile area. The challenge in these missions comes from the need to protect the relatively defenseless VIP while simultaneously dealing with enemy forces. The player must carefully balance offense and defense, ensuring that the VIP remains safe while eliminating threats.
c. Rescue Missions
Rescue missions are similar to VIP Escort missions but often involve saving civilians or capturing specific alien species. These missions add an additional layer of challenge, as the player must navigate through hostile territory while ensuring that the rescue targets are not harmed. The stakes in these missions are high, as failure can result in the loss of valuable assets or personnel.
5. Meld Retrieval Missions
Meld is a new resource introduced in “Enemy Within,” and it plays a crucial role in the game’s progression. Meld can be used to unlock powerful genetic modifications for soldiers and to create MEC Troopers, heavily armored soldiers with mechanized exoskeletons. Meld Retrieval missions are designed to encourage aggressive play, as the player must reach and secure Meld canisters within a limited number of turns.
a. Strategic Importance of Meld
The importance of Meld cannot be overstated. It allows for significant upgrades to soldiers, making them more resilient and effective in combat. The challenge, however, is that Meld canisters are often placed in difficult-to-reach locations, forcing the player to take risks to secure them. This adds a dynamic element to missions, as the player must constantly weigh the benefits of securing Meld against the potential dangers of overextending their forces.
b. Tactical Considerations
Meld Retrieval missions require careful planning and execution. The player must be aware of the time limit and plan their moves accordingly. Rushing to secure Meld canisters can leave soldiers exposed to enemy fire, but waiting too long can result in the canisters self-destructing. These missions test the player’s ability to think strategically, balancing the need for speed with the need for caution.
6. Exalt Missions
Exalt is a new human faction introduced in “Enemy Within.” Unlike the aliens, Exalt is a rogue human organization that seeks to use alien technology to take over the world. Exalt missions are unique in that they pit the player against human enemies rather than aliens. These missions add a new layer of intrigue and challenge to the game, as the player must contend with an enemy that is capable of using the same tactics and technologies as XCOM.
a. Covert Operations
One of the most interesting aspects of Exalt missions is the Covert Operations system. The player can send a soldier on a covert mission to infiltrate Exalt cells and gather intelligence. These missions are unique in that the covert operative is deployed with limited equipment and must avoid detection while completing their objectives. Once the covert operative has gathered the necessary intelligence, the player must extract them from the mission area.
b. Exalt Base Assault
After gathering enough intelligence, the player can launch an assault on the Exalt base, effectively neutralizing the organization. The Exalt Base Assault is one of the most challenging missions in the game, as the player must navigate through a heavily fortified base, dealing with well-equipped Exalt soldiers and turrets. The mission requires careful planning and execution, as the player must balance offense and defense while ensuring that their soldiers do not become overwhelmed.
c. Impact on the Campaign
Exalt missions have a significant impact on the overall campaign. Exalt can sabotage XCOM’s operations, stealing resources and spreading panic across the globe. Successfully completing Exalt missions is crucial for maintaining the player’s strategic position, as failure to deal with Exalt can have long-lasting consequences for the campaign.
7. Abductions and Terror Missions
Abductions and Terror missions are some of the most iconic in the “XCOM” series. These missions are designed to test the player’s ability to manage multiple threats simultaneously, as they often involve high stakes and significant risks.
a. Abduction Missions
Abduction missions occur when the aliens launch simultaneous attacks on multiple locations around the world. The player can only respond to one of these attacks, meaning that they must choose which location to defend. The choice is often difficult, as the player must weigh the potential rewards of each mission against the strategic importance of the location. Abduction missions are challenging because they force the player to make tough decisions with limited information, and the consequences of these decisions can have a lasting impact on the campaign.
b. Terror Missions
Terror missions are some of the most intense and challenging in the game. In these missions, the player must respond to an alien attack on a civilian population center. The primary objective is to eliminate the alien threat while minimizing civilian casualties. The challenge in these missions comes from the need to protect civilians while dealing with waves of enemies, including some of the most dangerous alien types in the game, such as Chryssalids and Cyberdiscs.
The map design in Terror missions is often claustrophobic, with narrow streets and buildings that can easily become death traps. The player must navigate these environments carefully, using cover and positioning to their advantage. The stakes are high in these missions, as failure to protect civilians can result in increased panic across the globe, potentially leading to the loss of entire countries from the XCOM project.
c. Impact on Campaign
The outcome of Abduction and Terror missions has a significant impact on the overall campaign. Successfully completing these missions can result in valuable rewards, including new soldiers, resources, and reduced panic levels. However, failure can have dire consequences, including increased panic, the loss of funding, and the loss of entire regions to the alien threat. The pressure to perform well in these missions adds to the overall tension of the game, making each decision feel weighty and consequential.
8. Optional Side Quests
In addition to the main story and critical missions, “XCOM: Enemy Within” features a variety of optional side quests that players can undertake to gain additional resources, experience, and strategic advantages. These missions often involve unique scenarios and challenges that can help players better prepare for the more difficult encounters later in the game.
a. UFO Crash Sites
One of the most common side quests involves responding to UFO crash sites. When the player successfully shoots down a UFO with their interceptors, they can send a squad to secure the crash site. These missions typically involve clearing out the remaining alien forces and recovering valuable alien technology and resources. The layout of crash site missions varies depending on the type of UFO and its location, with some offering more challenging terrain and enemy compositions than others.
UFO crash site missions are crucial for maintaining a steady supply of resources, including Elerium, Alien Alloys, and weapon fragments, all of which are essential for research and manufacturing advanced equipment. Additionally, these missions provide an opportunity to capture live aliens, which can be interrogated to gain valuable intelligence and unlock new research options.
b. UFO Landings
Similar to crash site missions, UFO landings occur when a UFO lands to conduct operations on Earth. Unlike crash sites, where the aliens are already weakened, UFO landings feature fully operational alien crews, making them more challenging. These missions often involve larger UFOs with more dangerous alien types, including Sectopods and Ethereals.
The rewards for completing UFO landing missions are substantial, as players can recover intact UFO components and valuable resources. However, the increased difficulty of these missions means that players must approach them with caution, ensuring that their squad is well-equipped and prepared for a tough fight.
c. Covert Extraction
Another type of side quest involves covert extraction missions, where the player must extract an operative who has completed a covert operation against Exalt. These missions are similar to VIP escort missions but are complicated by the fact that the operative is often isolated and under constant threat from Exalt forces. The player must carefully maneuver their squad to reach the operative and extract them safely, all while dealing with waves of enemy reinforcements.
Covert extraction missions are critical for disrupting Exalt’s operations and gathering intelligence on their activities. Successfully completing these missions can significantly weaken Exalt and prevent them from sabotaging XCOM’s efforts.
d. Defend the Base
A unique and particularly challenging optional mission is the base defense mission, which occurs when the aliens launch a direct assault on the XCOM headquarters. This mission is a true test of the player’s strategic and tactical skills, as they must defend the base using whatever soldiers and resources are available at the time.
The base defense mission is notable for its high stakes, as failure can result in the permanent loss of key personnel and resources. The mission is also unique in that it takes place within the XCOM base itself, with the player having to defend critical facilities and personnel from waves of attacking aliens. The tension in this mission is palpable, as the player must make quick decisions and adapt to an ever-changing battlefield.
9. The Impact of Quests on Gameplay
The various quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within” serve to enrich the overall gameplay experience, providing players with a wide range of challenges and opportunities to test their skills. Each type of quest offers its own unique set of objectives and rewards, requiring players to adapt their strategies and tactics accordingly.
a. Strategic Layer
On the strategic layer, quests are crucial for maintaining the balance between managing the global panic level, securing resources, and advancing the story. The player must carefully choose which missions to prioritize, as each decision can have long-term consequences for the campaign. For example, choosing to respond to a terror mission over an abduction mission might save lives and reduce panic, but it could also mean losing access to valuable resources that could be gained from the abduction mission.
The strategic layer also involves managing the XCOM base, where the player must allocate resources to research, engineering, and soldier training. Quests often provide the resources needed to fund these activities, making them an essential part of the player’s overall strategy. The choice of which quests to undertake can significantly impact the player’s ability to research new technologies, build advanced equipment, and train soldiers to become more effective in combat.
b. Tactical Layer
On the tactical layer, quests offer a variety of combat scenarios that test the player’s ability to adapt to different environments and enemy types. Each quest requires a different approach, whether it’s securing a Meld canister before it self-destructs, rescuing civilians in a terror mission, or infiltrating an Exalt base. The variety of quests ensures that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging, with each mission presenting new challenges and opportunities for strategic thinking.
The tactical decisions made during quests can have a lasting impact on the player’s campaign. For example, successfully capturing an alien commander during a UFO mission can lead to valuable intelligence that unlocks new research options. On the other hand, losing a veteran soldier during a difficult mission can weaken the player’s overall squad and make future missions more challenging.
10. Narrative and Atmosphere
One of the strengths of “XCOM: Enemy Within” is its ability to create a compelling narrative and atmosphere through its quests. Each mission contributes to the overall story of humanity’s struggle against the alien invaders, with the player’s decisions and actions shaping the outcome of the campaign.
a. Operation Progeny and Slingshot
The Operation Progeny and Slingshot missions are prime examples of how quests can enhance the game’s narrative. These missions introduce new characters, such as the psychic teenagers in Operation Progeny and the Triad operative Zhang in Slingshot, who add depth to the story and provide additional context for the player’s actions. The narrative threads woven through these missions help to create a more immersive and engaging experience, as players become invested in the outcome of these storylines.
b. The Role of Exalt
The introduction of Exalt adds a new layer of intrigue and complexity to the game’s narrative. As a human faction that seeks to exploit alien technology for its own gain, Exalt represents a different kind of threat compared to the alien invaders. The player’s interactions with Exalt, including the covert operations and base assault missions, add depth to the story and create a sense of urgency as the player races to stop Exalt’s plans.
The presence of Exalt also raises interesting moral and ethical questions, as the player must confront the idea that not all of humanity is united against the alien threat. This adds a layer of complexity to the game’s narrative, making it more than just a straightforward battle between humans and aliens.
c. Atmosphere and Tension
The atmosphere of “XCOM: Enemy Within” is one of constant tension and uncertainty, and the quests play a significant role in creating this atmosphere. Whether it’s the ticking clock of a bomb disposal mission, the relentless waves of enemies in a terror mission, or the high-stakes drama of a base defense, the quests are designed to keep the player on edge, never quite sure what will happen next.
The game’s visual and audio design also contribute to the atmosphere, with dark, foreboding environments, eerie alien sounds, and a tense musical score that heightens the sense of danger. The combination of these elements creates an immersive experience that keeps players engaged and invested in the outcome of each mission.
11. Replayability and Variety
One of the key strengths of “XCOM: Enemy Within” is its replayability, and the variety of quests is a major factor in this. The procedural generation of maps and the randomization of enemy placements ensure that no two missions are exactly the same, even when replaying the same type of quest. This variety keeps the game fresh and encourages players to experiment with different strategies and tactics.
a. Random Events and Mission Variety
The random events that trigger different quests, such as UFO sightings, abduction reports, and Exalt activities, add to the game’s replayability. The player never knows exactly when or where these events will occur, which keeps them on their toes and requires them to adapt their strategies on the fly. The variety of mission types, from story-driven operations to time-sensitive council missions, ensures that players are constantly facing new challenges.
b. Difficulty Levels and Ironman Mode
The game’s multiple difficulty levels, ranging from Easy to Impossible, allow players to tailor the challenge to their skill level. For those seeking the ultimate test, Ironman mode disables the ability to reload saves, meaning that every decision is permanent and every loss is felt deeply. This mode adds an extra layer of tension and makes the outcome of each quest even more impactful.
Ironman mode, in particular, highlights the importance of the quests, as the player’s decisions and performance in each mission directly affect the overall campaign. The permanent consequences of failure make each quest feel more significant, as even a single mistake can have far-reaching implications for the rest of the game.
12. Conclusion
“XCOM: Enemy Within” is a masterclass in strategic game design, and its quests are a central component of what makes the game so engaging and memorable. From the high-stakes drama of story missions like Operation Progeny and Slingshot to the tense, tactical challenges of Meld Retrievals and Exalt Operations, each quest offers a unique experience that tests the player’s skills and decision-making abilities.
The variety of quests, coupled with the game’s procedural generation and random events, ensures that “XCOM: Enemy Within” remains fresh and replayable, even after multiple playthroughs. The narrative and atmosphere created by the quests draw players into the world of XCOM, making them feel like they are truly part of humanity’s last line of defense against an overwhelming alien threat.
In the ongoing struggle to save Earth, every mission, every quest, and every decision carries weight, shaping the story and the player’s experience in profound ways. The sense of accomplishment after a successful mission, the relief of rescuing civilians in a terror mission, or the tension of defending the XCOM base from an alien onslaught—all these moments are heightened by the careful design of the quests and the strategic depth they bring to the game.
Beyond the immediate gameplay impact, the quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within” also contribute to the overall longevity and appeal of the game. With a wide array of missions that can play out differently each time, the game offers players numerous ways to experience the story and challenge themselves. The replayability is further enhanced by the different difficulty settings and the inclusion of Ironman mode, which tests even the most seasoned players with its unforgiving, no-reload policy.
Moreover, the quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within” do more than just provide challenges—they help build a world that feels dynamic and alive. The interactions with Exalt, the constant threat of alien attacks, and the ever-present need to manage global panic create a rich narrative tapestry that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The story is not just something that happens in cutscenes; it unfolds through the missions, with the player at the center of the action.
In conclusion, the quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within” are an integral part of what makes the game a standout in the strategy genre. They are thoughtfully designed, offering a blend of narrative depth, strategic challenge, and variety that keeps players coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of turn-based tactics or just love a good story of humanity’s fight for survival, the quests in “XCOM: Enemy Within” offer a compelling, rewarding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.