Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Chaos Concept
- Publishers: Tri Synergy
UFO: Extraterrestrials (2007): A Deep Dive into the Spiritual Successor to X-COM: UFO Defense
Introduction
UFO: Extraterrestrials is a real-time strategy and turn-based tactics video game developed by Chaos Concept and published by 2K Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 2007 and is considered a spiritual successor to the highly acclaimed UFO: Enemy Unknown (retitled X-COM: UFO Defense in North America).
Story
The game takes place on a human-colonized planet named Esperanza, where the alien threat has just arrived. The player takes control of a group of human soldiers who must fight back against the alien invasion and defend their new home.
Gameplay
UFO: Extraterrestrials combines real-time strategy and turn-based tactics gameplay. The player controls a squad of soldiers in real-time, exploring the game world, engaging in combat with aliens, and completing objectives. When entering combat, the game switches to a turn-based mode, where the player can control each soldier individually and issue commands such as moving, shooting, and using special abilities.
The game features a variety of different soldier classes, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must carefully manage their squad and use their abilities strategically in order to succeed in combat.
In addition to the main campaign, UFO: Extraterrestrials also features a number of side missions and challenges. These missions can be completed to earn rewards and experience points, which can be used to upgrade the player’s soldiers and equipment.
Setting
The game is set on the planet Esperanza, a human-colonized world that is under attack by an alien invasion. The player must explore the planet, uncovering the secrets of the alien threat and fighting back against their forces.
Characters
The player controls a squad of human soldiers, each with their own unique personality and backstory. The player must learn to manage their squad effectively and use their abilities strategically in order to succeed in combat.
Reception
UFO: Extraterrestrials received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, deep strategy, and engaging story. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and unforgiving.
Legacy
UFO: Extraterrestrials is considered a classic strategy game and is still enjoyed by many fans today. The game has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including UFO: Afterlight and UFO: Aftershock.
Conclusion
UFO: Extraterrestrials is a challenging and rewarding strategy game that offers a unique twist on the classic X-COM formula. The game’s deep gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Additional Information
- Developer: Chaos Concept
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Release Date: 2007
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Real-time strategy, turn-based tactics
- ESRB Rating: T for Teen
- Metacritic Score: 78/100
Tips for Playing UFO: Extraterrestrials
- Manage your resources carefully. The game’s resources are limited, so you need to use them wisely. Don’t spend all of your money on new equipment at the beginning of the game. Instead, save your money and upgrade your equipment as you need it.
- Use cover. Cover is essential for staying alive in UFO: Extraterrestrials. Always try to find cover before engaging in combat, and use it to your advantage.
- Flank your enemies. Flanking your enemies gives you a significant advantage in combat. Try to position your soldiers so that they can attack the enemy from multiple sides.
- Use special abilities. Each soldier class has its own unique special abilities. Learn how to use these abilities effectively, and they can give you a major advantage in combat.
- Don’t be afraid to retreat. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to retreat. Retreating can save your soldiers’ lives and give you a chance to regroup and plan your next move.
Review Score
8/10