Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
XCOM 2: Alien Hunters – A Detailed Review
Introduction
XCOM 2: Alien Hunters is a standalone expansion pack for the 2016 turn-based strategy game XCOM 2. The expansion introduces a new faction of aliens known as the Rulers, who are powerful and unique enemies that can only be defeated by a specialized squad of XCOM soldiers known as the Alien Hunters.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Alien Hunters is largely similar to the base game, but with some key additions and changes. The most significant addition is the new Ruler alien enemies. Rulers are powerful and unique enemies that can only be defeated by a specialized squad of XCOM soldiers known as the Alien Hunters. Each Ruler has its own unique abilities and weaknesses, and players must carefully plan their strategy in order to defeat them.
In addition to the new Rulers, Alien Hunters also introduces a new mission type known as the Alien Nest. Alien Nests are procedurally generated levels that are filled with enemies and traps. Players must carefully navigate these levels and defeat the enemies within in order to complete the mission.
Alien Hunters
The Alien Hunters squad is a specialized group of XCOM soldiers who are trained to hunt and kill the Rulers. Alien Hunters are equipped with unique weapons and abilities that make them more effective against the Rulers.
There are three different classes of Alien Hunters:
- Sharpshooters: Sharpshooters are long-range specialists who can deal massive damage to enemies from afar. They are also equipped with a unique ability called “Deadeye,” which allows them to ignore the cover bonuses of enemies.
- Infiltrators: Infiltrators are stealthy operatives who can move around the battlefield undetected. They are also equipped with a unique ability called “Concealment,” which allows them to become invisible to enemies.
- Templars: Templars are melee fighters who can deal devastating damage to enemies in close quarters. They are also equipped with a unique ability called “Parry,” which allows them to block incoming attacks.
Rulers
There are three different types of Rulers in Alien Hunters:
- Viper King: The Viper King is a powerful serpent-like alien that can constrict its victims and poison them. It is also immune to poison damage.
- Archon King: The Archon King is a heavily armored alien that can fire powerful energy blasts and summon other Archons to its aid. It is also immune to fire damage.
- Berserker Queen: The Berserker Queen is a savage alien that can deal massive damage in melee combat. It is also immune to melee damage.
Weapons and Equipment
Alien Hunters introduces a number of new weapons and equipment that can be used by the Alien Hunters squad. These include:
- Plasma Rifle: The Plasma Rifle is a powerful energy weapon that can deal massive damage to enemies. It is also effective against the Rulers’ armor.
- Serpent Gun: The Serpent Gun is a unique weapon that can fire a homing projectile that deals damage over time. It is effective against the Viper King’s constricting attacks.
- Arc Thrower: The Arc Thrower is a non-lethal weapon that can disable enemies. It is effective against the Archon King’s energy blasts.
- Flamethrower: The Flamethrower is a devastating weapon that can deal massive damage to enemies in close quarters. It is effective against the Berserker Queen’s melee attacks.
Conclusion
XCOM 2: Alien Hunters is a solid expansion pack that adds a number of new features and challenges to the base game. The new Rulers are powerful and unique enemies that require players to carefully plan their strategy in order to defeat them. The new Alien Hunters squad is a welcome addition to the game, and their unique weapons and abilities make them a formidable force against the Rulers. Overall, Alien Hunters is a worthwhile expansion pack for fans of XCOM 2.
Score: 8.5/10
Review Score
8.5/10
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