Send ET home (in a box).

With the game coming out in 2012 having issues on later windows, it's unacceptable. There shouldn't be any problems playing this game on later versions of Windows. Sadly there are issues. You wouldn't want to buy a game in 2026, install it, play it, play a mission or two, save & quit, and come back to your save file only for the game to freeze and stop working. That gives off a bad reputation on the game. Or you're forced to buy XCOM2.

I shouldn't have to say this but, if you notice the game freezing, I recommend a refund. I don't recommend the game. I highly recommend buying XCOM 2. I can't tell you an positive things because I haven't beaten the game due to the issues.

Initial Thoughts:
I just finished XCOM Enemy Unknown, and it is a fun but unforgiving turn based strategy game. This is not a casual experience, and it does not try to be. You will fail, you will reload saves, and you will occasionally sit there staring at the screen questioning your decisions. Despite that, the game can be extremely rewarding if you enjoy strategy games that demand patience, planning, and accountability.

Story:
The story is exactly what you would expect from this game; that’s neither a good or bad thing. Aliens invade Earth, and you are tasked with leading a global defense initiative (XCOM). The narrative is really straightforward, not much to say here.

Characters:
One of the strongest aspects of XCOM Enemy Unknown is how attached you become to your soldiers. These are not just random troops on the map. You recruit them, name them, customize them, and specialize them into distinct roles. When one of your soldiers dies, that loss is permanent. It’s really frustrating and it hurts, especially when it is someone you have invested time into. This permadeath system adds real tension and makes every mission feel meaningful. There’s nothing worse than losing one of your colonels to something stupid.

Gameplay & Mechanics:
The turn-based combat is the core of the experience and it does what it’s supposed to do. Positioning, cover, line of sight, and unit roles all matter. Unit roles within your squad plays a big role in your success, although it can be tricky since you do not get a full map layout before deploying. Because of that, loadouts often involve educated guesses. Thankfully, once you find a setup that works, it can usually handle most situations. I personally ran two heavies, two assaults, one support, and one sniper, and that setup worked well for me throughout the game.
Your progression is handled through research, upgrades, and abilities, and it genuinely feels like you are adapting alien technology to fight back. Unlocking new gear and abilities is satisfying and makes it feel like you’re making the Aliens regret their decision to invade Earth.
The RNG can be frustrating. Missing shots with high hit chances never stops being annoying, and there are 100% moments where the game is actively working against you. That said, the game is also honest about player responsibility. Poor positioning, overextending, and risky decisions are often the real reason things go wrong. XCOM is punishing, but it is usually fair.

Base Management:
Between missions, you manage your base where you build facilities, conduct research, and launch satellites. This makes the global defense effort feel important. Decisions around upgrades and satellite coverage have real consequences, I really liked this part of the game.

Graphics:
The graphics are decent for the time it was released. The art style is clean and readable, which works well for a strategy game. It may not look amazing by today’s standards, but it does what it needs to do without issues.

Mission Variety:
Missions are repetitive. The overall loop is rinse and repeat, but the core gameplay is strong enough that it stays fun. The repetition feels like part of the design rather than a major flaw.

Final Thoughts:
XCOM Enemy Unknown is a solid turn-based strategy game that rewards careful planning and patience. While the RNG and mission repetition can be frustrating, the combat, progression systems, base management, and permadeath mechanics keep it engaging. It is not perfect, but it is a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

Score: 7.5 out of 10