Why XCOM 2 Stands Out as the Best Strategy Game I’ve Played

When it comes to gaming, I often find myself drawn to titles that offer a clear path rather than endless freedom. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of open-world adventures like Fallout, Grand Theft Auto, and Red Dead Redemption 2. However, if I were to pledge my allegiance to a particular gaming philosophy, it would be with those that favor a more structured and guided experience. Games where player freedom is somewhat reined in for the sake of a cohesive story and vision resonate with me. For example, I’ll choose the scripted intensity of the original Metal Gear Solid over the vast openness of Metal Gear Solid 5. Similarly, Half-Life’s tightly controlled corridors leave a more lasting impression than the vast expanse of No Man’s Sky.

Yet, advocating for this kind of game design brings us to an interesting challenge: at some point, a game has to allow player interaction and personal investment. There’s no blueprint for ‘perfect game design,’ but it seems the real art lies in striking a balance between guiding the player and allowing them enough room to imprint their mark. This is where XCOM 2 excels. Unlike many other strategic titles I’ve experienced this year, XCOM 2 brilliantly incorporates player input into its narrative, creating a dynamic dialogue between the game’s creators and those who play it.

Take, for example, the typical mission scenario in XCOM 2. You’re often racing against time—perhaps you have ten turns before the aliens set off a bomb, or you need to save a hostage, or rescue a ship in danger. While such constraints are the antithesis of the freedom found in open-world games or RPGs, where exploration is limitless, they do not stifle creativity.

While you don’t have the luxury to explore every nook and cranny of the map or engage every enemy at your leisure, there’s still plenty of room for strategic planning. Success hinges on how cleverly you employ your soldiers and orchestrate your tactics. This setup pulls you in, creating a palpable sense of urgency and purpose.

Though XCOM 2 might not boast an intricate storyline, nor characters brimming with dialogue and lore, the time-pressured missions speak volumes. They mirror the direness of humanity’s plight against the alien threat, both literally and metaphorically. The urgency isn’t just an element of gameplay but a reflection of the narrative stakes—under the looming alien invasion, every second counts.

Furthermore, these time constraints significantly amplify the weight of your decisions. The stakes—XCOM’s survival and, by extension, humanity’s—hang precipitously on each move you make. Firaxis, the mastermind behind the game, sets up certain boundaries, encouraging players to navigate within them. This results in a more intense, high-stakes environment that deeply engages players, making them feel that every decision holds tangible importance. Even within directed confines, what you choose to do in XCOM 2 truly impacts the game’s world, adding a layer of significance to your actions.