Enemy Within a separate game?

Enemy Within: A Separate Game or Not?

XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion pack for the popular turn-based strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown, released in 2012. Since its launch, the game has gained immense popularity and received praise for its engaging gameplay and deep storyline. One common question that has sparked debates among gamers is whether XCOM: Enemy Within can be considered a separate game. In this article, we will delve into the nuances of Enemy Within, explore its differences and similarities with Enemy Unknown, and finally, answer the question whether it is a separate game or not.

Initial Release and Overview

Enemy Within was released on November 15, 2013, for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. This expansion pack builds upon the foundation of Enemy Unknown, introducing new gameplay mechanics, enemies, and plot elements. Enemy Within follows a similar storyline, but with significant additions and enhancements that set it apart from the original.

What Makes Enemy Within Unique

Compared to Enemy Unknown, Enemy Within brings forth some notable changes that have implications on gameplay and replay value. Some of these features include:

• New Enemy Types: Alien MECs, psionic enemies, and various mechanical units provide fresh challenges and require adapted strategies for overcoming them.
• MEC Soldier Classes: Five new soldier classes join the original five, increasing playability and character variety.
• Research Trees and Upgrades: Enlarge the XCOM roster’s capabilities by unlocking advanced tech and abilities through new research trees and upgrades.
• More Customization: Enemy Within offers deeper soldier customization, allowing for further specialization and flexibility in building the ultimate team.

These additions demonstrate a level of depth and complexity unseen in Enemy Unknown, contributing to the expansion’s separation from the original.

The Case for Enemy Within Being a Separate Game

Bearing in mind these substantial changes and additions, a strong argument can be made that Enemy Within functions as a standalone game within the XCOM series:

• Disjointed Campaign: Enemy Within boasts an independent campaign, requiring an understanding of the underlying mechanics and storyline from the first game.
• Sufficient Length: Enemy Within offers around 6-8 hours of fresh, challenging gameplay, extending the overall game time beyond that of Enemy Unknown’s core campaign.
• Comprehensive Update: With regards to new mechanics and elements, Enemy Within does a remarkable job of addressing existing criticisms, ensuring it operates as a well-refined and enjoyable game within the XCOM franchise.

While Enemy Within may draw parallels with Enemy Unknown, the sheer quantity and depth of its enhancements and features position it as a worthy stand-alone title.

What the Developer Has Said

Firaxis Games, the developers of Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within, has explicitly acknowledged the changes brought forth by the expansion, stating: "XCOM: Enemy Within builds upon the original in several ways, offering more diversity in combat, enhanced difficulty, and new reasons to play the game in ways you might not have with the original." Their words lend credibility to the notion that Enemy Within indeed operates as a unique gaming experience within the series.

Conclusion

To conclude, based on its novel gameplay mechanics, self-contained campaign, and adequate playtime, it can be argued that XCOM: Enemy Within functions as a separate game within the XCOM series. With these enhancements and features, Firaxis Games has elevated the game beyond a simple expansion pack, providing gamers with a new, distinctive gaming experience. While rooted in the foundation of Enemy Unknown, Enemy Within excels as a standalone product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Enemy Within require me to have played Enemy Unknown?

A: No, it’s not necessary to have played Enemy Unknown to start with Enemy Within. While an understanding of the basics would be helpful, you can still jump into Enemy Within and learn as you play.

Q: Are the new mechanics and enemy types in Enemy Within the final form?

A: Yes, the release version of Enemy Within already contains all the new content and features intended for the game.

Q: Does Enemy Within offer more content or replay value compared to Enemy Unknown?

A: Yes, Enemy Within builds upon the core gameplay, incorporating new research trees, soldiers, and missions to prolong playtime and diversify gameplay experiences.

For your convenience, a side-by-side comparison table showcases key differences and enhancements introduced by Enemy Within.