Should I Play XCOM in Order?
XCOM is a popular strategy game franchise known for its intense tactical combat and addictive gameplay. The series has gained a dedicated fan base, and players often wonder if it’s necessary to play the games in order. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of playing the XCOM series in order, and help you decide which approach is best for you.
Direct Answer
To directly answer the question, no, you don’t necessarily need to play the XCOM games in order to enjoy them. However, playing the series in sequence can enhance your experience, especially if you’re interested in the storyline and characters. We’ll explore this further in the article.
The Games in Order
The XCOM series currently consists of three main games: XCOM, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and XCOM 2. Each game has its own unique story, setting, and gameplay mechanics.
- XCOM: The original XCOM is a classic turn-based strategy game released in 1994. It’s no longer widely available, but it’s still considered an iconic game in the genre.
- XCOM: Enemy Unknown: This game is a reboot of the original, released in 2012. It updates the graphics and gameplay, while maintaining the same tactical combat and strategy.
- XCOM 2: The sequel to Enemy Unknown, released in 2016, continues the story of the previous game, with new gameplay mechanics, characters, and a unique setting.
Playing Out of Order
If you’re new to the series, you might wonder if it’s okay to jump into XCOM 2 without playing the previous games. The good news is that XCOM 2 is designed to be enjoyable as a standalone game. The story is relatively self-contained, and the game provides a comprehensive tutorial to help you learn the ropes.
However, playing the games out of order may mean missing out on the following:
- Storyline continuity: XCOM 2’s story is a direct continuation of Enemy Unknown’s story. Skipping the previous game might make it harder to understand the context and character relationships.
- Gameplay changes: Each game introduces new mechanics, which might feel overwhelming if you’re playing out of order. Starting with XCOM 2 might mean learning a whole new set of rules, which could detract from your experience.
Pro and Cons of Playing in Order
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of playing the XCOM series in order:
Pros:
• Storyline continuity: Playing the games in order allows you to follow the story and characters from one game to the next, which can enhance your experience.
• Familiarity with gameplay mechanics: Starting with the original game and working your way through the series allows you to learn the gameplay mechanics and strategies gradually, which can make the later games more enjoyable.
• More context for character relationships: Playing the games in order provides more context for character relationships and backstory, which can make the story more engaging.
Cons:
• Older games may be less enjoyable: The older games might feel dated, with more limited graphics and gameplay compared to the newer titles.
• Some players might find the older games too challenging: The original game and Enemy Unknown can be quite challenging, which might be a turn-off for some players.
• Limited availability: The original XCOM game is no longer widely available, which means you might need to dig deep to find a way to play it.
Conclusion
While it’s not necessary to play the XCOM series in order, doing so can enhance your experience by providing a more cohesive storyline, greater familiarity with gameplay mechanics, and more context for character relationships. However, the games are designed to be enjoyable as standalone titles, and you can still have a great time playing out of order.
Ultimately, the decision to play XCOM in order or out of order depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a game. If you’re a fan of the series and want to experience the games in the correct order, then playing from start to finish is the way to go. But if you’re new to the series or prefer a more immediate experience, jumping into XCOM 2 might be a better option.
References:
Tables:
| Game | Release Year | Storyline Continuity |
|---|---|---|
| XCOM | 1994 | No |
| XCOM: Enemy Unknown | 2012 | Yes |
| XCOM 2 | 2016 | Yes |
Bullets List:
• Pros of playing in order:
- Storyline continuity
- Familiarity with gameplay mechanics
- More context for character relationships
• Cons of playing in order: - Older games may be less enjoyable
- Some players might find the older games too challenging
- Limited availability