Should I Start with Enemy Unknown or Enemy Within?
XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM: Enemy Within are two critically acclaimed games in the XCOM series, and choosing which one to start with can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between the two games, and help you decide which one to start with.
A Brief Overview of Both Games
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game that takes place in the near future. Players take on the role of the commander of an elite team of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion. The game features a strong focus on resource management, squad customization, and base building.
XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion pack for Enemy Unknown, and it adds new gameplay mechanics, enemies, and missions to the original game. It also introduces a new storyline and characters to the game.
Key Differences Between the Two Games
Here are some key differences between Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within:
| Feature | Enemy Unknown | Enemy Within |
|---|---|---|
| Storyline | Main storyline | New storyline that continues from Enemy Unknown |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Basic mechanics of base building, resource management, and squad customization | Adds new mechanics such as genetic engineering, MECs, and psi powers |
| Enemies | Basic alien types | New alien types and a new final boss |
| Difficulty | Single difficulty setting | Adds two new difficulty settings: Classic and Impossible |
Should I Start with Enemy Unknown or Enemy Within?
If you’re new to the XCOM series, we recommend starting with Enemy Unknown. Here’s why:
- Newcomer-friendly: Enemy Unknown is a great introduction to the XCOM series and its gameplay mechanics. It’s a more accessible game that will help you understand the basics of base building, resource management, and squad customization.
- Strong foundation: Enemy Unknown sets the stage for the rest of the series. It introduces you to the world of XCOM and its characters, which makes it easier to jump into Enemy Within later on.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more challenging experience and are familiar with the series, Enemy Within is a great choice:
- More challenging: Enemy Within adds new mechanics and enemies that make the game more challenging. It’s a great choice for players who want a more intense experience.
- Continues the story: Enemy Within continues the story from Enemy Unknown, so you’ll get to see the aftermath of the events of the first game.
Tips for Playing Both Games
Here are some tips to keep in mind when playing both games:
- Start with a solid base: In both games, it’s essential to start with a solid base that can support your troops and research.
- Choose your troops wisely: Pay attention to the abilities and strengths of each troop type and choose the right ones for the mission.
- Manage your resources: Resource management is crucial in both games. Make sure to allocate your resources wisely to achieve your goals.
- Experiment with new mechanics: In Enemy Within, don’t be afraid to experiment with new mechanics such as genetic engineering and MECs. They can be game-changers in the right situations.
Conclusion
Choosing which XCOM game to start with can be a difficult decision, but we hope this article has helped you make an informed choice. If you’re new to the series, start with Enemy Unknown to get a feel for the gameplay mechanics and storyline. If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, start with Enemy Within to take on new enemies and mechanics. Happy gaming!