Should I Start with Enemy Within or Enemy Unknown?
XCOM is a popular turn-based strategy game that has gained a significant following worldwide. The game has two main versions: Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within. Many players are confused about which one to start with, especially if they are new to the series. In this article, we will help you decide whether to start with Enemy Within or Enemy Unknown.
Why Play Enemy Unknown First?
Enemy Unknown is the original game in the XCOM series, and it is considered a classic. Playing it first will give you a solid understanding of the game mechanics, characters, and storyline. Here are some reasons why you should start with Enemy Unknown:
- Familiarity with the series: Enemy Unknown is the foundation of the XCOM series, and playing it first will help you understand the game’s mechanics, characters, and storyline.
- Better appreciation for Enemy Within: If you play Enemy Within first, you might not appreciate the new features and gameplay mechanics as much. Playing Enemy Unknown first will give you a better understanding of the game’s core mechanics, making the new features in Enemy Within more enjoyable.
- More challenging gameplay: Enemy Unknown is considered a more challenging game than Enemy Within, especially for new players. Playing it first will help you develop your skills and strategies, making you a better player overall.
Why Play Enemy Within First?
Enemy Within is an expansion pack for Enemy Unknown, and it adds new features, gameplay mechanics, and storylines to the game. Here are some reasons why you should start with Enemy Within:
- New features and gameplay mechanics: Enemy Within introduces new features, such as the Skirmisher, the Chosen, and the Seeker, which can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the game’s mechanics.
- Streamlined gameplay: Enemy Within has a more streamlined gameplay experience, with fewer micro-management tasks and more focus on combat and strategy.
- More accessible: Enemy Within is considered a more accessible game than Enemy Unknown, with a more gentle learning curve and fewer challenging missions.
Comparison of Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within
Here is a comparison of Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within:
| Feature | Enemy Unknown | Enemy Within |
|---|---|---|
| Storyline | Original storyline | Continues the storyline of Enemy Unknown |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Classic gameplay mechanics | New features and gameplay mechanics |
| Difficulty | More challenging | Less challenging |
| Micro-management | More micro-management tasks | Fewer micro-management tasks |
| Learning Curve | Steeper learning curve | Gentler learning curve |
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether to start with Enemy Within or Enemy Unknown depends on your personal preferences and gaming experience. If you’re new to the series, we recommend starting with Enemy Unknown to get a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics and storyline. If you’re looking for a more streamlined gameplay experience with new features and gameplay mechanics, Enemy Within might be the better choice.
Recommendation
Here is a recommended order to play the games:
- Enemy Unknown: Play the original game to get a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics, characters, and storyline.
- Enemy Within: Play the expansion pack to experience new features, gameplay mechanics, and storylines.
By following this order, you’ll get the most out of your XCOM experience and enjoy the game’s story and gameplay to the fullest.