Should You Play XCOM: Enemy Within First?
XCOM: Enemy Within is a highly acclaimed expansion pack for the popular turn-based strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown. But, before diving into the game, you may be wondering if you should play Enemy Within first or start with the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing Enemy Within first and help you make an informed decision.
The Story and Gameplay of Enemy Within
Enemy Within is a standalone expansion pack that continues the story of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The game takes place after the events of Enemy Unknown and introduces new features, characters, and gameplay mechanics. The story is well-written and engaging, with a strong focus on character development and storytelling. The gameplay is similar to Enemy Unknown, with turn-based combat and strategic decisions to make.
Why Play Enemy Within First?
Here are some reasons why you might want to play Enemy Within first:
- New Story and Characters: Enemy Within introduces a new story with new characters, which can be exciting for fans of the series.
- Improved Graphics and Sound: Enemy Within has improved graphics and sound compared to Enemy Unknown, making it a more immersive experience.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: Enemy Within introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the MEC Trooper and the psi abilities, which can add variety to the gameplay.
- No Need to Play Enemy Unknown: Since Enemy Within is a standalone expansion, you don’t need to play Enemy Unknown to understand the story or gameplay.
Why Not Play Enemy Within First?
Here are some reasons why you might want to play Enemy Unknown first:
- Better Understanding of the World: Playing Enemy Unknown first can give you a better understanding of the world and the story, which can make Enemy Within more enjoyable.
- More Strategic Options: Enemy Unknown has more strategic options and challenges than Enemy Within, which can make the game more engaging.
- Classic XCOM Experience: Enemy Unknown is a classic XCOM game, and playing it first can give you a sense of nostalgia and familiarity with the series.
The Verdict
Ultimately, whether you play Enemy Within first or Enemy Unknown first is up to you. If you’re new to the series, playing Enemy Unknown first can give you a better understanding of the world and the story. If you’re looking for a new and exciting experience, playing Enemy Within first can be a great option. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
| Play Enemy Within First | Play Enemy Unknown First |
|---|---|
| New story and characters | Better understanding of the world |
| Improved graphics and sound | More strategic options |
| New gameplay mechanics | Classic XCOM experience |
| No need to play Enemy Unknown |
Conclusion
XCOM: Enemy Within is a great expansion pack that offers a new and exciting experience for fans of the series. Whether you play it first or play Enemy Unknown first, you’ll be in for a treat. With its engaging story, improved graphics and sound, and new gameplay mechanics, Enemy Within is a must-play for fans of the series.