XCOM stands out among many games due to its distinctive approach, combining a top-down role-playing game (CRPG) viewpoint with an emphasis on nerve-wracking confrontations rather than intricate world development and elaborate mechanics.
The outcome is a set of games that possess a unique personality and genre distinctiveness all their own. It’s challenging to replicate the peaks the series offers, but there are several games that come remarkably close to capturing that same sense of exhilaration.
The type of games we’re interested in centers around strategic, action-packed battles. These games require careful placement of your team before engaging the enemy for tactical advantages, and they may also include a permanent death (permadeath) option for characters if the player decides to opt-in.
10. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Marvel Presents XCOM
It may seem unusual to find strategy gameplay similar to XCOM in a Marvel game, but since Marvel’s Midnight Suns is developed by Firaxis (who are known for their work on XCOM), it’s clear that the developers have a solid understanding of how to bring this kind of gameplay to life.
In this game, the fights feel remarkably like those you’ve encountered before. While it doesn’t follow the conventional XCOM-style combat but instead uses a card system, the battlefields are strikingly similar, as is the focus on character placement and the turn-based structure of the battles.
At midnight, Suns introduces a social aspect into the standard XCOM structure, providing ample opportunity for you to become acquainted with numerous well-known Marvel characters along the way.
For those new to this genre of games, the interactions in Marvel’s Midnight Suns might be shorter compared to many XCOM experiences, offering a more accessible starting point.
9. Wasteland 3
Strategy At The End of The World
Initially, when I embarked on my Wasteland 3 adventure, I had no clue what lay ahead. Straight off the bat, I found myself immersed in rich role-playing mechanics, excellent storytelling, and battle sequences reminiscent of XCOM – an unexpected surprise!
If you’ve ever yearned for XCOM to offer a captivating environment to delve into, along with rich RPG elements and customization options, then Wasteland 3 could very well be the realization of that dream.
In this game, you have the freedom to tailor your team as you prefer. You can decide which factions to align with or confront, immersing yourself in an exceptionally distinctive, post-apocalyptic setting. This world is clear about its purpose and executes it flawlessly.
The battle focuses on utilizing cover and managing resources wisely for success. If you’re game for an extra challenge, activate the permadeth mode to test your mettle in the harsh, potentially apocalyptic wilderness. One mistake could lead to the demise of a cherished party companion.
In this battle, it’s essential to make strategic use of cover and resources for victory. If you’re feeling adventurous, engage permadeth mode and navigate through the treacherous landscape at the edge of the world, where one misstep might lead to the loss of a dear party member.
8. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader
Guns Blazing in the Dead of Space
As a dedicated gamer, I must say that diving into Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader feels like stepping back in time to the golden age of Computer Role-Playing Games (CRPG). It’s reminiscent of the late ’90s boom era, with its rich narrative and profound gameplay depth.
In addition to everything else, you can expect combat reminiscent of XCOM, where strategic positioning behind cover is crucial in each fight, and there’s an element of unpredictability as you attempt to hit your targets.
The factors such as an opponent’s range, your character’s role, and the type of weapon you’re using all significantly impact the outcomes during battle, and the hidden die rolls that occur while you aim are just as nerve-wracking as they are in XCOM.
Beyond the battles, you’ll find a richly detailed role-playing game that immerses you in its deep lore, offers numerous side missions, features captivating characters, and delivers an exceptional gaming experience.
Or,
As well as engaging combat, this RPG is like diving into an ocean of history, side quests, compelling characters, and a truly enjoyable gameplay experience.
Both sentences convey the same meaning but use slightly different phrasing to make it sound fresh and interesting.
7. Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children
An Anime Flavored XCOM
If you’re seeking gameplay similar to XCOM but set in a new environment, I highly recommend giving Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children a try.
This game is structured remarkably like XCOM, primarily concentrating on mission-focused interactions. However, the unique elements within these missions are what truly sets this game apart.
As a fresh Troubleshooter, who serves as a modest crime-fighting figure, you embark on your journey. Equipped with an array of abilities at your disposal, the narrative unfolds with captivating anime-style scenes and dialogue exchanges. The whole experience is brimming with panache and allure.
The battle is astonishing, combining XCOM-inspired cover tactics with intricate character development that enables you to craft your very own anime superhero of dreams.
1) The narrative unfolds like a television series, making it appealing for anime enthusiasts, while the action sequences are designed to appeal to those who enjoy strategic combat reminiscent of XCOM.
2) In a TV show-style format, this story is presented, catering to anime fans, and the fighting scenes should quench the thirst for tactical battles similar to XCOM.
3) The tale is structured like a TV series, attracting anime lovers, while the combats are crafted to fulfill those seeking action as engaging as XCOM games.
4) This story is presented in a manner resembling a TV show, captivating anime fans, and the combat sequences aim to satisfy gamers who crave XCOM-like strategic battles.
6. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
Animal People in a Broken World
The game titled “Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden” is quite open about its sources of inspiration, with XCOM being the most prominent one.
The battle strategy employs clever use of concealment features and an innovative approach to covert action, transforming the XCOM blueprint for an enjoyable change of scenery.
In their absence, only the mutants survive, struggling to adapt and thrive in this bizarre, post-human existence.
As you progress, you’ll stumble upon fresh skills, meet potential team members, and participate in exhilarating battles where strategy and clever deployment of your characters will determine who emerges victorious.
5. Vanguard Bandits
Strategy Mechs
Speaking of old times, let’s reminisce about the year 1998. That’s when we had some great Strategy Role-Playing Games (SRPGs) for PlayStation 1. One game that stood out among them, though it might not have gotten enough recognition, was Vanguard Bandits.
In this game, you command a diverse group of knights and soldiers engaged in a civil conflict. Instead of traditional means, you manipulate these colossal mechas that respond to your mental commands.
In this battlefield, each round is taken in turns, requiring careful positioning of players at all times. If your strategy falters, the confrontations can quickly become challenging and tough.
Once you choose your moves, you’ll be rewarded with smooth animations that were quite impressive for their era, allowing you to watch the intricate dance of mechs depending on whether you opted for defense, offense, or a counter-attack.
In addition, there are unique skills at your disposal that can significantly shift the outcome of a fight. The action in this game shares similarities with how an XCOM mech battle might play out, and moving smoothly between missions maintains an engaging pace.
This lesser-known gem is well worth exploring, offering gameplay that dedicated XCOM enthusiasts would find irresistible.
4. King Arthur: Knight’s Tale
A Dark Take on King Arthur
In the game “King Arthur: Knight’s Tale“, the narrative deviates from traditional legends by casting you as Sir Mordred, the one who supposedly ended King Arthur’s life. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Arthur also inflicted a fatal wound on you both, resulting in your shared demise.
In this rephrased version: Arthur is brought back to life, becomes insane with power hunger, aiming to dominate the world. To stop him, Mordred is summoned back. This intriguing opening sets the stage for a timeless story, and the ensuing game unfolds accordingly.
In this game, battles unfold in a sequence where each player takes their turn one after the other. Positioning, finding cover, and strategizing several steps ahead are crucial because the challenges are tough. If you fail to consider various alternatives, you might find yourself struggling to keep up.
Additionally, it carries a level of maturity that aligns with the high-stakes and thematic elements found in XCOM games, and for those seeking the toughest challenge, permanent death is an option.
3. Capes
Superhero Tactics
Cape offers top-notch tactical combat experiences, immersing you in the shoes of a team of superheroes who are fighting to reclaim a city previously controlled by villains.
As a gamer, I find myself immersed in combat situations where my team and I square off against an array of adversaries across diverse settings. The challenge lies not just in defeating these foes, but also in strategizing and deciding the optimal course of action, transforming each skirmish into a captivating puzzle game.
Your power collection is vast, granting you the ability to transport between locations, conjure icy spikes, and an array of other stunning abilities, illuminating the screen with their effects.
The narrative unfolds in a delightful manner, carrying a playful vibe that effortlessly balances heavy situations, while the cast of characters is vibrant and dynamic, growing more complex as time passes.
It’s a different spin on the genre, but a relatively compact one that is definitely worth trying.
2. Darkest Dungeon
Pain in Game Form
On the surface, you might not see the XCOM similarity with Darkest Dungeon.
As you delve into gameplay, you’ll progressively create a stronghold and gather stronger characters, all while juggling their injuries, strategizing in intense and risky battles that come with permanent death built-in.
When you view it in that light, it is absolutely a game for fans of XCOM.
Instead of engaging in combat with cover, you’ll switch to a turn-based system, but the importance of positioning remains crucial. This time, however, it takes place on a 2D battlefield, and each strike or shot against enemies requires thoughtful planning to avoid causing harm to your cherished characters. If not, they might meet an unfortunate end.
XCOM has always been known for its intense gameplay, and after navigating the challenges of Darkest Dungeon, I must say that no other game has ever caused me as much tension as this one does. If you thrive on making critical decisions under pressure, then give XCOM a try; I assure you, it won’t disappoint.
1. Valkyria Chronicles
World War 2 With Anime on Top
The Valkyria Chronicles game series resembles XCOM in many ways, but with a distinct anime aesthetic. It centers around constructing and enhancing your team by recruiting new characters who possess unique skills. The gameplay is highly strategic, where one wrong move could lead to the permanent loss of a character.
The battle resembles that of XCOM, featuring firearms, strategic use of cover, diverse soldier classes, and a chance to miss your shots based on your position.
Engaging combat stretches out each time you encounter it, yet it never fails to captivate due to exceptional voice acting, intricate level designs, and an enthralling narrative that ties everything together effectively.
Four distinct games make up this series, and while each offers unique elements, the strategic combats consistently serve as a cornerstone, ensuring that fans of the genre receive a satisfying experience.
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2025-03-13 19:40