XCOM: Enemy Unknown - online puzzles

Online puzzle XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a 2012 turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. The game is a "reimagined" version of the 1994 strategy game X-COM: UFO Defense (also known as UFO: Enemy Unknown) and a reboot of MicroProse's 1990s X-COM series. Set in an alternative version of the year 2015, the player controls an elite multinational paramilitary organization called XCOM during an alien invasion of Earth. The player commands troops in the field in a series of turn-based tactical missions; between missions, the player directs the research and development of technologies from recovered alien technology and captured prisoners, expands XCOM's base of operations, manages finances, and monitors and responds to alien activity.

Firaxis attempted to reboot the franchise in 2003, though it failed to materialize. Development of the game began in 2008, and lasted for four and a half years. Initially envisioned as an exact remake of the 1994 game, the team streamlined various gameplay mechanics and introduced improvements to modernize the franchise for a new audience. Development cycle was longer than other Firaxis games, as it was retooled several times during production. While development of the game was led by Jake Solomon, studio head Sid Meier provided input and assisted the team. Aliens from the original game return in Enemy Unknown, though Firaxis redesigned many of them. The game utilized procedural generation for enemy placement, though the maps in the game were handcrafted by the team. Michael McCann served as the game's composer.

Announced in January 2012, the game was released for Windows PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in October 2012. Handheld and mobile versions of the game were released subsequently. The game received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the game's turn-based combat, presentation, emergent gameplay, difficulty and replayability, though its multiplayer component was criticized. It was a commercial success for the publisher. The game was nominated for multiple year-end accolades, including Game of the Year, by several gaming publications. Firaxis released an expansion pack, XCOM: Enemy Within, in November 2013, and a sequel, XCOM 2, was released in 2016. The game was often credited for reinvigorating interest in the turn-based tactics genre in the 2010s.