XCOM Enemy Within: X-COM Modernised

XCOM Enemy Within, a game by Firaxis, it is a re-imagining of the original X-COM UFO Defense and is the expansion of the game XCOM Enemy Unknown.

Include in this write up is the addition DLC content: Operation Slingshot.

Enemy Within, takes the base game, integrates and upgrades it with an additional faction, new weapons, gear, enemy units, missions, additional Second Wave options and a new resource that has functions in two new "upgrade paths".

Besides the various improvements and adjustments, it plays out similarly to the base game with few added interfaces which deal with the new content.

One of the biggest changes introduced by the expansion is the inclusion of the resource called "Meld" which is scattered randomly around the map in quantities of two canisters per map and expires after a set amount of turns. Having access to Meld is important if one wishes to fast track their research into the new systems it introduces and the hunt for meld canisters is a great addition as it speeds up the pace of the game as one has to take some risks if they want to secure it before losing out. It use is fundamental in the research and development of the two new upgrade paths that it introduces. 

The upgrade paths provided to the player after completing the relevant research is to use the substance in the application of altering the Human Genome to a more desirable state via mutations, which is based off the researched alien physiology and distilled into targeted mutations based off that research. This level of mutation is malleable is only really restricted by how much resources one is willing to invest to round out or enhance a soldier to be overall better in whatever they do via it.

The other option is to use it as a means to integrate the "melding" of flesh with machine, by undergoing a procedure to remove their natural limbs and implanting the necessary cybernetics. This procedure is done with the intent of allowing fluid and unobstructed control of a M.E.C Suit. This procedure although extreme does produce a powerful asset in the war against the Alien menace.

The new faction, EXALT, is a human-led well-funded shadow organisation that acts as XCOM adjacent that acts with the intent of making use of the chaos of the invasion to make a play at world domination, the tracking and elimination of the group requires a series of undercover and subsequent extraction missions to gather intel and uncover their primary location of the base.

This is done by taking the intel recovered and applying all the gathered intel into a generalised picture where one can narrow down their location and "strong arm" the offending nation to rescind their protection of the group and removed them as a threat to XCOM operations.

EXALT feels like it could have been expanded upon more, but what is there is enough for its intended purpose by adding chaos and variety. It acts as a decent foil to the methods employed by XCOM and helps to polarise and bring forth questions on transhumanism and far humans will go for power.

Based on their tech, they are intended as a early to mid-game threat that does add a bit of spice to the game as ignoring their presence leads to them  actively sabotaging the XCOM project in an attempt to undermined and hinder you.

The new alien threats are a nice addition as it adds some element to the combat by punishing reckless positioning with an unit able to go invisible and is capable of disabling a soldier which goes in hand with punishing reckless meld collection and the other adding bulk to the Sectoid arsenal with a M.E.C warrior of their own, who can receive a tangible boost from their brethren.

The new missions that were added are more in line with integrating elements from UFO Defense and playing homage to memorable aspects although it is disappointing that it is done as a once-off event. It is done with the modern XCOM spin, but still can see it is wearing the inspiration on their sleeves.

The gear and equipment upgrades are great additions and serve as a means to both counter the new enemies you will fight against, while also expanding upon and increasing the players choice in tactical engagements and fills an area that felt a bit lacking and brings it up to an acceptable level.

The only other story DLC content is Operation Slingshot, which is an early-game story spread over 3 different missions. It is more aimed as challenge content that includes a solid soldier addition and if one is able to complete it supplies the player a serious leg up in collecting some rare resources early. Expect to fight Mutons and Cyberdisks with possibly of using tier 1 gear. It is a challenge but does gives good rewards equal to the amount of effort that section of play demands. Besides the missions it also adds a few customisation options as well.

The Second Wave DLC also includes some addition options that are more gameplay focused and helps to spice up gameplay with more randomisation options, includes an option to enforce incompatibility with psionics and the meld mechanics and additional enemy modifiers to make the alien engagements more varied from base game.

On the sound, besides the new music, is the introduction of a soldier speaking their native language option, although it is limited to the addition of German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish or Russian it does add some flavour to the multi-cultural aspect of XCOM even though the language options could have been expanded some more. The new additions also stand out with EXALT seemingly able to jammed XCOM's attempt at deciphering what they say with gibberish and, for me, the general profile of M.E.C suits with their digitised voices and ponderous yet agile movement and abilities.

As an expansion on the base game content, Enemy Within delivers. What is added feels right at home in the game narrative with an added level of urgency in missions from the introduction of Meld which opens up fun and powerful options, which also brings questions on how far will humanity go to ensure survival. It makes the game feel like a complete package and I think that it is a worthwhile investment to any who enjoyed Enemy Unknown.

 Image Source:

 IGDB XCOM Enemy Within

Video Source:

Enemy Within "Security Breach" Trailer

Operation Slingshot Content Pack Trailer