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In my opinion, XCOM2 is a masterpiece in the turn-based strategy genre. The game revolves around the classic battle against malevolent, invasive aliens. The primary focus is on creating, upgrading, and equipping a squad of fighters for combat missions while prioritizing the construction and expansion of rooms within the "Avenger," an alien ship that serves as your base of operations. The missions, typical of turn-based games, require intelligent positioning and the effective use of each squad member's abilities.

Story

The story is not particularly deep and is kept relatively short, though it does follow a coherent thread. Depending on your taste, this might seem a bit lacking, but for me, it worked well as it left more room for the action. The narrative is partially woven into the missions, which adds a nice touch to the overall experience.

Combat

The battles are always fair and gain additional dynamism through random placements. While specific tactics generally prove effective, there are moments that demand creative solutions, which is a clear plus in my book. The difficulty level is highly customizable, and for those seeking a real challenge (like myself), the Ironman mode offers an intense and rewarding experience.

Progression

The progression system is extremely motivating, as you earn new equipment and upgrade your squad. There isn't a vast amount of gear, which some might see as a downside, but it was fine for me. The sense of growth and improvement keeps you engaged, although the limited variety of equipment might be a minor drawback for some players.

Atmosphere and Design

Both the design of the units and the environments are superbly executed. The atmosphere is incredibly well-crafted, immersing you deeply into the game and making each mission a thrilling experience. The detailed visuals, combined with the game's aesthetic, create a mood that keeps you engaged and excited to dive back into the action.

Gameplay and Technical Performance

The gameplay, stability, and controls are excellent, with almost no bugs to speak of. The core mechanics are solid, and the overall experience is smooth and enjoyable, which is a testament to the game's polish.

Replay Value

The replay value is average; while there is some potential for replaying, it can feel exhausted after a certain point—especially if you compare it to games like Civilization. However, the game offers enough content to keep you entertained for a good amount of time before this happens.

Classes and Character Bonding

The class selection in the base game is somewhat limited, but it improves significantly with the addition of the "War of the Chosen" expansion. Personally, I found the bond with my characters to be very strong, although this can vary from player to player. I also enjoyed the customization options (cosmetics), which added an extra layer of fun.

Conclusion

Overall, I would rate XCOM2 a solid 4.5 / 5. With the "War of the Chosen" expansion, it truly becomes a masterpiece, offering an even richer and more satisfying experience 5 / 5.
Have fun guys 8-)