XCOM 2 is a gem of a strategy game as developers Firaxis really know how to up the ante when it comes to risk and reward gameplay. War of the Chosen, the upcoming expansion for the sequel, embodies this right from the get go. In a new walkthrough of the expansion’s opening moments, you get to see your ragtag group of XCOM insurgents battle seemingly endless waves of new foes, turning the entire mission into one big moving fire-fight.
The gist of War of the Chosen is in getting your enemies to work together. Here you’ll be escorting representatives from the Reapers and Skirmishers – two rival factions hailing from the more desolate parts of the world, who you need to have kiss and make up so that you’ll have a fighting chance against the Advent. The Reapers are long-range specialists, while the Skirmishers (made of up of some former Advent operatives) like doing things loud and up close. Understanding how to work with each of these skill-sets will be paramount to your success.
The expansion also introduces some new enemies, who fall on different sides of the spectrum. The Lost are a mindless horde that will be attracted to the sounds of conflict and quickly overrun you if you choose to move on and not to engage them. The Chosen – the primary foes in the expansion – can take on many forms. Here you’re introduced to the Assassin, an incredibly stealthy and strong enemy that will try and take down your team and kidnap them for interrogation. So it’s up to you to both keep her at bay and to ensure that everyone makes it back home alive.
There’s a real emphasis on movement in the gameplay above, with slow and steady progression balanced with meaningful engagements and a clever rationing of ammo. A new headshot mechanic allows you to chain together kills as long as you keep popping Lost heads, but not keeping an eye on your magazine could leave your troop in a precarious position. It’s all par for the course with XCOM 2, and you can look forward to War of the Chosen next month.
Last Updated: July 13, 2017
RinceThis
July 13, 2017 at 15:39
Just bought the game on Steam!
For the Emperor!
September 6, 2017 at 08:59
Things to note when the review finally comes out:
1 – It seems to basically double your install size, as it allows you to play XCom 2 as well as War of the Chosen separately.
2 – It seems to me as though everything loads massively faster! I might need to check my settings, but I hardly wait between launching and starting the missions – just the normal mandatory “cut scene” like stuff
3 – Small irritation – when I upgrade armour, it seems my pre-set guys suddenly wear the stupid Anarchist sets. This was so in the original as well, but is irritating none the less when you have a character pool of friends perfectly clothed.
4 – Critical Hit doesn’t have a review out yet 😛
For the Emperor!
September 6, 2017 at 09:12
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