I played this game a bit over 10 years ago, and honestly it still holds its place as the best xcom game in my opinion. Like, XCOM EU is cool, but this is a very gritty and low-performance requirement game, I love it. It has a very extensive campaign and tons of ways to play.

If you ever wondered what X-COM: UFO Defense might look like if it were remade with modern polish but without losing its soul, Xenonauts is your answer. This game doesn’t hold your hand, doesn’t pad your ego, and doesn’t waste your time. It respects you — and punishes your mistakes. In the best way.

The strategic layer is deep and old-school in the most satisfying sense. You're managing a global defense network, building bases, intercepting UFOs, researching alien tech, and struggling to keep the world from falling into chaos. It’s tense, high-stakes, and incredibly rewarding when things go right — and absolutely devastating when they don’t.

The tactical combat is where Xenonauts shines. Turn-based, gritty, and unforgiving, every mission feels like a small war. Soldiers are vulnerable, line of sight matters, cover is your best friend, and a single wrong move can spiral into disaster. There's no cinematic fluff here — just tight, deliberate tactical gameplay that requires real thought. And when a plan comes together, it feels earned.

A huge part of the appeal is the atmosphere. The Cold War aesthetic gives the game a unique identity, and the grounded, almost militaristic tone makes the alien invasion feel unsettling and real. It's not a flashy game, but it nails the mood — grim, methodical, and desperate.

This isn’t a game for everyone. It doesn’t have the modern slickness of newer XCOM titles, and it doesn’t try to. But if you crave thoughtful, hardcore strategy where every decision counts — this is it. It’s hard, it’s fair, and it’s brilliantly designed for people who want to think several turns ahead.

Worth it.