The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is a third-person tactical shooter released in August 2013 that challenges players to defend humanity against a hidden extraterrestrial threat. Set during the height of the Cold War, the game invites you to step into the role of Special Agent William Carter. As the leader of a top-secret government unit, your mission is to investigate mysterious attacks, command your squad, and ultimately survive, adapt, and overcome the enemy while concealing the truth from the public.

Story and Setting in The Bureau

The narrative takes place in 1962, with JFK as President and the nation gripped by Cold War fear. However, a far more insidious enemy than communism is threatening America. The Bureau, known only to a select few, operates in the shadows to combat an otherworldly invasion. The setting is a painstaking recreation of early '60s America, blending golden era Americana with sci-fi horror. Players explore small towns defined by soda-pop stands and homecoming parades, now juxtaposed against the grotesque reality of infected alien plague sufferers and mutilated livestock. This top-notch world-building, down to the omnipresent cigarettes and unironic fedoras, creates a sense of outrage at the perversion of quaint communities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Tactical Combat

As a shooter, The Bureau focuses on tactical engagement and squad coordination. You command two other agents alongside Agent Carter, directing them through firefights and exploration. Combat revolves around a system where positioning and timing are crucial. A key mechanic is Battle Focus, which slows time to allow you to coordinate movement and special attacks for your team. This ability lets you force enemies out of cover and into crossfire, turning chaotic encounters into calculated tactical engagements. The gameplay emphasizes the struggle to protect citizens while managing the grim realities of an alien plague.

Platform Availability

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is available on Xbox One and Xbox 360. Players accessing the title via Games on Demand will find support for multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish. The game offers a comprehensive experience of the early years of the XCOM organization, allowing fans to explore the origins of the covert war before the events of later entries in the franchise.

Notable Features

  • Immersive 1960s Atmosphere: Experience a detailed recreation of early '60s America, featuring period-accurate cultural markers like soda fountains, homecoming parades, and the pervasive tension of the Cold War era.
  • Squad Command System: Lead two squadmates as Agent William Carter, issuing orders to flank, cover fire, and utilize special abilities during combat.
  • Battle Focus Ability: Activate time-slowing mechanics to plan attacks, coordinate team movements, and execute special moves to outmaneuver alien forces.
  • Covert Narrative: Uncover the secrets of the alien invasion and the founding of the XCOM organization while concealing the truth from the public.
  • High-Stakes Survival: Navigate a world where humanity must adapt to an otherworldly threat that turns familiar towns into battlegrounds.

This game appeals to fans of tactical shooters and players interested in alternate history narratives. It is ideal for those who enjoy commanding squads and utilizing cover-based combat systems. The unique blend of historical fiction and sci-fi horror, crafted by the studio behind BioShock 2, makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of the XCOM franchise looking to explore the early days of the organization.