Set against the backdrop of an era defined by Americana, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified offers a unique departure from its predecessor. While 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown focused on large-scale strategic management, this title shifts the perspective to a tactical third-person shooter experience. Players are thrust into the heart of a 1962 alien invasion, navigating a world where the golden age of American history is being violently dismantled by extraterrestrial threats.

A Tale of Invasion and Rebirth

The story follows CIA Agent William Carter, a man left reeling after surviving an initial alien onslaught. In the wake of the attack, Carter becomes a key member of "the Bureau," a secret U/S. organization established to combat national security threats on a massive scale. However, the mission takes a dire turn when the facility's director, Faulke, reveals that all U.S. military bases have been destroyed and communication with the White House has been severed. In this desperate moment of isolation, the Bureau is forced to rebrand itself as XCOM, marking the beginning of its legendary struggle against the stars.

The game's setting is a meticulously recreated 1960s America. Players will explore small-town soda shops and parade routes that have been corrupted by alien plagues and mutilated livestock. The atmosphere is heavily steeped in period detail, from the ubiquitous presence of fedoras and cigarettes to the unsettling contrast between quaint community life and cosmic horror.

Tactical Combat and Squad Mechanics

Despite its shift in genre, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified retains a heavy emphasis on tactical gameplay. Players do not fight alone; Agent Carter commands a squad of three members, requiring the player to manage movement and positioning much like a squad-based shooter.

Key gameplay features include:

  • Battle Focus: A core mechanic that allows players to slow down time. During this window, you can issue specific orders to your crew, such as changing positions, utilizing special skills, or focusing fire on a specific target.
  • Squad Coordination: Use cover and flanking maneuvers to force enemies out of their defenses and into crossfire.
  • Third-Person Action: Navigate through environments using tactical movement to avoid alien weaponry and environmental hazards.

Who is This Game For?

This title will appeal to fans of third-person action shooters who enjoy heavy world-building and atmospheric storytelling. If you are a fan of the 1960s aesthetic or enjoy the squad-management elements found in series like Mass Effect, the setting and tactical layers of this game may capture your interest. However, players looking for the polished strategic depth of traditional XCOM titles or highly polished combat loops should note that the experience focuses more on the gritty, ground-level perspective of the initial invasion.

Platform Availability: The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is available on PC, macOS, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.