Xenonauts is a strategy game that transports players back to a Cold War-era Earth under siege by an alien invasion. Developed as a spiritual successor to the classic X-Com series from the 1990s, Xenonauts retains the core mechanics that made those games beloved while updating the visuals, adding new content, and streamlining the interface. The game allows players to command a multi-national military organization, using small squads of persistent soldiers to defend Earth from extraterrestrial threats in turn-based ground combat. With a rich strategic layer and deep resource management, Xenonauts offers a challenging and immersive experience that appeals to both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Xenonauts combines turn-based squad combat with strategic resource management and real-time interception missions. Players lead small teams of soldiers through varied and destructible battlefields, facing off against nearly fifty different alien variants. Each mission can range from capturing crashed UFOs to defending cities from alien attacks, offering a diverse and dynamic gameplay loop. The game emphasizes deep, asymmetric combat, where players must rely on 1970s-era technology to take on intergalactic foes, making every battle a test of strategy and adaptability.
The strategic management aspect of Xenonauts allows players to coordinate planetary defense efforts using customisable interceptors to shoot down UFOs. This requires careful balancing of resources and priorities, as players must manage the needs of their funding nations while advancing their own objectives. Researching captured alien artefacts is also a key component, unlocking new weapons and equipment that can be used in future missions. The game's interface has been refined for modern players, making it more accessible without sacrificing the complexity and depth that defined the original X-Com titles.
Setting and Story
Set in an alternate 1970s, Xenonauts paints a world on the brink of chaos as alien forces begin their invasion of Earth. The game's narrative is driven by the player's actions, as they work to uncover the mysteries of the alien threat while managing the logistics of a global military effort. The setting is both nostalgic and immersive, with a Cold War backdrop that influences the political and military dynamics of the game world. The story unfolds through a series of missions, each contributing to the larger goal of protecting humanity from annihilation.
Xenonauts is available on PC, macOS, and Linux. While the native Mac and Linux versions are still in beta, stable WINE-wrapped ports are available for those who prefer them. The game was released on June 15, 2014, and has received critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 77.00.
With its blend of turn-based strategy, resource management, and intense combat, Xenonauts appeals to fans of classic strategy games and those who enjoy the challenge of managing a global military force under pressure. Whether you're a nostalgic veteran of the X-Com series or a new player looking for a deep and rewarding strategy experience, Xenonauts offers a compelling and engaging journey through a world teetering on the edge of extinction.
