Xenonauts: Can You Rise Above Extraterrestrial Threats With Retro Tactics?

Prepare for alien invasion! But don’t expect flashy futuristic weaponry or jetpacks. Xenonauts, a tactical turn-based strategy game developed by Goldhawk Interactive and released in 2014, throws you back to the early days of X-COM, where grit, resource management, and careful planning are your only weapons against an extraterrestrial onslaught.

The world teeters on the brink as mysterious alien vessels descend from the sky. You’re thrust into command of Xenonauts – a clandestine organization tasked with defending Earth from this imminent threat. Forget flashy graphics and cinematic explosions; Xenonauts embraces its retro roots, employing pixelated visuals reminiscent of classic strategy games like UFO: Enemy Unknown (also known as X-COM: UFO Defense). But don’t let the seemingly simple aesthetic fool you; beneath the surface lies a complex and unforgiving game that demands meticulous planning and tactical prowess.

The Global Threat Unfolds:

Xenonauts plunges players into a globe-trotting campaign against alien invaders who come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and abilities. You’ll encounter everything from agile scout units to heavily armored behemoths capable of unleashing devastating psychic attacks. Each alien type possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, requiring you to adapt your tactics on the fly.

• Scouts: These quick, lightly armored aliens harass your forces with rapid fire attacks.

• Troops: The backbone of the alien army, Troopers are durable and pack a punch with their plasma rifles.

• Berserkers: Aggressive close-combat specialists that can inflict heavy damage.

• Mutons: Mutated humanoids with formidable physical abilities and psionic powers.

• Terror Units: Masters of fear and psychological warfare, Terror Units spread panic among your troops.

The alien threat doesn’t just consist of direct combat; you must also contend with their insidious technological advancements. Alien bases hidden across the globe pose a significant challenge, demanding strategic assaults and meticulous planning. As the campaign progresses, the aliens become increasingly cunning and adaptable, forcing you to constantly evolve your strategies and stay one step ahead.

Building Your Defense Force:

The fate of Earth rests on your shoulders as you recruit and train a team of Xenonauts – brave soldiers who will face the alien menace head-on. But building a formidable defense force isn’t just about acquiring the best weaponry; it requires careful consideration of each soldier’s individual skills and strengths.

Xenonauts boasts a robust character progression system that allows you to mold your troops into specialized combat units.

• Riflemen: The backbone of your squad, Riflemen excel in ranged combat, providing sustained firepower against enemy units.

• Snipers: Masters of long-range precision, Snipers can eliminate high-value targets from afar.

• Assault Troopers: Equipped with heavy weaponry and close-combat training, Assault Troopers are the shock troops who lead the charge.

• Heavy Weapon Specialists: Wielding devastating rocket launchers and mortars, these soldiers bring overwhelming firepower to bear on enemy formations.

• Psionics: Trained in manipulating psychic energy, Psionics can control enemy minds, disrupt their formations, and even unleash powerful offensive attacks.

As your Xenonauts gain experience, they level up, unlocking new abilities and improving their combat effectiveness. Managing your squad’s development is crucial for success; strategically assigning them roles based on their strengths and weaknesses will make the difference between victory and defeat.

Technology & Research:

Xenonauts isn’t just about tactical prowess in battle; you must also master the art of research and development to stay ahead of the alien threat. Capturing alien artifacts and conducting autopsies allows your scientists to unlock new technologies, from advanced weapons systems and armor to experimental psychic devices.

This research tree unfolds dynamically, offering choices and branching paths based on your discoveries and priorities.

Will you focus on bolstering your troops’ firepower or invest in developing powerful psionic abilities? The choices you make will shape the course of your campaign and determine your effectiveness against the alien invaders.

Researching advanced technologies unlocks new capabilities and customization options for your squad, giving you a tactical edge against the evolving alien threat.

A Classic Reborn:

Xenonauts harkens back to the golden age of turn-based strategy games while infusing them with modern sensibilities. The game’s retro aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, but its engaging gameplay mechanics and deep strategic layer make it a truly unique experience for seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.

Prepare to spend countless hours meticulously planning missions, carefully managing resources, and leading your Xenonauts against an alien threat that will constantly test your limits.

Xenonauts is more than just a game; it’s a love letter to the classics, reminding us why we fell in love with turn-based strategy in the first place: its depth, complexity, and the endless possibilities for outsmarting your opponents. So, if you’re ready for a challenging and rewarding experience that will push your strategic mind to its limits, grab your virtual tactical vest and prepare for an extraterrestrial war unlike any other!