| Title | X-COM: UFO Defense |
| Developer(s) | MicroProse Software, Inc |
| Publisher(s) | 2K |
| Release Date | Sep 4, 2008 |
| Size | 62.35 MB |
| Genre | PC > Strategy |
If you are a fan of turn-based strategy games, chances are that you have heard of X-COM: UFO Defense, also known as UFO: Enemy Unknown in Europe. This game, released in 1994, was a groundbreaking masterpiece that revolutionized the strategy genre with its unique blend of resource management, tactical combat, and sci-fi elements. Developed by Mythos Games and published by Microprose, X-COM: UFO Defense has gained a cult following over the years and is still considered one of the best strategy games ever made.
The Story
X-COM: UFO Defense takes place in the near future, where mysterious alien spacecraft start appearing all over the world. As the commander of the extraterrestrial defense organization known as X-COM, it is your job to lead the fight against these alien invaders. You must manage your resources, research new technologies, and train your troops to defend Earth from the alien threat.
Gameplay
The gameplay of X-COM: UFO Defense is split into two phases – the geoscape and the tactical combat. In the geoscape, you oversee the management of your base, research new technologies, and make decisions on how to respond to alien activity. You must also build facilities, such as laboratories and workshops, to further your research and produce new equipment for your troops.
The tactical combat is where the game truly shines. Here, you take control of a squad of soldiers and engage in turn-based battles against the aliens. In each battle, you must plan your moves carefully, utilizing cover, and taking advantage of your soldiers’ unique abilities. The aliens, on the other hand, have their own abilities and tactics, making each battle a challenging and strategic experience.
Difficulty and Permadeath
X-COM: UFO Defense is known for its high difficulty and permadeath feature. Permadeath means that if a soldier dies in a battle, they are lost forever. This adds a layer of tension and realism to the game, as you must prioritize the safety of your soldiers and make difficult decisions when faced with tough situations. However, if you do lose a soldier, you can hire and train new recruits to fill their place.
Legacy and Remakes
X-COM: UFO Defense has had a lasting impact on the strategy genre and has inspired many games that have followed in its footsteps. The game has also received two remakes – X-COM: Terror from the Deep and X-COM: Apocalypse. In recent years, a faithful remake of the original game, titled “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” was released by Firaxis Games in 2012, and it has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Conclusion
X-COM: UFO Defense is a classic strategy game that continues to stand the test of time with its engaging gameplay, challenging difficulty, and sci-fi elements. If you are a fan of the strategy genre or are looking for a thrilling and immersive gaming experience, be sure to give X-COM: UFO Defense a try.
System Requirements
- Supported OS: Microsoft® 2000/XP/Vista®
- Processor: 80386 processor or better
- Memory: 4Mb RAM
- Sound Cards Supported: AdLib compatible cards, SoundBlaster compatible cards and the Roland LAPC-1.
How to Download
- Click on the Download button given above. This will start the download process.
- Once the download is completed, open the Downloads folder on your computer. You can access the Downloads folder by pressing the Windows key + E and selecting "Downloads" from the sidebar.
- Locate the downloaded file named "X-COMUFODefense.zip" and right-click on it.
- Select Extract All from the drop-down menu.
- In the Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders window, click on Extract.
- A new folder named "X-COMUFODefense" will be created in the same location as the downloaded file.
- Open the folder and run the setup file named "setup.exe".
- Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to install the game on your computer.
- Once the installation is complete, click on the Finish button.
- The game is now installed on your computer. You can access it from the Start menu or by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut icon (if created during installation).
- You may need to configure the game's settings and controls before playing.