Phoenix Point

The main pros of the game

• XCOM Similarity: Many players appreciate that Phoenix Point shares core gameplay elements with XCOM while introducing its own unique mechanics, providing a familiar yet fresh experience.
• Free Aim Mechanic: The ability to aim at specific body parts adds a layer of strategy to combat, allowing players to disable enemy limbs and manage threats more effectively.
• Troop Customization: Players enjoy the extensive customization options for soldiers, including the ability to multi-class and choose unique skills and abilities, enhancing strategic depth.
• Factions and Diplomacy: The game's faction system adds complexity, with players navigating relationships and trade-offs between different human factions while dealing with alien threats.
• Resource Management: Managing resources and upgrading bases is engaging, with missions having a meaningful impact on the overall campaign.
• Vehicle Inclusion: The introduction of vehicles in combat is a welcomed feature, adding new tactical options and excitement to missions.
• Evolving Enemies: The alien foes evolve over time, making the game progressively challenging and requiring players to adapt their strategies.

The main cons of the game

• Difficulty and Balance Issues: Many players find the game to be overly difficult, with steep learning curves and frustrating mechanics that can lead to feelings of helplessness.
• Lack of Immersion: Some reviews mention a lack of connection to characters and a feeling of blandness in the game world, diminishing the stakes and emotional investment.
• Sound Design and Music: Criticism is directed towards the sound design and music, with players feeling that it fails to enhance the gaming experience.
• Technical Issues: A few players experienced issues with the interface and pacing, particularly during the tutorial, which can lead to confusion and frustration.
• RNG Mechanics: Some users express frustration with the randomness of hit chances, feeling that it leads to unfair outcomes in combat.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Enhanced Immersion: Players desire more cinematic elements, voice acting, and engaging narratives to create a stronger emotional connection with the game.
• Stealth Mechanics: The stealth system is criticized as being poorly implemented and ineffective, with players struggling to make it work as intended.
• Diverse Enemy Design: Some reviews express disappointment with the enemy designs, particularly the alien foes, which lack the appeal and seriousness found in previous XCOM games.
• Better Tutorial Guidance: Several players felt that the tutorial provided poor advice or was overly punishing, leading to a frustrating introduction to the game.
• More Cosmetic Options: There is a desire for more customization options for soldiers, as current offerings are seen as lacking or unattractive.

Summary

• Overall, Phoenix Point presents a blend of familiar tactical gameplay with new mechanics, but it struggles with balance and immersion, leading to mixed feelings among players.

Summary generated on: October 8, 2025