X-COM: Apocalypse

The main pros of the game

• Innovative Mechanics: The game combines tactical gameplay with real-time combat, allowing players to pause during battles. This dual system provides versatility and enhances replayability.
• Rich World-Building: Set in the dystopian city of Mega Primus, players navigate a complex urban environment where they must manage relationships with various factions, adding depth to gameplay.
• Destructible Environments: The game features fully destructible settings, allowing for dynamic and immersive combat scenarios.
• Diverse Tactical Options: Players can utilize psionics, android agents, and modular equipment for vehicles and agents, enhancing tactical depth.
• Engaging Soundtrack and Atmosphere: The game’s soundtrack and visual aesthetic contribute to an immersive experience, reflecting the cyberpunk theme effectively.
• Complex Research System: The game introduces a more intricate research system, requiring players to engage with alien anatomy and technology.

The main cons of the game

• Steep Learning Curve: The complexity of the game can be overwhelming for newcomers, particularly due to the lack of in-game tutorials.
• Technical Issues: The Steam release uses an outdated DOSBox, leading to performance issues and bugs, which can detract from the gaming experience.
• Unbalanced Gameplay: Some users noted that combat encounters, particularly against UFOs, can be unintuitive and difficult, especially in the later stages of the game.
• Visual Limitations: While ambitious, the graphics have been criticized for being dated and unattractive, which can affect immersion.
• Unfinished Systems: Some features, such as faction interactions, feel incomplete, leading to a less satisfying late-game experience.

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

• In-Game Tutorials: Players expressed a desire for better onboarding mechanisms to help new players understand the game mechanics.
• Key Rebinding Options: The inability to customize key bindings was noted as a frustrating limitation.
• Improved AI: Users pointed out that the enemy AI could be more effective, particularly in adapting to player strategies.
• Modern Compatibility: Many reviews highlighted the need for better technical support and updates to improve performance on contemporary systems, particularly regarding the DOSBox emulator.

Summary

• Overall, X-COM: Apocalypse is seen as a groundbreaking yet flawed entry in the series, offering a unique blend of strategy, management, and tactical combat that continues to resonate with fans despite its imperfections.

Summary generated on: November 20, 2025