Xenonauts

The main pros of the game

• Strategic Depth: The strategic layer of managing resources, air combat, and base building is well-received, with many players praising its complexity and engagement.
• Nostalgic Feel: Fans of the original X-COM games appreciate the homage to classic gameplay mechanics and aesthetics, capturing the essence of the old-school tactical experience.
• Tactical Combat: The turn-based combat is described as gritty and rewarding, requiring careful planning and execution. The atmosphere and tension during missions are highlighted as strong points.
• Community Support: The game benefits from community mods that enhance gameplay, fix bugs, and add content, making it more enjoyable for players who utilize these modifications.
• Atmospheric Design: The Cold War aesthetic and sound design contribute to an immersive experience that resonates well with players.

The main cons of the game

• Simplistic Tactical Mechanics: Many players find the tactical layer to be overly simplistic, with limited options for combat and ineffective cover mechanics leading to frustrating gameplay.
• User Interface Issues: The UI is criticized for being cluttered and difficult to navigate, especially in terms of text readability and information presentation.
• Camera Limitations: The inability to rotate the camera is a common complaint, making it hard to manage soldiers and view the battlefield effectively.
• Difficulty and RNG: The game is noted for its steep learning curve and reliance on random number generation (RNG), leading to frustrating experiences where players feel punished by luck rather than tactical decision-making.
• Bugs and Stability: Users report crashes and bugs, especially when using certain mods or during specific gameplay scenarios, detracting from the overall experience.

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

• Quality of Life Improvements: Players express a desire for more modern features such as borderless fullscreen, better inventory management, and more intuitive action mechanics (e.g., easier use of grenades and medkits).
• Enhanced Tactical Options: Suggestions include adding more tactical options, such as the ability to throw or shoot over obstacles, and a more robust overwatch system.
• More Diverse Missions: Some users feel that missions can become repetitive, calling for greater variety in mission types and objectives.
• Improved AI Behavior: Players would like to see better AI mechanics that do not rely on "cheating" to detect player positions, making tactical gameplay more rewarding.
• Expanded Soldier Management: A desire for more control over soldier deployment and management during missions is noted, such as the ability to send larger squads to specific missions.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, while Xenonauts has a solid foundation and appeals to fans of classic tactical strategy games, it faces criticism for its tactical simplicity, UI issues, and bugs. Players recommend it, especially with community mods, but acknowledge that it has room for improvement in various gameplay aspects.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025