XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM: Enemy Within for PC, X360 and etc. is a large expansion for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, developed by Firaxis Games Studio, also known for Sid Meier’s Civilization V. The game introduces a lot of novelties. Among these there is a new type of resource, more weapons, upgrades, maps, skills, and new content designed for multiplayer.

One of the most important innovations is a new resource called “meld”. It is a kind of suspension made up of billions of cybernetic nanomachines – robotic organisms capable of modifying human genotype. This means that it is now possible to genetically “improve” human body or seamlessly connect it with mechanical components. This way soldiers can be genetically engineered. There are both offensive and defensive bio-modifications available.

Connected to “meld” is also another soldier class introduced in XCOM: Enemy Within - Mec Trooper. In order to unlock it, you must first build a special building. You can send there one of your subordinates who then loses his current skills, but gains new ones. Through a series of medical treatments, amputations, and replacing human body parts with cold steel, you adapt your soldier for using Mechanized Exoskeleton Cybersuit, or MEC. The result is a cybersoldier, available in one of three versions: Warden, Sentinel, and Paladin. They all have different special abilities.

The new installment of XCOM also introduces medals that can be awarded to deserving commandos, thereby increasing their combat capabilities.

XCOM: Enemy Within for PC, X360 and etc. introduces two new types of aliens: the seeker and the mechtoid, as well as a human organization called EXALT, which aims to use alien technology to take control over the world.

PC version of the game, requires to have XCOM: Enemy Unknown installed. On consoles there is Commander Edition available, which consists of, in addition to the basic version of the game and Enemy Within, two DLCs - Elite Soldier Pack and the Slingshot Content Pack.

Last updated on 21 November 2014