This game is one of the most significant achievements in the strategy genre. It is a genuinely remarkable game, I can't praise it enough. With extensive customisation, mod support, exceptionally satisfying gameplay and a number of engaging mechanics, it's something I recommend everyone try.

I'm not a massive fan of strategy games generally, but knew this was a highly commended game since its conception. I finally figured it was worth a look and I have 0 regrets that I did. It blends strategic elements perfectly with a more intimate, ground-level perspective that works so well. For every attack a soldier makes, and every attack they miss, I'm either deeply engaged or thoroughly incensed - but whether those feelings are of satisfaction or frustration, they simply force me to be more absorbed during each subsequent mission. Add to that, the deep customisation you can apply to each individual agent means that for every time they're hit, you care even more. Watching them succeed feels like a personal victory for yourself, and for them.

The reason I'm generally not a fan of strategy games is due to not being able to have a direct level of control on one person. One unit, containing hundreds or thousands of nameless people, isn't interesting to me. Conversely, in a game where you control one person, you simply reload a save when they die. In both situations, failure seems meaningless. In this game, however, you sit on the edge of your seat praying that your prized hero lands that 98% shot to an enemy that's about to wipe your squad.

"Are you serious?! How the hell did you miss that?!!"

This game is one of the most significant achievements in the strategy genre. It is a genuinely remarkable game, I can't praise it enough. With extensive customisation, mod support, exceptionally satisfying gameplay and a number of engaging mechanics, it's something I recommend everyone try. I'm not a massive fan of strategy games generally, but knew this was a highly commended game since its conception. I finally figured it was worth a look and I have 0 regrets that I did. It blends strategic elements perfectly with a more intimate, ground-level perspective that works so well. For every attack a soldier makes, and every attack they miss, I'm either deeply engaged or thoroughly incensed - but whether those feelings are of satisfaction or frustration, they simply force me to be more absorbed during each subsequent mission. Add to that, the deep customisation you can apply to each individual agent means that for every time they're hit, you care even more. Watching them succeed feels like a personal victory for yourself, and for them. The reason I'm generally not a fan of strategy games is due to not being able to have a direct level of control on one person. One unit, containing hundreds or thousands of nameless people, isn't interesting to me. Conversely, in a game where you control one person, you simply reload a save when they die. In both situations, failure seems meaningless. In this game, however, you sit on the edge of your seat praying that your prized hero lands that 98% shot to an enemy that's about to wipe your squad. [i]"Are you serious?! How the hell did you miss that?!!"[/i]