Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified for Xbox 360 is a tactical third-person shooter developed by 2K Marin and published by 2K Games. Originally conceived as a first-person shooter, the game underwent significant changes during development, ultimately becoming a squad-based tactical shooter with elements of real-time strategy. Released in 2013, it is set in the XCOM universe, a beloved series of strategy games, but offers a departure from the series' typical turn-based tactical gameplay.
Instead of the familiar alien invasion strategy mechanics, The Bureau blends tactical combat, cover-based shooting, and squad management in a narrative-driven experience. The story takes place in the 1960s, during the early days of the XCOM organizations efforts to fight off an alien invasion, providing a fresh angle on the established lore. Here's a detailed review of The Bureau: XCOM Declassified for the Xbox 360:
Gameplay and Mechanics
Tactical Combat
At its core, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is a tactical third-person shooter with a heavy emphasis on squad management. Players take control of Special Agent William Carter, who is tasked with leading a small team of operatives through alien-infested environments. Combat is fast-paced but also strategic, as players must manage their squad, issue orders, and take cover during firefights.
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Real-Time Tactical Command: One of the standout features of the game is its real-time tactical command system. In combat, players can pause the action at any time (using the "Battle Focus" mechanic) to issue commands to their squad members. This allows for a level of strategy and control typical of turn-based tactics games, but within the context of real-time combat. Players can direct squadmates to specific positions, order them to use particular abilities, or focus their fire on certain targets. This dynamic control over your squad adds a layer of depth and complexity to the combat, as you juggle the action of the moment with the strategic positioning of your team.
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Cover System and Movement: The cover system works similarly to other third-person shooters, allowing players to hide behind objects, peek out, and fire at enemies. However, unlike more traditional shooters, The Bureau requires constant management of your team's position, as enemies are often more numerous and aggressive. While the system works well, its sometimes difficult to move your squad into ideal positions quickly, leading to moments where tactics feel more frustrating than intuitive.
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Enemy Variety and Alien Abilities: The game features a wide array of alien enemies, each with unique abilities and attack patterns. Some aliens rely on brute force and advanced weaponry, while others have special abilities such as cloaking or teleportation, making encounters more challenging. The game requires players to adapt their strategy based on the alien types and their powers, ensuring that combat never feels like a simple cover-and-shoot affair.
Character Progression and RPG Elements
Throughout the game, players can level up their character and squadmates, unlocking new abilities and improving their stats. The progression system is similar to RPG elements, as characters can gain experience points from combat and complete objectives.
