Xenonauts: A Classic Turn-Based Strategy Game With Alien Invasion and Base Management

Prepare for an exhilarating plunge into the heart of extraterrestrial warfare with Xenonauts! This 2014 gem, developed by Goldhawk Interactive, harkens back to the golden age of turn-based strategy games like X-COM: UFO Defense, while infusing its own unique flavor and contemporary enhancements. The game throws you headlong into a global crisis where an alien invasion threatens humanity’s very existence. Your task? Assemble and command an elite squad of Xenonauts, skilled soldiers equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and technology, to repel the extraterrestrial onslaught.

From base management to tactical combat, Xenonauts offers a rich and demanding experience for seasoned strategy enthusiasts. Let’s delve deeper into its intricate mechanics and captivating gameplay:

Alien Invasion – A Global Threat Demands Tactical Brilliance

The narrative in Xenonauts is as straightforward as it is compelling: aliens have arrived on Earth, their intentions hostile. As the commander of a clandestine organization known as the Xenonauts, you are tasked with halting the alien incursion before it decimates humanity. The game unfolds across a globe map where UFO sightings and alien bases pop up, demanding your immediate attention.

You’ll need to carefully allocate resources, train recruits into specialized soldiers (from snipers to medics), research alien technologies, and deploy your forces strategically to intercept incoming threats. Every mission is a tense exercise in tactical maneuvering and resource management, testing your ability to adapt to ever-changing battlefield conditions.

Base Management – Building Your Fortress Against Alien Incursions

Building a robust base of operations is crucial for success in Xenonauts. You’ll start with a modest facility but can gradually expand and upgrade it over time. Key buildings include:

Each building has upgrade options that unlock new functionalities and increase efficiency. For example, upgrading your barracks allows you to train more specialized soldiers, while a higher-level research lab enables faster technological advancements. Balancing resource allocation between different buildings is essential for optimizing your organization’s strength.

Tactical Combat – The Thrill of Turn-Based Warfare

Xenonauts shines brightest on the battlefield. The game employs a classic turn-based combat system where you carefully maneuver your soldiers across grid-based maps. Each soldier has a limited action point pool, which can be used for movement, attacking, using special abilities, or interacting with the environment.

The aliens are far from mindless opponents. They possess unique abilities and tactics, requiring you to adapt your strategies accordingly. Some aliens might possess psionic powers, capable of influencing your soldiers’ minds, while others rely on overwhelming firepower or cunning flanking maneuvers. Mastering the use of cover, flanking positions, and coordinated attacks is crucial for survival.

The game also features a deep weapon and armor system. You can equip your soldiers with a variety of firearms, explosives, and specialized gear. Researching alien technologies allows you to unlock even more powerful weapons, such as plasma rifles and sonic cannons.

Difficulty Levels – A Challenge For Every Commander

Xenonauts offers multiple difficulty levels catering to players of all experience levels:

• Easy: Ideal for newcomers to the genre, providing a gentler learning curve and forgiving gameplay mechanics.
• Normal: The standard difficulty setting, offering a balanced challenge for experienced strategy gamers.
• Hardcore: For the truly dedicated, this difficulty throws relentless challenges your way, demanding mastery of all game mechanics to survive.

Ironman Mode – Test Your Mettle Against Permadeath

For those seeking an even greater test of skill and fortitude, Xenonauts offers Ironman mode. In this unforgiving setting, death is permanent. If a soldier falls in battle, they are gone forever. This mode requires meticulous planning, careful decision-making, and a healthy dose of luck to succeed.

Graphics and Sound – A Retro Aesthetic With Modern Refinements

Xenonauts adopts a distinct retro aesthetic, reminiscent of classic strategy games from the 1990s. The sprite-based graphics are charming and effective, conveying the gritty atmosphere of alien warfare with nostalgic flair.

The soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, featuring atmospheric electronic music that builds tension during combat encounters and enhances the sense of dread when facing overwhelming odds.

Conclusion: A Worthy Successor to a Classic Genre

Xenonauts is not just a game; it’s an experience for anyone who cherishes the tactical depth and strategic complexity of classic turn-based strategy games. It delivers a compelling narrative, challenging gameplay, and deep customization options that will keep you engaged for hours on end. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Xenonauts offers a rewarding and unforgettable journey into the heart of extraterrestrial warfare. Prepare your squad, Commander! The fate of humanity rests in your hands.