XCOM: The Board Game (2015) Board Game

XCOM: The Board Game is based on the popular video game series XCOM, which is known for its tactical gameplay and intense alien invasion storyline. The board game adaptation was released in 2015 by designer Eric M. Lang and published by Fantasy Flight Games. It is a cooperative game where players take on different roles within the XCOM organization to defend Earth from extraterrestrial threats.

Game Components of XCOM: The Board Game

Game board

App (acts as the game master)

Player boards

Role cards (Operations Chief, Captain, Chief Scientist, Commander)

Resource tokens

Tech cards

Mission cards

Alien tokens and UFOs

Dice (including the red alien die)

Model miniatures

How To Setup XCOM: The Board Game

To set up the game, players first choose a scenario and a difficulty level. Each player selects a distinct role: the Operations Chief manages funds, the Captain chooses missions and deploys soldiers, the Chief Scientist handles research, and the Commander is responsible for space and air defense. The app is launched, and it guides the players through the setup process, ensuring all necessary components are in place before the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

App-driven gameplay: The app controls the sequencing of each round, declares events, and helps resolve actions.

Real-time phase: The app initiates a timed phase where players must react quickly to alerts and instructions.

Evaluation phase: Players assess the outcomes of their actions.

Role-specific actions: Each player must focus on their role, relying on teammates to handle their respective tasks.

Push-your-luck mechanic: Players can “PUSH” units to re-roll dice, increasing the risk of disaster.

Objective: Defend Earth against the alien invasion by completing missions, researching technologies, and managing resources.

Player Experience

XCOM: The Board Game offers a highly immersive and challenging experience. The app’s relentless pace and the distinct roles create a sense of tunnel vision, mimicking how large organizations function. Players must make quick, strategic decisions under pressure, which can be both thrilling and punishing. The game requires strong teamwork and coordination, though player interaction is somewhat limited due to the role-specific focus.

Pros

Innovative app-driven mechanics: Enhances the game with dynamic and timed elements.

Strong theme integration: Effectively captures the strategic level of the XCOM universe.

Distinct roles: Encourages specialized contributions from each player.

High replayability: Different scenarios and difficulty levels offer varied challenges.

Cons

Limited player interaction: Roles are so distinct that players often focus solely on their tasks.

Dependency on the app: The game’s playability may be affected if the app becomes obsolete.

Steep learning curve: Complex mechanics and real-time elements can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on XCOM: The Board Game

XCOM: The Board Game is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy strategic, high-pressure experiences. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the XCOM franchise and are looking for a tabletop iteration that captures the essence of its strategic layer. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a traditional turn-based tactical experience, it offers a unique and engaging gameplay mechanic that sets it apart from other cooperative board games.

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