XCOM: Chimera Squad often gets overlooked in discussions about the franchise, but it’s worth revisiting, especially as the series continues to evolve. This game took a bold step away from the traditional formula, focusing on smaller, more tactical encounters rather than sprawling missions. That shift didn’t just change the pacing, it reshaped how you approach combat and strategy.
Instead of the usual squads of soldiers, Chimera Squad puts you in charge of an elite mixed-species team, each with unique abilities that encourage you to think differently about every move. It’s a fresh take that forces players to adapt, rewarding creativity over rote tactics. The breach mechanic, where you decide which doors to blow open and which enemies to target first, adds a breath of tension and surprise that the previous XCOMs never quite captured.
While it might not satisfy those craving the grand scale and permadeath stakes of its predecessors, Chimera Squad excels at delivering tight, engaging missions packed with character and charm. It’s a condensed, sharper experience that plays to team synergy and quick thinking. For anyone willing to adjust their expectations, Chimera Squad offers an enticing and worthy detour in the XCOM saga.
Source: pcgamer.com
