Info about Xenonauts:

Official game description:
WISHLIST XENONAUTS 2
====================
About the Game
==============
Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat. A detailed strategic layer allows you to co-ordinate the defence of the planet, using your interceptors to shoot down UFOs and researching captured artefacts to learn about your foes and unlock new combat equipment to use on your missions.  
Xenonauts is a spiritual successor to the classic X-Com strategy games from the 1990s. We aim to improve the graphics, add new content and streamline the interface whilst still retaining all of the key mechanics of the original games. Devoted fans should love this game, but we're also keen to introduce the joys of old-school grand strategy to a whole new generation of players who might not otherwise experience it!  
Please note that the native Mac / Linux versions of the game are still in beta, however older WINE-wrapped "ports" are available and known to be stable whilst development of the native ports is still ongoing.
Key Features
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*   Ground Combat: Xenonauts delivers tense turn-based combat across realistic, varied and fully-destructible battlefields, against almost fifty different variants of enemy. Missions range from capturing crashed UFOs or alien bases to defending cities (or even Xenonaut facilities) against alien attack. You'll experience the chill of encountering a new alien for the first time and the joys of test-firing a new weapon for the first time. Deeply asymmetric combat keeps the battles interesting - after all, you're fighting intergalactic invaders with 1970's ballistic technology!
*   Strategic Management: You will also be managing the defence of the planet, dealing with the invading alien UFOs with your customisable interceptors. You need to balance the needs of your funding nations with your own. Your funds are limited - are you going to spend them on battlefield equipment, more scientists, or expanding your coverage of the planet? Your priorities must be balanced carefully if you are to win the war.
*   Research Tree: Xenonauts has an extensive research tree with almost a hundred projects to unlock, each with its own unique description and painted artwork. It slowly reveals the intentions and origins of the invaders, while also unlocking new battlefield equipment, aircraft and vehicles for you to use as you harness alien technology and turn it against them.
*   Persistent Soldiers: Soldiers in Xenonauts are persistent from mission to mission, improving their stats and gaining ranks with combat experience - but their deaths are always only a single bad move away. You will grow to care about the brave men and women under your command as they slowly grow from green rookies into hardened veterans, but that only makes it more painful when their heroic tale is cruelly cut short by a burst of plasma fire...
*   Detailed, Emergent Simulation: Xenonauts contains no scripted missions, just broad rules setting the pace of the invasion. As such, no game plays out the same twice. If you shoot a Scout UFO down over a polar area, you get a Crash Site mission where you can capture a crashed Scout UFO in an Arctic tileset. Commence a battle at night and you'll be fighting the mission in the darkness with reduced sight range. If your base is attacked, you fight the defence in a perfect replica of your base. A lot of time has gone into weaving the two very different halves of the game together into something that feels both natural and enjoyable.

Release date: Jun 16, 2014

Categories: Turn-based Strategy, Base Building, Research and Technology, Tactical Combat, Resource Management, Cold War Setting, Alien Invasion, Soldier Customization

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Technical Improvements; summary: The game has significant technical issues, particularly related to alt-tabbing, which severely impact the user experience. Additionally, the steep learning curve and lack of in-game explanations make it difficult for new players. However, the detailed and immersive presentation of the research trees and technology is highly appreciated by users.
- Steam Deck: score 60; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with UI scaling and game launch stability. UI scaling problems make the game difficult to navigate on higher resolution monitors, while game launch issues prevent the game from being playable for some users. These issues collectively contribute to a suboptimal user experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $13.00 - $26.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that users find the game worth purchasing at a discounted price of around $13 USD, which is 50% off the full price. This indicates that the full price is likely around $26 USD. Additionally, some users consider the game worth the full price, supporting the higher end of the range. The phrase 'much more bang for your buck' implies good value for money, further supporting the higher end of the price range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: 100.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several direct and indirect references to playtime. 'Dozens of hours' and '400 hours' suggest extensive playtime for game completion and endgame content. The mention of taking a month to get through the game, considering the reviewer's busy schedule, implies a significant time investment, likely in the range of tens of hours. The comment about not being able to launch the game for 30 minutes to play casually indicates that session lengths are typically longer.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a steep learning curve and starts off slow, but becomes more enjoyable and strategic as players progress and unlock new technologies.
  - Stance: Fun after learning curve
  - Anchor: Unlocking a lot of the technology
  - Time to anchor: 6h 0m
  - Friction: steep learning curve; repetitive elements; tedious early game
  - Unlock drivers: progression through the game; unlocking new technology
  - Conditions: patience; strategic thinking; familiarity with game mechanics
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Tactician (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia and tactical depth
    - Playstyle: Strategic and methodical, focusing on turn-based tactics and long-term planning.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old school xcom gamers; fan of the original X-Com
    - Reference games: X-Com series; UFO: Enemy Unknown
  - Hardcore Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Challenge and tactical depth
    - Playstyle: Highly strategic, enjoys complex mechanics and difficult challenges.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore xcom players; tactical gamers
    - Reference games: XCOM; Phoenix Point
  - Learning Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Learning and mastering new mechanics
    - Playstyle: Exploratory and adaptive, focuses on understanding game mechanics and improving skills.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: newcomers; newbies
    - Reference games: XCOM; Phoenix Point
  - Disappointed Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Expressing dissatisfaction
    - Playstyle: Critical and evaluative, focuses on identifying and pointing out flaws and shortcomings.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: disappointed players; critics
    - Reference games: XCOM; Phoenix Point


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Faithful to classic XCOM (weight 0.34): The game is praised for being a faithful spiritual successor to the classic X-COM games, capturing the essence and feel of the original series.
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay (weight 0.27): The gameplay is frequently described as challenging, intense, and rewarding, providing a balanced experience that keeps players engaged.
- In-depth and enjoyable mechanics (weight 0.21): The game features detailed and enjoyable mechanics, with a deep strategic layer that modernizes while maintaining the unforgiving gameplay of the original.
- Fun and engaging air combat (weight 0.19): The air combat system is highlighted as fun, challenging, and engaging, adding a enjoyable mini-game aspect to the overall experience.
- Deeply satisfying strategic layer (weight 0.14): The strategic layer is praised for being well-made, old-school, and deeply satisfying, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Amazing tactical combat (weight 0.14): The tactical combat is described as amazing, deep, and innovative, providing a well-executed and enjoyable experience.
- Detailed soldier customization (weight 0.13): The game offers detailed soldier customization, allowing players to customize soldier classes and attachments.
- Great modding community (weight 0.11): The game is noted for its moddability, with a great modding community that enhances the game's longevity and customization options.
- Worthwhile base building (weight 0.11): The base-building aspect of the game is described as practical and worthwhile, adding another layer of strategy and management.
- Cold War setting (weight 0.11): The game is set during the Cold War era, specifically around 1979, providing a unique and immersive setting.
- Flexibility in tactics (weight 0.11): The game offers a variety of tactics and flexibility in combat, focusing on strategy and diverse combat approaches.

Common complaints:
- Frequent bugs and glitches (weight 0.34): Players report a variety of bugs and glitches, ranging from minor issues to significant problems that affect gameplay. These include graphical glitches, sound issues, and texture bugs.
- Unappealing graphics (weight 0.2): The graphics are not well-received by all players, with some finding them off-putting or jarring. The graphical quality is considered low by some.
- Lack of content and polish (weight 0.18): Players feel the game lacks sufficient content and a proper tutorial. Additionally, there is a noted lack of final polish and reminders for game mechanics.
- Tedious missions (weight 0.14): Both ground and air missions are described as tedious, with long missions adding to the frustration.
- High difficulty level (weight 0.11): The game is noted for being extremely challenging and punishing for mistakes. This high difficulty can be a turn-off for some players.
- Game feels unfinished (weight 0.09): The game is criticized for feeling unfinished and having numerous flaws that can be frustrating for players.
- Repetitive map design (weight 0.09): The game's maps and environments are criticized for being repetitive and lacking variety, which can make the gameplay feel monotonous.
- Camera control issues (weight 0.08): Players report issues with the camera, specifically that it does not rotate, which can hinder gameplay.
- Frustrating psionic abilities (weight 0.08): Psionic abilities in the game are seen as frustrating due to the lack of countermeasures, making them difficult to deal with.
- Missing GEOSCAPE feature (weight 0.08): The absence of the GEOSCAPE feature is noted as a significant drawback, with some players finding the current implementation messy.
- Basic and unoriginal (weight 0.08): The game is seen as lacking originality and having a basic start, which can make it feel uninspired.
- Limited alien variety (weight 0.08): Players note a lack of variety in alien types, which can make the game feel repetitive and less engaging.
- AI behavior issues (weight 0.08): The AI in the game is criticized for being dumb or stupid at times, which can affect the overall gameplay experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Turn-based tactical combat (weight 0.24): The game incorporates turn-based strategy elements, allowing players to engage in tactical combat and make strategic decisions.
- Base construction and management (weight 0.18): Players frequently mention the importance of base construction and management, including resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Research and development system (weight 0.16): A significant aspect of the game is the research and development system, which includes technology research and upgrades.
- Aerial combat mechanics (weight 0.16): The game features aerial clashes with UFOs and air combat mini-games. Players suggest adding comic-style animations for UFO shootdowns.
- Real-time Geoscape (weight 0.11): The Geoscape is a real-time campaign map that includes a news ticker, adding a dynamic element to the game.
- Challenging and complex gameplay (weight 0.11): Players find the gameplay stressful and challenging due to its complexity and randomness.
- Community mod support (weight 0.09): The game supports community mods, allowing players to customize and enhance their gaming experience.
- Alien invasion mechanics (weight 0.09): The game includes mechanics for defending against alien invasions and attacking alien bases.
- Fog of war mechanics (weight 0.08): The game includes fog of war mechanics, which affect the field of vision and add a layer of strategy.
- Day-night cycle (weight 0.08): The game features a dynamic day-night cycle, adding realism and strategic depth.
- Isometric 2D graphics (weight 0.08): The game uses an isometric 2D sprite-based graphic style, which is appreciated by players.
- Strategic layer depth (weight 0.07): The game includes a strategic layer with bases, research, and air combat, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Soldier mechanics (weight 0.06): Players can deploy soldiers and manage their mechanics, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Varied mission types (weight 0.06): The game offers a variety of mission types, including Battlescape missions.
- Squad tactics (weight 0.06): The game features squad tactics, allowing players to deploy and manage squads in combat.
- Multiple bases management (weight 0.06): Players can manage multiple bases and squads, adding complexity to the strategic layer.
- Progression and tech tree (weight 0.06): The game includes a progression system and tech tree, allowing players to unlock new technologies and upgrades.
- Chance-to-hit system (weight 0.06): The game features a chance-to-hit system, which adds an element of randomness to combat.
- Character customization (weight 0.06): Players can customize character attributes, adding a personal touch to their soldiers.
- Cold War aesthetic (weight 0.05): The game has a Cold War setting, which is appreciated by players for its unique atmosphere.
- Crash site cleanup (weight 0.05): Players can engage in crash site cleanup missions, adding variety to the gameplay.
- AI behavior (weight 0.05): The game includes AI behavior mechanics, affecting both enemies and civilians.
- Dogfighting minigame (weight 0.05): The game features a dogfighting minigame, adding variety to the aerial combat mechanics.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.16): The game experiences repeated crashes, freezing issues, and game-breaking bugs, often resulting in crashes to desktop.
- Various glitches present (weight 0.16): Players report graphical glitches, sound glitches, texture bugs, and minor bugs, including menu distortions.
- Optimized for modern PCs (weight 0.11): The game runs easily on modern PCs and has low-performance requirements, making it accessible on a wide range of hardware.
- UI scaling issues (weight 0.11): The game has poor UI scaling, particularly noticeable at 4K resolution, making the user interface difficult to navigate.
- Alt-tabbing issues (weight 0.08): Players encounter problems when alt-tabbing, including continuous stepping sounds and general issues with switching windows.
- Pathfinding and animation issues (weight 0.08): There are issues with pathfinding, resulting in NPCs getting stuck, and some animations are missing.
- Unskippable errors (weight 0.03): There are unskippable errors that disrupt gameplay and cause frustration among players.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.03): The game has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for new players to get accustomed to the mechanics.
- Memory leak issues (weight 0.03): The game suffers from memory leaks, which can affect performance and stability.
- Launch issues on Windows 10 (weight 0.03): The game does not launch on Windows 10 x64, causing problems for users of this operating system.
- Occasional lag (weight 0.03): Players report occasional lag, which can disrupt the gaming experience.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for tactical strategy fans (weight 0.37): This game is highly recommended for fans of tactical strategy games, particularly those who enjoy the XCOM series and turn-based gameplay. It is praised for its depth and complexity, making it suitable for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
- Worth a playthrough (weight 0.15): The game is considered worth playing through, offering a satisfying experience for fans of the genre. It is recommended for those who enjoy detailed base management and soldier customization.
- Use Community Edition mod (weight 0.12): Players suggest enabling the Community Edition mod for an enhanced gaming experience. This mod is highly recommended for improving various aspects of the game.
- Look up beginner guides (weight 0.1): New players are advised to look up beginner guides on platforms like YouTube to better understand the game mechanics and strategies. Reading the manual is also recommended for a better grasp of the game.
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.09): Many players recommend purchasing the game during a sale to get better value for money. It is suggested that the game is worth the investment, especially at a discounted price.
- Try Xenonauts 2 (weight 0.08): Some players suggest trying Xenonauts 2 instead, especially if it is available at a lower price. This indicates that while the current game is good, there might be improvements or additional content in the sequel.
- Use X-Division mod (weight 0.05): The X-Division mod is recommended for fans of XCOM, as it enhances the gameplay experience. This mod is suggested for those looking to improve certain aspects of the game.
- Read companion short story (weight 0.03): Players recommend reading the companion short story 'Crimson Dagger' for additional context and enjoyment. This can provide a richer background and enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Mods to fix psionics and grinding (weight 0.03): Some players suggest using mods to address issues related to psionics and grinding. These mods can help improve the gameplay experience by fixing specific problems.
- Avoid large Caesan UFOs (weight 0.02): Players advise avoiding large and massive Caesan UFOs, indicating that these might be particularly challenging or problematic. This suggestion is aimed at helping players have a smoother gaming experience.

Other player notes:
- Lack of Voice Acting (weight 0.04): Players have noted the absence of voice acting in the game, which may detract from immersion and storytelling.
- Limited Melee Attacks (weight 0.04): The game currently offers only one form of melee attacks, limiting combat diversity and player strategy.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.28): Players experience frustration due to a variety of issues, including game crashes, bugs preventing mission completion, and outdated UI/quality-of-life features. Additionally, gameplay mechanics such as excessive randomness, unrealistic difficulty, and tedious micromanagement contribute to this frustration. Performance issues, lack of language support, and unintuitive game design further exacerbate the problem.
- Excitement (weight 0.14): Players are excited by the game's engaging and challenging gameplay, which provides a rewarding combat experience and a variety of activities. The thrilling atmosphere and the adrenaline rush from the combat mechanics contribute to this excitement. Many players also express eagerness for future games and sequels, highlighting the game's depth and unique identity.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Despite its flaws, players enjoy the game for its faithful recreation of the classic XCOM feel and deep equipment management. The detailed and engaging gameplay mechanics, along with the variety of enemies and complex systems, contribute to a fun and enjoyable experience. The game's depth, strategic combat, and modding community also enhance the overall enjoyment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players feel satisfied with the game's strategic depth and detailed lore, which provide a challenging yet rewarding experience. Successfully completing tough missions and overcoming challenging gameplay conditions contribute to this satisfaction. The faithful recreation of the original XCOM and the game's complexity and tactical depth are also highly appreciated.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.11): The game evokes nostalgia as it is a faithful remake of the classic X-COM: UFO Defense from 1994, bringing back memories of the original gameplay. Players who enjoyed the older UFO and XCOM games appreciate the modern remake's adherence to the classic formula. The game's old-school gameplay and reminiscent features contribute to this nostalgic feeling.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Players express disappointment due to the game's lack of originality and engaging content, as well as its strong reliance on randomness. Technical and gameplay issues, along with the game's wasted potential and numerous flaws, contribute to this disappointment. The repetitive combat and limited variety in maps and alien types further exacerbate the problem.
- Satisfied (weight 0.03): Players are satisfied with the improved mechanics and engaging gameplay, which provide a deep and complex tactical experience. The game's faithfulness to the original X-Com and its deep tactical gameplay contribute to this satisfaction. Successful missions and the strategic depth of the game further enhance the overall positive experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game for its faithful remake and well-implemented design, which includes compelling art and lore. The detailed gameplay mechanics and the game's adherence to the original XCOM formula contribute to this appreciation. Recommendations and the game's good original XCOM-like features further enhance the positive experience.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players feel anger due to the game's infuriating logic and buggy mechanics, such as issues with grenades. The numerous flaws and frustrating gameplay mechanics contribute to this anger. The game's development history and persistent issues further exacerbate the problem.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players are enthusiastic about the game's detailed and enjoyable gameplay mechanics, which provide a rewarding and engaging experience. The improvements over the original X-Com and the long playtime offered by mods contribute to this enthusiasm. The game's similarities to UFO: Enemy Unknown and its detailed mechanics further enhance the positive experience.
- Fear (weight 0.01): Players experience fear during night missions, particularly when encountering Chryssalids and Reapers. The scary and tense moments in these missions contribute to this feeling of fear. The game's atmosphere and challenging enemies further enhance the frightening experience.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players find joy in the pleasant experience provided by the game, with little moments that make them come back for more. The enjoyable gameplay mechanics and rewarding combat contribute to this joy. The game's depth and engaging features further enhance the positive experience.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players feel hopeful about the game's continuous improvement and the potential for different DLCs with various biomes and planets. The game's development and future updates contribute to this hope. The possibility of new content and enhancements further enhance the positive outlook.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited about the game's engaging plot and setting, which provide a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. The thrilling atmosphere and the adrenaline rush from the combat mechanics contribute to this excitement. The game's depth and unique identity further enhance the positive experience.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players feel frustrated due to the challenging gameplay and long missions, which can be overwhelming and tedious. The unrealistic technology progression and the game's difficulty spikes contribute to this frustration. The lack of certain features and the game's punishing mechanics further exacerbate the problem.
- Dislike (weight 0): Players dislike the night mode in the game, finding it unpleasant or difficult to navigate. The specific issues with visibility and gameplay mechanics during night missions contribute to this dislike. The overall negative experience with this particular feature further enhances the dissatisfaction.
- Surprise (weight 0): Players are surprised by the game's comparison to XCOM, highlighting its unique features and differences. The unexpected elements and improvements over the original XCOM formula contribute to this surprise. The game's depth and engaging mechanics further enhance the positive experience.
- Stress (weight 0): Players experience stress due to the frenetic pace of the game, which can be overwhelming and challenging. The fast-paced gameplay mechanics and the need for quick decision-making contribute to this stress. The game's difficulty and intense moments further exacerbate the problem.
- Realization (weight 0): Players realize the importance of economy management in the game, understanding its impact on gameplay and strategy. The game's complex systems and the need for careful resource allocation contribute to this realization. The strategic depth and detailed mechanics further enhance the understanding of the game's economy.
- Confusion (weight 0): Players feel confused by the alien invasion mechanics, which can be complex and difficult to understand. The game's intricate systems and lack of clear explanations contribute to this confusion. The unintuitive design and steep learning curve further exacerbate the problem.}