XCOM®: Chimera Squad Review Summary

Positive reception of gameplay: Many players found the gameplay to be solid, fun, and enjoyable. The game offers a mix of tactical combat and RPG elements that are well-received. The gameplay is seen as a good introduction to the XCOM series and is praised for its faster pace and strategic depth.

Engaging story and characters: The story and characters are highlighted as strong points. Players appreciate the well-written characters, their banter, and the light-hearted, humorous tone. The story is considered well-paced and engaging, with a good variety of character abilities and personalities.

Good value for price: Many players feel that the game offers good value for its price. It is seen as a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying and enjoyable experience without requiring a significant investment.

Positive reception of visuals and sound: The game's visuals and sound are generally well-received. Players appreciate the cartoony aesthetics, good graphics, and the heroic soundtrack, which add to the overall enjoyment of the game.

Unique breach mechanics: The breach mechanics are frequently mentioned as a positive and innovative addition to the game. Players enjoy the strategic depth and the fresh twist it brings to the gameplay, making missions more dynamic and interesting.

Excessive technical issues: The game suffers from numerous technical problems including frequent crashes, bugs, and glitches that affect gameplay and visuals. These issues range from minor graphical errors to game-breaking bugs that hinder mission completion.

Lack of customization and progression: Players are disappointed by the lack of customization options for characters and the lack of progression systems. This reduces the sense of ownership and investment in the game.

Lack of strategic depth: The game is criticized for its lack of strategic elements and simplified gameplay mechanics. Players feel that the strategic layer is weak and lacks the depth and complexity found in previous XCOM games.

Poor voice acting and dialogue: The voice acting and dialogue are criticized for being cringe-worthy, repetitive, and poorly written. This detracts from the immersion and enjoyment of the game.

Short and unrewarding campaign: The campaign is criticized for being too short and lacking in meaningful content. The limited number of missions and repetitive objectives make the campaign feel unrewarding.

Turn-based tactical gameplay: The game features a turn-based combat system with a mix of traditional and interleaved initiative systems. Players can manage turns individually for each unit, allowing for strategic planning and tactical decision-making. The combat system includes mechanics like breaching, action commitment, and ammo management.

Character customization and progression: Players can create and customize characters with unique abilities and personalities. The game includes character progression and upgrades, as well as a variety of character-specific abilities and interactions.

Simplified gameplay mechanics: The game streamlines many aspects of traditional XCOM gameplay, including simplified research and upgrade mechanics, a simplified strategic layer, and a more compressed version of regular XCOM games. This makes the game more accessible but may remove some depth.

Pre-made characters: The game features pre-made hero units with unique abilities and character traits. Players are forced to use a pre-set group of characters with fixed abilities, which can limit customization options.

Visual and animation issues: The game has mixed comic book art style and some players find the animation of moving humanoid fighters unpleasant. There are also glitches with 3D animations.

Frequent bugs and crashes: The game suffers from numerous bugs, including visual glitches, combat issues, and frequent crashes. Players report a wide range of technical problems that significantly impact the gameplay experience.

Camera and physics problems: There are notable issues with the game's camera and physics, leading to a less enjoyable experience. These issues contribute to the overall jankiness reported by players.

Performance inconsistencies: Players experience varying performance levels, with some reporting smooth gameplay while others encounter significant jank and performance issues. Updates have been noted to sometimes break the game.

Compatibility with Linux and Steam Deck: The game is compatible with Linux via Proton and works well on the Steam Deck. This is a positive aspect noted by players who use these platforms.

Incorrect abilities being used: Some players have encountered bugs where incorrect abilities are used during gameplay. This issue, while less frequent, can significantly disrupt the gaming experience.

Worth buying on sale: Many players suggest that the game is worth purchasing, especially when it is available at a discount. It is recommended for casual players and fans of turn-based strategy games.

Recommended for XCOM fans: The game is often compared to XCOM and is recommended for fans of the series or those looking for a similar experience. However, it may not meet the expectations of die-hard XCOM fans.

Good for short gaming sessions: The game is suitable for short bursts of gaming, offering quick and engaging combat sessions. This makes it ideal for players looking for a lighter experience.

Recommended despite glitches: Some players still recommend the game even though it has glitches, indicating that the overall experience is enjoyable despite the technical issues.

Consider modding other games: For those looking for a fantastic game, modding other titles might be a better option. This suggests that the game may not fully meet the expectations of all players.

Steam Deck: The Steam Deck experience for this game is marred by several significant issues. Intrusive software and anti-cheat measures raise privacy concerns. The 2K launcher is buggy and complicates the game launch process. Additionally, the lack of controller support and offline mode issues further detract from the user experience.

Monetization: The game is perceived by many users as a cash grab, with concerns about its value for money. These perceptions significantly impact the user experience and suggest a focus on monetization over quality.

Game received through bundles: Some players received the game as part of a package or bundle, often with discounts.

Preference for classic gameplay: Players expressed a desire for future games in the series to follow the style and gameplay of the first two installments.