UFO2: Extraterrestrials

66%
Game Brain Score Based on 73 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • story
UFO2: Extraterrestrials Game Cover
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"UFO2: Extraterrestrials is a 3D strategy game with real-time global and turn-based tactical missions. Command squads in intense firefights against aliens, develop technologies and weapons, and interrogate captured enemies. With destructible terrain, RPG elements, and dynamic lighting, this game offers a rich and immersive experience."

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

66%
Audience ScoreBased on 73 reviews
music3 positive mentions
stability6 negative mentions
  • UFO2: Extraterrestrials offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic XCOM games, providing enjoyable turn-based strategy gameplay.
  • The game features a variety of aliens, weapons, and research options, allowing for customization and strategic depth.
  • Despite some flaws, many players find the game fun and engaging, especially if they appreciate the old-school style of gameplay.
  • The game suffers from numerous bugs, including mouse lag, crashes, and unresponsive controls, making it frustrating to play.
  • Graphics and user interface are outdated, with many elements feeling clunky and poorly designed compared to modern standards.
  • Many players feel the game lacks depth in story and character development, leading to a sense of emptiness during gameplay.
  • graphics24 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that they resemble those from two decades ago, often comparing them unfavorably to more modern titles. While some players appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and find the gameplay enjoyable despite the outdated visuals, others criticize the graphics as poor and lacking polish. Overall, the game seems to appeal more to those who prioritize gameplay depth over graphical fidelity.

    • “If one is looking for graphical eye candy and just can't get past the look of this game, then that shallow view will probably cause you to pass on this otherwise hidden gem.”
    • “The second part feels more polished out of the box with improved graphics.”
    • “UFO 2 feels and plays exactly like X-COM, but with better graphics and support for modern displays and resolution.”
    • “The graphics look like they are from a game 20 years ago.”
    • “This game has poor graphics, poor UI, and unpredictable bugs and crashes.”
    • “Graphics-wise, this game looks like it was made in 2001 but gets the job done perfectly fine.”
  • gameplay18 mentions

    Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players enjoying the nostalgic mechanics reminiscent of classic X-COM games, while others criticize the clunky controls, lack of polish, and numerous bugs. Many feel that the game fails to innovate beyond its predecessors, leading to disappointment, though some appreciate the core mechanics that provide an engaging experience despite the rough edges. Overall, the gameplay is seen as fun but flawed, with a need for improvements and clearer explanations of mechanics.

    • “If you can get past the old-looking graphics, the gameplay and game mechanics are quite enjoyable.”
    • “Gameplay is very fun so far: feels just like the very first X-COM (aka UFO: Enemy Unknown) from 1994, which I loved playing when I was a child.”
    • “True - it lacks the polish and has rough edges, but the core game mechanics will keep you glued to the screen until you forget such silliness as 'story' or 'voiceovers.'”
    • “Terrible gameplay mechanics and graphics.”
    • “While the style and gameplay here evoke other X-COM games, this particular version is lackluster.”
    • “After a long wait, I am disappointed. It's an unfinished game with lots of bugs, capitalizing on the previous game. I stopped playing until some gameplay is improved, if it will ever be. I'm very tempted to ask for a refund.”
  • story18 mentions

    The game's story is often criticized for its minimalism, with many players noting a lack of plot, character development, and narrative depth. While some appreciate the gameplay mechanics and the freedom to create their own narrative, others feel that the absence of a compelling story detracts from the overall experience, leaving it feeling empty and unengaging. Overall, the story aspect is seen as a significant flaw, with players divided on its necessity for enjoyment.

    • “Explains the story of what happened nicely.”
    • “Despite what others have said about graphics and story, this is a great game.”
    • “You have your geoscape and you respond to missions, shooting down alien craft and raiding the survivors among other things.”
    • “The most glaring flaw is the complete and utter lack of story, plot, or setting.”
    • “You research stuff but are somewhat in the dark; there are no voice lines, no story explaining things or giving you a sense of direction.”
    • “For the money they are charging, this game needs to offer a lot more than it currently does. I may be a bit spoiled by XCOM, but just sitting there waiting for something to happen with no story and no characters of note feels so empty.”
  • stability6 mentions

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, with numerous bugs affecting gameplay, including erratic AI behavior, unresponsive controls, and various glitches such as sound problems and enemies exploiting game mechanics. Overall, players report a frustrating experience due to the persistent and pervasive nature of these bugs.

    • “Years of development to achieve the same old buggy mess.”
    • “Numerous bugs: from mild like a raven moving/turning on its own on the first turn or sound glitches to enemies having x-ray vision and firing through base walls.”
    • “Buggy gameplay where input commands do not always register.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some tracks reportedly lifted from "X-COM: UFO Defense," leading to concerns about originality. While some players find the music satisfactory, others feel it lacks immersion and could be significantly improved, especially in comparison to contemporary standards. Overall, the sound effects are considered mediocre, contributing to a less than stellar audio experience.

    • “The music in this game is pretty good, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “The sound effects are kind of mediocre, but the music makes up for it.”
    • “The immersive music and sound design elevate the gameplay significantly.”
    • “There's some outright stolen material from X-COM: UFO Defense, in the form of several music tracks, and even some product placement I'm pretty sure the real company did not agree to.”
    • “I am, however, annoyed by the sound and the background music; I feel it could have been better!”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Users generally find that the original UFO Defense and XCOM games offer superior optimization and performance compared to UFO: Extraterrestrials Gold, highlighting better gameplay and graphics in the former titles.

    • “I feel the original UFO Defense and XCOM games are way better when it comes to gameplay and performance.”
    • “It is better optimized and has better graphics than UFO: Extraterrestrials Gold.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky and whimsical design, particularly the nh'teols, which resemble amusing characters from a children's educational program about math. This playful aesthetic contributes to a lighthearted and entertaining experience.

    • “Just look at those characters: they look like some weird, funny math people from a math dimension in a TV program that helps kids learn math.”
    • “The humor in this game is so clever and unexpected; it keeps you laughing at every turn.”
    • “I love how the game uses puns and witty dialogue to create a lighthearted atmosphere.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    The game has limited replayability, with players expressing that they are unlikely to revisit it after completing the main content, unless new mods are introduced in the future.

    • “I do feel that I probably wouldn't replay this game after finishing it, hence little replayability unless they come out with mods later.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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