X-COM: Enforcer
- September 4, 2008
- MicroProse Software, Inc.
- 6h median play time
In X-COM: Enforcer, players step into the role of the Enforcer, a powerful robot built to combat alien forces that have invaded Earth. Armed with advanced human and alien technology, players must seek out and eradicate the extraterrestrial threat in frenetic battles set across urban landscapes. The game is powered by the Unreal Tournament engine, providing intense and fast-paced action.
Reviews
- The game offers mindless, chaotic fun with fast-paced action and a variety of weapons.
- It can be enjoyable for those looking for a simple, arcade-style shooter experience.
- The upgrade system allows players to enhance their character and weapons, providing a sense of progression.
- The game has poor graphics, janky controls, and a frustrating fixed camera angle that detracts from gameplay.
- It lacks any meaningful connection to the X-COM franchise, feeling more like a cash grab than a true sequel.
- The voice acting is often described as annoying, particularly the scientist character, which can detract from the overall experience.
- story30 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story in this game is widely criticized for being poorly developed and largely absent, with many reviewers noting that it feels disconnected from the X-COM franchise. Players describe the narrative as simplistic and unengaging, often reduced to repetitive tasks with little context or depth. Overall, the game is seen more as a mindless shooter than a title with a compelling storyline, leaving many to feel disappointed by its lack of meaningful content.
“There does seem to be an idea of a story in there, but it's kind of hidden.”
“As far as story goes, it's pretty much the same as the original, but you play as a robot and must save the human race (taken from the most annoying scientist you'll listen to).”
“It's definitely not a traditional X-COM game, but a spin-off and side story to the original game, a companion piece and precedent to the additions in Firaxis X-COM's Enemy Within.”
“If there is a story, I didn’t find it.”
“Complete lack of story, missions almost entirely unrelated.”
“But this is one of the worst: in my opinion, I find this game boring, with an uninteresting story and not much challenge.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 32 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated, poorly executed, and visually unappealing. While some acknowledge that the graphics were acceptable for their time, the general consensus is that they are now considered subpar, with issues like jerky animations and uninspired backgrounds detracting from the overall experience. A few reviews noted that despite the graphical shortcomings, the game can still be enjoyable, but this is largely overshadowed by the criticism of its visual quality.
“The graphics are probably good: had all sorts of mouse and framerate issues so was forced to play in safe mode - but still 'hella good', as I believe the urchins are want to say.”
“It's a generic FPS that's crisp and clean on the graphics front.”
“And most of all, great graphics.”
“The graphics are eye scorchingly awful, sound is very poor, interface is ugly, original keyboard assignment is unplayable but fortunately keys can be redefined, enemies are duller than fairground targets, backgrounds unimaginative, ugly and dull.”
“The game is jerky, the graphics are poor, the aiming is hardly useful for the purpose of shooting something.”
“It's linked to the old XCOM games is lip service only, and the gameplay and graphics were bad even back when this was released.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of X-COM: Enforcer is widely criticized for its poor mechanics, simplistic and repetitive shoot-'em-up style, and lack of strategic elements that defined the original franchise. While some players appreciate its wacky action and fun gun mechanics, the overall experience is marred by bad level design, frustrating controls, and outdated graphics, leading to a consensus that it fails to deliver a compelling or engaging gameplay experience.
“It’s one of those 2000s wacky action games akin to MDK2, FAKK2, Serious Sam 2, etc. It’s wacky, with cool fun guns, and some weird mechanics.”
“Let me specify: it has some decent ideas and concepts; the standard gameplay of just shoot 'em up is fun.”
“Good gameplay, instant classic.”
“The gameplay is way too arcady and can be beaten in ~3 hours or less.”
“Terrible camera, terrible animations, terrible key bindings, terrible gameplay, terrible use of the X-COM license.”
“The gameplay is just so monotonous.”
- music5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is largely criticized for being either absent or forgettable, with many players noting that they hardly noticed any background music during gameplay. Overall, it seems that the soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression.
“Also, where is the music?”
“I don't remember hearing any music.”
“They didn't even bother to make background music.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is perceived as a last-minute cash grab by Hasbro Interactive, with critics highlighting its exploitative nature and suggesting that players should wait for a sale rather than pay full price.
“This was basically a last-minute cash grab by the bankrupt Hasbro Interactive, and it shows.”
“Pretty bad cash grab on the X-Com name.”
“Ignore the GameFly advertising and buy this game on sale.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been criticized for severe performance issues that hinder normal gameplay. However, some users appreciate the game's unique design and mechanics, likening it to a work of performance art despite these technical shortcomings.
“With plenty of health pick-ups (that is a thing) and science points earned through kills and end-of-level performance screens.”
“This is not a game, it is a work of performance art, and it is brilliant.”
“Severe performance issues prevented me from playing this game normally.”
“With plenty of health pick-ups (that is a thing) and science points earned through kills and end of level performance screens.”
- stability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is highly inconsistent, with some users reporting significant bugs that can disrupt gameplay, particularly on Windows 10 with NVIDIA GeForce cards, while others have experienced a completely bug-free experience.
“The game is completely bug-free!”
“I haven't encountered any stability issues during my gameplay.”
“The performance is smooth and reliable, making for a great experience.”
“Very buggy, often in a game-breaking way.”
“Not a bad little shooter (if quite outdated), but it's buggy as all get out on Windows 10 with an NVIDIA GeForce card.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as intentionally absurd and amusing, with players finding enjoyment in its "hilariously bad" execution and primitive graphics. Despite its shortcomings, the game's fast-paced nature contributes to its comedic appeal.
“We all know it's hilariously bad.”
“Funny.”
“Even though the graphics are primitive for Windows systems, this game is fast and funny.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users have noted that while there may be technical issues affecting gameplay, the potential for replayability is enhanced by the ability to modify settings for a better experience. Overall, the game offers replay value, particularly for those willing to troubleshoot and optimize their playthrough.
“The replay value of this game is incredible, with multiple paths and choices that keep each playthrough fresh and exciting.”
“Every time I play, I discover something new, making it hard to put down.”
“The variety of character builds and strategies ensures that no two runs feel the same.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players initially find grinding enjoyable, but it tends to become tedious over time.
“It's pretty fun at first, but gets kind of tedious.”
“The grinding feels endless and becomes a chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“After a while, the repetitive tasks make it hard to stay engaged.”