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 a variety of weapons and upgrades.
- It's easy to pick up and play, making it a good choice for casual gaming sessions.
- Despite its flaws, some players find enjoyment in the fast-paced action and alien-blasting gameplay.
- The game has poor graphics, janky controls, and a frustrating fixed camera angle.
- It deviates significantly from the X-COM franchise, lacking strategic elements and a coherent story.
- Voice acting is often criticized as annoying, and the gameplay can become repetitive and monotonous.
- story60 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 77 % 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 fails to connect meaningfully to the X-COM franchise. Players describe the narrative as simplistic and unengaging, often reduced to repetitive tasks with little context or depth. Overall, the consensus is that if you're seeking a compelling storyline, this game does not deliver.
“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.”
“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).”
“There does seem to be an idea of a story in there, but it's kind of hidden.”
“If there is a story, I didn’t find it.”
“It doesn't hold up as an X-COM title either since the story has barely anything to do with the overall plot.”
“Complete lack of story, missions almost entirely unrelated.”
- graphics38 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 58 % 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The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated, poorly executed, and visually unappealing.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 significantly lacking, with issues such as jerky animations and uninspired backgrounds. A few reviews noted decent character animations, but overall, the graphics are considered a major drawback of the game.
“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.”
“And most of all, great graphics.”
“It's a generic FPS that's crisp and clean on the graphics front.”
“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.”
“Well, the graphics are terrible, this I remember well.”
- gameplay36 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of X-COM: Enforcer has been widely criticized for its poor mechanics, simplistic and repetitive design, and lack of depth, diverging significantly from the strategic roots of the franchise. While some players appreciate its arcade-style shooting and wacky elements reminiscent of early 2000s action games, many find it monotonous, with frustrating controls and outdated graphics. Overall, the game is seen as a shallow experience that fails to engage players beyond basic shooting mechanics.
“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.”
“It's link to the old X-COM games is lip service only, and the gameplay and graphics were bad even back when this was released.”
- music10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is largely criticized for being either nonexistent or forgettable, with many players noting a lack of background music that detracts from the overall experience.
“They didn't even bother to make background music.”
“Music is pretty forgettable; actually, I don't think there was music at all.”
“I don't remember hearing any music.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, particularly by Hasbro Interactive, which detracts from the overall experience. Reviewers suggest avoiding promotional advertisements and recommend purchasing the game only when it's on sale.
“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.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game suffers from severe performance issues that hinder normal gameplay, despite its artistic merits and engaging mechanics. While some players appreciate its brilliance, the optimization problems significantly detract from the overall experience.
“This is not a game, it is a work of performance art, and it is brilliant.”
“With plenty of health pick-ups (that is a thing) and science points earned through kills and end of level performance screens.”
“Severe performance issues prevented me from playing this game normally.”
- stability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is highly inconsistent, with some users reporting it as "bug free," while others experience significant, game-breaking bugs, particularly on Windows 10 with NVIDIA GeForce cards. Overall, the game appears to have a troubling level of instability.
“The game is completely bug-free!”
“The game runs smoothly without any glitches.”
“I haven't encountered any bugs during my playthrough.”
“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.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as intentionally absurd and amusing, with many users finding its "hilariously bad" quality to be a source of entertainment. Despite its primitive graphics, players appreciate the game's fast-paced and comedic elements, contributing to an overall lighthearted experience.
“Even though the graphics are primitive for Windows systems, this game is fast and funny.”
“We all know it's hilariously bad.”
“Funny.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users report mixed experiences regarding replayability, with some encountering technical issues that hindered gameplay. However, those who sought solutions through community guides found ways to enhance their experience, suggesting that with the right adjustments, the game can offer improved replay value.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect enjoyable initially, but it tends to become tedious over time.
“It's pretty fun at first, but gets kind of tedious.”