XCOM: The Board Game, Standard Packaging

Bottom line up Front - A great and challenging co-op board game that creatively uses modern technology (downloadable App) to enhance a tradition board game experience.When I first heard about this game I was worried that the App component would be either be a gimmick or would feel out of sync with game play; much like many of the VHS based board game of the 1990s. My concerns were unfounded as the app synergies with game play extremely well, enhancing game play but ensuring that it moves at a brisk at challenging pace. It also is a reason that this game is highly replayable as the app presents a slightly different game every time the game is played.The goal is simple, save Earth from a large scale alien invasion, an invasion that not only outnumbers your fledgling force but is exponentially more advanced and powerful. There are 4 roles that players fulfill in order to run XCOM, the aforementioned organization tasked with the near impossible task of thwarting off the invaders from afar: the Commander, the Chief Scientist, the Squad Leader, and the Central (communications) Officer. Unlike many other co-op games each role is vitally important to success and the 4 roles synergize extremely well, each player will be engaged every turn of the game. Additionally the importance of each role and the time constraints imposed by the app prevents a single player from dictating game play and the direction of the game.I have only played this game with 4 players but it is designed to be played with 1-4 to for players with players assuming multiple roles if need be. As previously stated the ability to replay this game is great as there are multiple invasion plans to combat, different levels of difficulty, and as well a the randomness of the app. I could also see expansions coming out for this in the future (EXALT perhaps?) only enhancing the complexity of the game. Oh and by the way this game even on the easiest of settings is hard to beat so be forewarned!Once again highly satisfied with a Fantasy Flight product!

This game is fun. It has a very Pandemic feel to it when you first get into it. The time limitations from the app make it very challenging, and helps mitigate the problem I have with most coop games. Usually you sit and discuss what you're going to do...and one person tends to lead the entire game. With the time limit I find people tend to make their own decisions more often.I like how much it has the feel of the computer game, without becoming too complicated.The biggest downside, though, is it is complicated to jump into. Thankfully, the app has a tutorial mission, which makes it very easy to get a feel for your roles. Sadly, every time you play with a new group of people, the easiest way is to play that tutorial...So it takes a bit longer than it would if you were playing with an experienced group.I tried playing solo, and there was A LOT to digest. I can't imagine playing it timed by yourself...Unless you're really good (and have a good table...my smaller round table is fine for 4 players, but not enough room in front of you for all the cards) With my limited playing thus far, I feel 3-4 players would be best.

The app is really a cool mechanic and not just a gimmick. It helps to keep the game fresh every time and helps scale the difficulty as you get more familiar with the game. The role separation is also uniquely cool and as the timed phases go on, it remains imperative to focus on your own job.Have played this with family and friends and once they get past the small learning curve, they all want to play more. This is frequently requested whenever game night is brought up.Pro's:Love the appSuperb figure qualitySmall learning curveWell thought out rolesVery cool pace between timed and resolution phasesGreat scalingQuick gamesCon's:Only four playersMuch harder with less than 4 (could be a pro for some)No paper instruction book (instructions are in the app)

Me encantó, juego perfecto para los amantes de los juegos de mesa y para los fans de Xcom, es capaz de atraerle a personas que ni siquiera han jugado los videojuegos. Cada uno de los 4 jugadores desempeña un rol diferente con un tiempo limitado en la primera fase, lo que le da un toque muy novedoso.

Game arrived on time and is every bit as challenging, and fun, as I expected from and XCOM game. I recommend this to any fan of the series or anyone looking for a game that is both fun and challenging.

Perfectly captures the hopelessness and feeling of being stretched too thin of the modern XCom games. A fun play, although there is heavy reliance on dice rolls, which are quite unforgiving, and that could put some people off. Also, learning the game is a task and a half, so it puts a damper on things if you want to play the game with some new players.

In inglese. Uno dei giochi di punta del 2015, ottimo e veramente una grande esperienza di gioco collaborativo. Consigliato solo a chi ha esperienza coi moderni boardgames.

Since I know the XCOM series from its various versions, spin-offs and knock-offs, I was really intrigued to see how this board game played out and I wasn't disappointed! The designers have done a great job at keeping the frustration of managing limited resources, and the suspense and urgency of the overall game play as experienced in the computer games. The different events and actions of the board game could mean you have either a really quiet round and the next be a absolute desperate fight to stop things spiraling out of control.The use of a software program which dictates game play is something novel and takes a little getting use to. During my first few play through's, I found that i needed to refer back to the help guide (on the program) to remind me what it was I was suppose to be doing. Whilst the program has fairly good and concise help, you have to spend a few minutes to find exactly what your after as its not the easiest to navigate. The programs tutorial though is good and the games website has PDF versions of the help guides (possibly in response to new-player frustrations?).Overall, if your into novel and challenging board games, then I highly recommend this. Its a very good representation of a computer game classic with great models (with a decent paint job from a hobbist, could look even better!) and cards too. Its somewhat tricky to get use to using the software companion, but its challenging and rewarding to play!Last note; if your a fan of keeping your cards all neat and pristine, look to buy 2 green packs of Fantasy Flight sleeves, 2 yellow packs and 1 orange as there are lots of different sized cards in the box.