XCOM 2 Collection brings the acclaimed turn-based strategy experience to the Nintendo Switch, letting you command a resistance force in a high-stakes fight against alien overlords who have seized control of Earth.
Gameplay
In this turn-based strategy title, you take charge of a guerrilla outfit battling an alien regime. Core mechanics revolve around deploying squads on tactical missions where positioning matters intensely. Soldiers use cover to avoid fire, set up overwatch ambushes, and chain abilities like precise shots or grenade tosses. Probability plays a big role, with hit chances displayed before actions, adding tension to every decision. Outside of combat, base management involves researching tech, building facilities, and scanning a global map for resources or resistance contacts. Time-sensitive elements push you to act quickly, as delays can lead to lost opportunities or civilian casualties. Expansions introduce bonds between soldiers, granting perks from strong relationships but also debuffs like fears from repeated enemy encounters. New hero classes bring unique skills, such as grappling hooks for mobility or blades for close-quarters takedowns.
Game Modes
The primary focus is on the single-player campaign, where you guide the resistance through a series of story-driven missions interspersed with base operations. This mode combines strategic oversight on a world map with tactical battles on grid-based fields. You can activate the War of the Chosen expansion within the campaign for added layers, including new hero classes and enemy types. Portable play options on the Switch support TV, tabletop, or handheld setups, making short sessions feasible despite the game's depth.
Expansions and DLC
The collection bundles the base game with the War of the Chosen expansion, which ramps up strategic depth through new environments, missions, and powerful adversaries. It also includes four DLC packs: Resistance Warrior Pack for squad customization options like outfits and armor; Anarchy's Children for exotic cosmetic tweaks; Alien Hunters, adding weapons, armor, and encounters with alien Rulers plus a narrative mission; and Shen's Last Gift, featuring a new soldier class with distinct combat abilities and a facility investigation storyline.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of turn-based strategy who enjoy calculated risks and squad management, this collection holds strong appeal, especially on the go. It earns a Metascore of 77 from critics, highlighting its challenging tactical depth and replay value, though user scores average 6.7 due to performance hiccups like frame rate drops and long load times on the Switch. The emotional pull of customizing and bonding with soldiers keeps sessions engaging, but technical issues such as UI clutter in handheld mode and occasional freezes might frustrate some. If you prioritize portable strategy without needing flawless visuals, it remains a solid pick, particularly at its bundled price point.