X-com: any new good games?

[econ21]

Short answer: no. X-Com was superb both because it had wonderful gameplay (combining both an interesting strategic layer and good battles - not unlike TW) and because it had a stunning atmosphere: the music, the scarey aliens, the screams as my rookie turns into a zombie (and that's just me screaming - the computer makes sounds too).

There are fans of an X-Com PBM thing, but I want an AI.

I tried a demo of the 3D X-com remake that came out a few years back and was appalled at how clunky it was. By contrast, I still play the original UFO: Enemy Unknown with no problems. If you still want to play the original with a modern computer, there is a nice loader (I think by Scott Jones) that allows you to do so.

In terms of related games, some people rave about Silent Storm (2?) - it's WW2 themed, but has X-Com style tactical combat in 3D. However, I thought it was only so-so: it lacks a compelling atmosphere and never really immerses you.

Personally, for X-Com type fixes, I have to stick to older games. Jagged Alliance 2 was the ultimate evolution of the isometric squad based tactical game genre, IMO. It has pretty much all the X-Com gameplay, with its own wonderful atmosphere, and has graphics that are more acceptable to the modern eye. It is mercs vs soldiers, however - although the main protaganist, Deidranna, would give Darth Vader a run for his money as a characterful villain. And the sci-fi quest is fantastic - like the first half of Aliens.

Perversely, I sometimes feel that the original Ghost Recon - a tactical shooter - was sort of like a real time first person X-com type game; it's all about maneouvring your squad into position and has a fun varied long campaign. Heart stoppingly realistic too.

If you really want a sci-fi themed game, keep your eye on Bioshock. Not a squad based tactical game, but looks like it will have a scarey futuristic atmosphere down to a tee.