The Bureau XCOM Declassified video review

2K Games’ long awaited and in development, The Bureau XCOM Declassified is finally here, but is this hybrid third person tactical shooter set in the 1960s a worthy title using the well established XCOM name. Take a look at our The Bureau XCOM Declassified video review for the full lowdown on this sci-fi action adventure.

Today we’re taking a look at the long awaited The Bureau XCOM Declassified from 2K Games’ internal development studios which has seen a bit of a transformation after initially being touted as a first person shooter. Either way, the end result is still the same as players take on the role of troubled Agent Carter as he and the XCOM team look to thwart an alien threat that looks poised to overtake humanity and the Earth. In a nutshell, the game with its 1960s time frame, plays just like a B movie and is a perfect excuse to kick alien butt.

Pleasantries aside, the game’s shift to a third person viewpoint feels fitting, as  the action offers players many skirmishes against alien forces where use of cover is paramount to success. This mechanic is lifted right from the turn based games, and might not have been as effective in first person. In a nutshell, the gameplay revolves around talking to people in the XCOM base of operations – in the most painfully slow run animation ever. Select a squad – which can be renamed to how you like for easy reference, and then take on various humanity saving operations.

Firstly, the squad element remains faithful to the series, in that if a team mate is killed in action, then they are gone forever. So that means, either a reload, or suffering the loss – which if you’ve spent time building up the abilities of the agent, hurts quite a bit. That said, there’s a healthy bank of other agents to choose from, and as the story progresses, players can send them out on independent missions to keep their levels from falling too far behind. Each agent is tied to a class where each possess various skills which can be gained by leveling up. Naturally, the higher skilled agents make quite formidable sidekicks where orders are given to suit the situation players are in.

The operations themselves which are mostly set on American soil until later on in the game, centre around moving from A to B across fairly linear maps,  activating terminals and generally, unlocking the secrets of the alien invasion and how Earth can fight back. Whilst the story is interesting, there’s little time for proper depth to any of the characters as its business as usual for this type of game. Whilst there is an underlying narrative, its impact is largely overshadowed by the fact that the entire premise is simply of humans versus aliens.  So there are no distractions here which could be viewed as a good thing.

The gameplay is pretty solid, with the use of real time action from the player using human and alien weapons, and two AI controlled agents who on normal difficulty can hold their own for the most part, but on occasion require a bit of baby sitting from time to time.  Players can take cover and try and shoot down the enemy in an action based context, yet the real satisfaction comes from using tactics and the team to work together in taking out the enemy. Whilst the game is fairly competent as an action shooter, it feels and plays best when working the abilities and keeping ones head safely down – it’s even well possible to simply sit back and dish out orders to the agents without firing a single bullet.

The Bureau XCOM Declassified borrows heavily from Mass Effect 3 with its interface, where during fights the gameplay slows down, and a selection wheel is displayed. Once an ability is selected, it’s then placed on the map using a cursor or pinpointed at a specific target. It works well enough, and is necessary to catch one’s breath when the big guns come out to play. It’s a shame there isn’t an option to set the agents to use their own abilities independently from the player, but you can see why as some actions are more complex than merely pointing a gun at an enemy – such as the use of placing mines , gun turrets and air strikes.

Graphically, the game look pleasant enough despite some low res textures, although there are some intermittent dips in the frame rate, especially when the game auto saves. In general, there’s a vibrant and colourful look, with some interesting  all American locales that pander to the b-movie presentation and stunning views on occasion which highlight the scale of the alien attack. The character models are reasonable, although not the most detailed, and the fact that players can choose to customize their players in pink clothing is plus point.

The audio is does a fine job with its rousing and often jarring score, coupled with meaty sound effects and plenty of in-game chatter. During the less hectic moments we’re presented with a typical cast of characters who effectively do their jobs and provide little else to ponder. Whilst the acting is fairly solid, it’s a rather unemotional performance overall which perhaps again, is fitting to the b-movie style.

The Bureau XCOM Declassified offer quite a lengthy campaign, that can probably be beaten in 8 or more hours of solid play, depending on skill and any side missions completed or ignored. Sadly, there’s no new game plus to mess around with, where the only option, other than replaying missions is to start over on a tougher setting. There’s a distinct lack of extras outside of going for achievements, and although useful ability enhancing backpacks can be scavenged from the field, there’s nothing else to look for aside from lots of notes, photos and recordings.

The Bureau XCOM Declassified attempts to marry two styles of play into one, and whilst one is better optimized than the other, it does work – although action gamers might find the game a little tough if they ignore the battle changing abilities and their agents.  The story isn’t likely to win any awards, yet it’s still an entertaining ride that presents some tense skirmishes and a predominant will to move forwards to see what happens next.  In this regard, the game is well worth checking out, but is much more enjoyable for those who like to experiment with tactical maneuvers. Shooter fans might feel a bit overwhelmed and left bleeding out as the game is quite tough if the basics aren’t fully understood. That said, if you’re a fan of XCOM, then this is a solid entry for the franchise, and worth checking out.

Score 8/10 – Review by Robert Cram

Written by: Rob Cram

Rob Cram has hundreds of video game reviews, thousands of articles under his belt with years of experience in gaming and tech. He aims to remain fair and free from publisher/developer influence. With his extensive knowledge, feels his gaming opinions are valid and worth sharing. Agreement with his views are entirely optional. He might have a bias towards cyberpunk.