XCOM 2 (2016)
Game Description:
In XCOM 2, set in 2035, Earth is under the control of the alien ADVENT administration, following humanity's defeat in the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The aliens have established a seemingly utopian society, but their sinister agenda remains hidden. Players assume the role of the Commander, leading a guerrilla force to rebuild the XCOM organization, now operating from a mobile base called the Avenger. Tasked with igniting a global resistance, players must recruit soldiers, research alien technology, and engage in tactical turn-based combat to disrupt ADVENT operations. As the resistance grows, players uncover the true purpose of the alien occupation and strive to reclaim Earth, ultimately saving humanity from extinction.
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What Parents Should Know About XCOM 2
Age Rating
Release Date
2016
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
XCOM 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Blood, Use of Tobacco, and Violence. This is a strategy game in which players attempt to save Earth from an alien invasion. From a ¾-top-down perspective, players manage resources, engage in combat missions, rescue characters, and terrorize alien installations. Players use rifles, machine guns, pistols, and grenades to kill enemies (e.g., human-, insect-, beast-like characters) in turn-based combat. Attack moves occur in brief cutscenes that depict characters getting shot or wounded/killed by explosions. Splashes and pools of yellow and red blood sometimes appear when characters are injured or killed. During the course of the game, players can customize soldiers with accessories, including lit cigarettes and cigars.
Content Warnings:
Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that XCOM 2 may not be suitable for younger kids. The game features mild profanity and a significant level of violence, with scenes depicting characters being shot or killed, accompanied by blood effects. The strategic combat involves using firearms and explosives against alien and human-like enemies. Additionally, the game includes mature themes such as the use of tobacco, with characters seen smoking cigarettes and cigars. Parents often recommend this game for teens 13 and older due to its intense combat scenarios and mature content.
Why Your Kid Might Like XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a hit among teens due to its strategic depth and engaging storyline. The game challenges players to think critically and plan their moves carefully, which can be incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy tactical gameplay. The turn-based combat system allows for thoughtful decision-making, and the variety of missions keeps the experience fresh and exciting. Teens appreciate the opportunity to lead a resistance against alien forces, making them feel like heroes in a dystopian world. The customization options for soldiers also add a personal touch, allowing players to create unique characters and strategies.
The game's narrative, set in a future where Earth is under alien control, adds an intriguing layer of mystery and suspense. Teens are drawn to uncovering the hidden agendas of the alien occupiers and the thrill of building a global resistance. The mobile base, the Avenger, serves as a hub for managing resources, recruiting soldiers, and researching alien technology, providing a sense of progression and achievement. The combination of strategic planning, immersive storytelling, and the challenge of saving humanity from extinction makes XCOM 2 a compelling choice for teens who enjoy complex and thought-provoking games.