Phoenix Point is a Tedious Version of Xcom

I love Xcom. Alien hunting with your squad is so much fun and addictive on Xcom that I have spent countless hours on that game. So, when I found out that Phoenix Point just may be the replacement to the void left by Xcom, I jumped on it! As much as I had a lot of fun, I was fairly disappointed with some aspects.

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Let's Start With the Good

If you are a big fan of a good storyline and some heart-thumping action that requires some strategizing, look no further, Phoenix point is for you. There is something about having trained an elite team and later sending them out to do battle on your behalf. Of course, there is the issue of them dying. I know its part of the fun, but I can't bear having my men die so, erm... I do cheat a little bit by restarting the mission again and again (sort of like Prince of Persia hahaha). 

I like how complex the game is. You don't just recruit troops like xcom that easily, you will have to find them on different havens and recruit them. It is kinda tedious, but it keeps you working and grinding. Also, you get to bring vehicles along for the ride which is great improvement as compared to Xcom. You also get to choose what kind of transport to bring your troops around the battlefield. I love the amount of customization afforded to the players. However, it is this kind of customization and work that makes the game... a little tedious.

It's So Good that I Feel a Little Stressed Out

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I think in life there's a very fine line between doing something challenging and being stressed out at something. Depending on your appetite, Phoenix point may fall just a little bit on the stressful side. This is because it takes a lot of management, planning before you can even take the fight to the enemy. I don't mind playing on the defensive really but after a while, having my butt handed to me by overwhelming odds just makes it a little demotivating. 

Also, the game really tries to paint a very bleak position of your faction. I get it, we are underfunded and weak. But after a while, it becomes a bit hard to play. 

Conclusion

If I were to compare between Xcom and Phoenix Point, I still very much prefer Xcom. I love the focus on combat instead of managing my team. I know some of you may find Phoenix Point better but combat is more my thing as compared to managing my bases and troops. Hence, if you are more of a manager, do head over to Phoenix point, else, stick with Xcom.