The X-COM games were classics. UFO: Aftermath, was not as well received, although it was still a decent enough game - it is hard to live up to expectations after something as popular as X-COM.

UFO: Aftershock is the sequel to UFO: Aftermath - a lot has remained the same - the combat system, SAS (Simultaneous Action System), with its range of options for real time / pause when you want turn based play is still one of the best in action / strategy games, for example. A lot has been changed and polished to create a game worthy of standing up there beside X-Com.

The Story

The game is based about 50 years after UFO: Aftershock. The survivors of the alien invasion left a now uninhabitable earth, to live on Laputa. A revolt against the leadership of that island virtually destroyed it too, however, and now the survivors must return to earth to try to reclaim it and rebuild their lives.

The Game

The bugs from Aftermath have been ironed out, and the graphics have been improved somewhat - it still has the same feel, but it looks and plays more smoothly. There is still the odd issue with rather odd pathing, and some of the units are annoyingly fragile, but these are minor things.

There have been more tactical options added - more varied terrain and areas for combat to take place in, and more options for placement of troops. The combat is still focused around small squads, but there is more that you can do with them. Diplomacy also now plays a factor.

The blend of micromanagement and global strategy works very well, and the characters are interesting and believable. The story throughout the game is very interesting, and engaging, with well-executed cut scenes and characters that are animated in a realistic and expressive way.

You can customise the equipment that members of your squad are carrying, and can often get attached to certain membersas you get to know them.

Conclusion

The game is only single player, which is a shame as this could have had a very good multi-player co-operative mode. Even so, this is a great sequel, and has greatly improved upon UFO: Aftermath. I fear it will be overlooked by many people, partly because of its genre, and partly because Aftermath was not well received. It is a shame, because UFO: Aftershock is not only a vast improvement, it is a great game, intuitive to play, and compulsive - keeping you engrossed from the tutorial onwards.

Graphics: 8/10 Sound: 8/10 Interface: 9/10 Plot: 9/10 Longevity: 9/10

Overall: 9/10