XCOM: The Board Game
- Designer Eric M. Lang
- Publisher Fantasy Flight Games , 2K Games, Inc. , ADC Blackfire Entertainment , Edge Entertainment , Firaxis Games, Inc.
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In XCOM: The Board Game, you and up to three friends lead the elite XCOM organization to defend Earth from an alien invasion. The game combines real-time gameplay with a digital app that manages the escalating alien attacks. You coordinate resource management, assign soldiers to missions, and research alien technology while managing global panic. The app offers multiple difficulty levels and adds tension through push-your-luck mechanics during combat.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players who enjoy cooperative challenges with real-time elements. With a playtime around 120 minutes, it demands patience and teamwork. Its complexity and integration of a digital app require prior experience with cooperative and real-time games. The recommended age of 14+ suits older teens and adults.
How It Works
XCOM: The Board Game is a cooperative real-time game where players fight an alien invasion together. The digital app randomly selects invasion plans and coordinates attacks in real time, controlling the game pace. You plan actions using hand management, balance risks with push-your-luck mechanics, and utilize variable player powers. Dice rolling adds an element of chance to your strategic decisions.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Eric M. Lang, XCOM: The Board Game won the 2015 Spiel der Spiele Griffin Scroll. Its innovative use of a digital app as a core game component creates a hybrid experience blending real-time mechanics with push-your-luck gameplay. The sci-fi theme and variable player roles deepen the cooperative challenge.
Awards
2015
2015
- 2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game — Nominated
- 2015 Board Game Quest Awards Most Innovative Game — Nominated
Pro
- Innovative digital app integration for real-time gameplay
- Cooperative with variable player powers
- Winner of Spiel der Spiele Griffin Scroll 2015
- Exciting push-your-luck combat mechanics
Contra
- Requires coordination and patience in real time
- High complexity and 120-minute duration may deter casual players
- Recommended age 14+ limits accessibility for younger players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a science-fiction universe, players are part of XCOM, an international organization defending Earth against an alien UFO invasion. The theme is based on the XCOM video game franchise, focusing on tactical defense against extraterrestrial threats.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the app mechanics and hand management before exploring advanced strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, XCOM: The Board Game supports solo play for one player.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, including coordination with the digital app.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players familiar with cooperative and real-time games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its unique blend of real-time mechanics, digital app control, and push-your-luck elements sets it apart.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age recommendation of 14+, it is better suited for older teens and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
The real-time management of alien invasions via a digital app is the game’s standout feature.
Fazit
XCOM: The Board Game is highly recommended for players seeking cooperative real-time games supported by digital integration. It suits teams looking for complex strategic hand management in a sci-fi setting.
