It has been a while since a game made me lost track of time. After finishing XCOM, I can safely say that XCOM is one of those games that managed to do just that.

The game has a strategy layer which involves researching and base building and also a tactical layer which was presented by battle against the aliens. The strategy layer is quite decent, though it boils down to simply choosing which upgrades to get first. I just wish the game offers more options in the beginning. For example, later on you can build a robot for your squadmate, but since it was unlocked a bit later, all my troopers are already strong enough without needing to add the robot.

The tactical layer is where the game truly, truly shines. Everytime a battle starts, I have this mixed feeling of joy and dread, excited to kick some alien ass while also afraid of losing a soldier. And surprisingly, the battle never lets up, whether it's early game or late game. As my troops got better, the game also introduces stronger enemies to keep up with me. And since a wounded soldier cannot participate in the next battle, every encounter with aliens in the battle is tense and exciting.

In the end, if you're a fan of strategy or tactical game in general, XCOM is a game for you. The game would easily satisfy your itch for a nerve-wraking and head-scratching battle.

Oh, and I also highly recommend getting both the base game and the Enemy WIthin expansion. The expansion adds more game mechanics and less story missions, so unless you don't mind going through the same campaign again, go get the expansion for your first playthrough.