XCOM 2 updates the franchise's formula without sacrificing what works in the original game. I'm looking forward to playing it again - the best possible compliment I can pay to a tactics game.

A big step forward for the series. Although it has some severe technical issues, it's still a worthy strategy experience with gameplay that's addictive enough for anyone to ignore its flaws.

If you can take punishment as well as you can dish it out, then XCOM 2 strikes the right balance. Its tactics are hardlined, its urgency is persistent, and it will wear you down even as it builds you up. A beautiful, brutal beast of a tactics game. But do what you can to clean up these graphical and gameplay hitches, Firaxis; this game deserves it.