X-COM: UFO Defense (PC) - Intro

X-COM: UFO Defense, released in 1994, was a landmark strategy game that captivated players with its tense atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and innovative blend of turn-based tactical combat and global base management. Players took on the role of commander of the X-COM project, tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion. What made it special was its unforgiving difficulty, the permadeath of soldiers, and the constant feeling of being outmatched by the technologically superior aliens. The game's impact on popular culture is evident in the numerous sequels, spiritual successors, and its influence on the strategy genre as a whole. Key features people remember fondly include the Geoscape for intercepting UFOs, the tense battlescapes, and the research and development of new technologies to combat the alien threat. X-COM became a defining game for PC gamers in the mid-90s, offering a unique and immersive experience that kept players hooked for hours.