Humble Bundle’s latest offer is a treasure trove for strategy fans, bundling every XCOM game for just $10, an almost guilt-inducing steal for a series that has defined turn-based tactics for decades.
With the complete collection now up for grabs, including all DLCs and expansions (for those who want to do the math – that’s over 17 pieces of kit valued at $269 all for $10), it’s the perfect time to dive into the alien-busting action.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, you might like to know that all proceeds from Humble Bundle’s sale got to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
But not all XCOM games are created equal. From dated DOS relics to modern masterpieces, here’s TV Pulse Magazine’s ranking* of every XCOM game based on playability, and factoring in mechanics, accessibility, and how well they hold up today.
# 8. X-COM: Enforcer (2001)
Let’s start with the black sheep. X-COM: Enforcer ditches the series’ tactical roots for a third-person shooter format, and the result is a clunky, forgettable mess.
You play a lone super-soldier mowing down aliens in repetitive levels, with no squad management or strategy to speak of. The controls feel stiff, the AI is brain-dead, and the story is a thin excuse for endless shooting.
Even nostalgic fans struggle to defend this one. Its arcade-style gameplay hasn’t aged well, and it’s the least playable of the bunch.
Skip it unless you’re a completionist.
Playability Score: 4/10
# 7. X-COM: Interceptor (1998)
Next up is X-COM: Interceptor, a space combat simulator that trades ground tactics for dogfights in the stars.
You manage a fleet of fighters to defend humanity’s space bases, but the flight mechanics are sluggish, and the resource management feels tacked-on. The 3D graphics were ambitious for 1998 but look painfully dated now, and the steep learning curve doesn’t reward the effort.
It’s a bold experiment, but the clunky interface and repetitive missions make it a tough sell for modern players.
Playability Score: 5/10
# 6. X-COM: Apocalypse (1997)
X-COM: Apocalypse tried to innovate with a cyberpunk cityscape (for a while there in the late 90’s everything had to be cyberpunk-themed. Thanks Keanu Reeves!) and real-time combat options, but it’s a mixed bag.
The tactical battles are decent, with destructible environments and varied factions, but the real-time mode is chaotic and less satisfying than turn-based. The interface is a nightmare by today’s standards, and the game’s ambitious scope — managing a city under alien siege — feels undercooked.
Fans of the classics might enjoy its quirky charm, but its dated controls and steep difficulty curve hamper playability.
Playability Score: 6/10
# 5. X-COM: Terror from the Deep (1995)
Often called “UFO Defense but harder,” X-COM: Terror from the Deep sends your squad underwater to fight aquatic aliens.
The core gameplay is solid, with the same addictive mix of base management and turn-based combat as its predecessor. But the punishing difficulty, even for seasoned players, and recycled mechanics make it feel like a brutal reskin.
The clunky DOS-era interface and lack of modern quality-of-life features (like streamlined inventory management) drag it down. Still, it’s a classic for masochists.
Playability Score: 7/10
# 4. X-COM: UFO Defense aka UFO: Enemy Unknown (1994)
The one that started it all, X-COM: UFO Defense (or UFO: Enemy Unknown as it was known in some regions) is a landmark in gaming history. Its blend of squad-based tactics, base building, and global strategy still feels ambitious.
You intercept UFOs, research alien tech, and pray your soldiers survive brutal turn-based battles. The open-ended gameplay is a strength, but the dated interface, cryptic mechanics, and unforgiving RNG can frustrate newcomers. OpenXcom mods help modernize it, but vanilla UFO Defense is a tough sell without patience.
One for the purists?
Playability Score: 7.5/10
# 3. XCOM: Chimera Squad (2020)
XCOM: Chimera Squad is a bold spin-off that scales down the scope for a character-driven, urban tactical experience. Set in a post-war city where humans and aliens coexist, it introduces unique hero units with fixed abilities, replacing the series’ traditional permadeath grunts.
The “interleaved” turn system, where actions alternate between your squad and enemies, keeps battles snappy and dynamic. While the smaller scale and lighter tone won’t click for everyone, its tight mechanics, vibrant visuals, and accessible learning curve make it highly playable.
The lack of mod support and shorter campaign hold it back from greatness.
Playability Score: 8.5/10
# 2. XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)
Firaxis’ reboot of 1994’s UFO: Enemy Unknown, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, is a near-perfect revival that modernized the series without losing its soul. Streamlined base management, intuitive turn-based combat, and nail-biting permadeath create a gripping loop of risk and reward.
The Enemy Within expansion (included in the Humble Bundle) adds gene mods, mechs, and new missions, boosting replayability.
While some purists miss the original’s complexity, the polished interface, balanced difficulty, and mod-friendly design make it a joy to play even today. It’s a masterclass in accessibility without dumbing down.
Playability Score: 9/10
# 1. XCOM 2 (2016)
XCOM 2 takes the top spot as the pinnacle of the series’ playability. Building on Enemy Unknown, it refines every aspect: deeper customization, procedurally generated maps, and a guerilla-warfare narrative that keeps you on edge. The War of the Chosen expansion (included in the bundle) adds dynamic “Chosen” enemies, new soldier classes, and faction mechanics, making every campaign feel epic.
The turn-based combat is razor-sharp, with timed missions forcing tough decisions.
Yes, the difficulty can be brutal, and performance issues persist on older PCs, but mods like Long War 2 and a vibrant community keep it fresh. It’s the most polished, replayable, and thrilling XCOM experience yet.
The hours I poured into this game…
Playability Score: 9.5/10
*Note: Rankings are based on playability, considering modern accessibility, mechanics, and overall enjoyment. Scores reflect how approachable and engaging each game is in 2025, with older titles judged against their historical context but penalized for dated design where appropriate.
Check out Humble Bundle’s full XCOM offer HERE and relive (or explore for the very first time) one of gaming most prolific and iconic turn-based strategy game series ever.