Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The sci-fi genre has always been a fertile ground for creative expression and innovation in various media forms, such as literature, film, television, and of course, video games. Among the many influential titles that have contributed to the evolution and popularity of sci-fi gaming, two stand out for their lasting impact and legacy: UFO: Enemy Unknown (also known as X-COM: UFO Defense) and its sequel X-COM: Terror from the Deep.
These games, developed by Mythos Games and MicroProse in the early 1990s, combined elements of strategy, tactics, management, and horror to create a unique and immersive experience that captivated millions of players around the world. The premise was simple but compelling: Earth is under attack by hostile aliens, and the player is in charge of a secret organisation called X-COM (Extraterrestrial Combat Unit) that must defend humanity from the extraterrestrial threat.
The gameplay was divided into two main modes: the geoscape and the battlescape. In the geoscape, the player had to manage the global operations of X-COM, such as building bases, researching alien technology, manufacturing weapons and equipment, hiring and training soldiers, and intercepting UFOs. In the battlescape, the player had to command a squad of soldiers in turn-based combat missions against the aliens, which could take place in various locations and environments, such as farms, cities, deserts, jungles, and even underwater.
The games were praised for their depth, complexity, challenge, and atmosphere, as well as for their dynamic and emergent gameplay, which allowed for a high degree of player choice and freedom. The games also featured a rich and detailed lore, which explored the origins, motives, and biology of the different alien races, as well as the history and secrets of X-COM and its allies and enemies.
The UFO and X-COM games have influenced many aspects of culture and art, both within and outside the gaming industry. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Inspiring other games and genres: The UFO and X-COM games have inspired countless other titles and genres, such as real-time strategy, role-playing, simulation, stealth, survival, and sandbox games. Some of the most notable examples include StarCraft, Fallout, Half-Life, Deus Ex, System Shock, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Phoenix Point, Invisible Inc., Xenonauts, and many more.
Influencing film and television: The UFO and X-COM games have also influenced film and television, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres. Some of the most notable examples include Independence Day, Men in Black, The X-Files, District 9, Edge of Tomorrow, Arrival, and Stranger Things.
Impacting literature and comics: The UFO and X-COM games have also impacted literature and comics, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres. Some of the most notable examples include World War Z, The War of the Worlds, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Martian, and The Walking Dead.
Shaping music and art: The UFO and X-COM games have also shaped music and art, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres. Some of the most notable examples include Muse, Radiohead, Daft Punk, Gorillaz, and H.R. Giger.
The UFO and X-COM games are undoubtedly among the most influential and iconic titles in the history of gaming and sci-fi. They have shaped the genre in gaming and beyond, and have left a lasting impression on millions of fans and creators. They are a testament to the power and potential of video games as a medium of artistic expression and cultural impact.
