Players Like...

❤ Tactical Turn-Based Combat

Players command a squad of unique mercenaries, each with their own stats, abilities, and personalities. Combat plays out in a grid-based, turn-based fashion, where players must carefully position their units, manage action points, and make use of the game's deep mechanics. Retaining the core mechanics that made earlier entries beloved, the combat system now includes overwatch and a consistent cover system. Reviewers praise this as a faithful yet modernized experience, accessible for newcomers but still deeply satisfying for series veterans.

❤ Mercenary Recruitment and Management

The large cast of recruitable mercenaries each have distinct backstories, personalities, and combat roles. As players progress, they can level up these characters, unlocking new abilities and perks to further customize their squad. Reviewers highlight the mercenaries' fleshed-out nature, with plenty of humorous and charming dialogue between them. Managing the team's finances, equipment, and morale adds an additional strategic layer, mirroring the careful balancing act of the original game.

❤ Open-Ended Progression

The large overworld map is divided into sectors, each with their own quests, obstacles, and strategic objectives. Players can tackle the main narrative at their own pace, or become sidetracked by the wealth of optional content and objectives. The ability to capture territory, train local militia, and manage multiple squads simultaneously adds depth to the experience. This open-ended approach, combined with mod support, gives the game tremendous replayability, allowing players to tailor their experience across multiple campaigns.