There was considerable buzz about the game "XCOM 2" before it released and now, it appears that most of it was justified as many reviewers have outlined how it manages to over deliver in almost every aspect. This has resulted in gamers being presented with what is being termed as one of the best "strategy games ever."

In its review of "XCOM 2," The Guardian states that among the elements that are outstanding is its smart concept. As part of the concept, the team led by the commander is no longer tasked with trying to save humanity from alien attacks but instead, he has to resist the government, which is being run by aliens and their human sympathizers. This means that the situation is dire in the game and as the commander builds his four man team, he has no government backing and everyone has to scavenge for supplies, guns and more. Therefore, each situation is constantly filled with threats in "XCOM 2" and comes with several tense moments. Finally, the reviewer states that gamers will conclude the game to be a very rewarding experience, but they will find it very demanding and be punished mercilessly whenever they make a mistake.

Kotaku states that in many ways, "XCOM 2" is not like its predecessor, where usually players progressed in inches. Here, the pace is faster but the stakes are almost the same with there being very real side effects of making mistakes in the game. This ranges from squad members not returning from the dead once they are killed, which causes a drain in resources and also leaves an emotional hole since players have connected to characters they have built in the game.

However, the review also points out that the game is great because it gives a lot of opportunities for players to fight back against the alien occupation with their team members in tow while giving them the illusion that the odds are impossibly high and cannot be surmounted.