2K Games has just released a new The Bureau XCOM Declassified gameplay video that shows the upcoming third-person tactical shooter in action. The gameplay video shows that missions can be won in The Bureau XCOM Declassified even without firing a single shot — which is why we didn’t have to put an age gate on this one.
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified actually rewards clever players by letting them command their squad mates to victory rather than pick up arms themselves. Smart tactical planning is perhaps one of The Bureau’s greatest strengths, in fact, which is a breath of fresh air when you consider that tactical planning is missing far too often from this generation of games. Insomniac Games’ recent game Fuse notwithstanding, of course (read our Fuse review). If you dig tactical action like this — more info below — you may want to get The Bureau: XCOM Declassified from Amazon
In The Bureau XCOM Declassified, the year is 1962, JFK is President, and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear. Yet a far more powerful enemy than communism is threatening America. Known only to a select few, a top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating and concealing a series of mysterious attacks by an otherworldly enemy. As special agent William Carter, players call the shots, pull the trigger and lead their squad in a gripping third-person tactical shooter set within a high-stakes, covert war to protect humanity. The Bureau’s mission is clear: survive, adapt and overcome the enemy threat. The Bureau has been erasing the truth for decades. The time will come for the truth to be revealed.
In the game, players will fight through the streets of 1960’s America as they uncover the declassified truth behind mankind’s first enemy invasion. Using strategy to their advantage, players can enter “Battle Focus” to slow down time and execute their next move, commanding their squad with a variety of tactical actions to turn the tide in their favor.
As William Carter, a highly intelligent special agent, players can call the shots and pull the trigger. Formulate the plan of action, execute well-timed ambushes and flank your attackers to obliterate the threat. Take great care, though, because you’ll pay the price for mistakes. “Perma-death” will make you value your squad mates more than ever, and make losing one of them all the more painful. In The Bureau XCOM Declassified, once a teammate is gone, he’s gone.