X-COM: Interceptor

I have been a huge fan of XCOM since the first release, and like many, this game was so different from its predecessors, that I originally didn't care for it so much. But, over the years, along with Masters of Orion, Shogun/Medieval Total War, and a small list of other classics, I still bring this out from time to time and enjoy it immensely. In fact, it is hard to stop playing... Why is it so enjoyable? It is easy to learn, it offers a convincing atmosphere much like the original. Replayability is great; although the overall strategy is fixed, each battle and the development of the game is contingent on too many factors to be readily predictable. The research and technology provide many interesting twists. I find the crafts nicely maneuverable, and the fun of facing the different craft with different skill levels based on alien races very cool. This game is also challenging, unlike many other space and combat flight sims, although it does not require one to assign every key to a critical function like some. In all, the game blends a strategic level of gameplay with the tactical in a very satisfying package. If you like space sims, I don't think you will be disappointed with this one. BTW, I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. If they had included an editor, and made it easily modable, I'd give it a 5.

The Amazon listing for XCom:Interceptor states that it will run on Windows XP. It will not. I emailed the seller who replied with a 4 page email to "fix the problem" with software I do not own and was not provided with the game or by the seller. Repeated emails to seller, because Microprose no longer supports the game, were met with the same 4 page email. There is no other contact for the seller that I could find so I couldn't get a refund, so I am stuck with a game that will not work on XP. Do not buy this game unless you are running Windows 98 or earlier.

Microprose screws this with a 3-D first person shooting X-Com game where its original is made known for in a rich strategic-operational and tactical combat game. I never made a good shooting with the current engine while just firing blindly and the UFO floats in front of you while attacking you from 360 degree. It is a bad experience and what's more unfortunately, you can't turn off the shooting part or make it automatic. Save your money. This is a pass.