Phoenix Point Score: Julian Gollop’s Return
When the creator of a genre returns after decades to reclaim his throne, expectations soar. Such was the case when Julian Gollop, the visionary behind the original X-COM series, announced Phoenix Point—a spiritual successor to the tactical juggernaut that defined a generation of turn-based strategy games. For many, Phoenix Point wasn’t just another game; it was a homecoming. It promised a return to the roots of strategic depth, unforgiving difficulty, and emergent storytelling that made X-COM a classic. But did it deliver? The answer, like the game itself, is complex.
Gollop’s legacy is undeniable. The 1994 classic X-COM: UFO Defense set a benchmark for tactical gameplay, blending base management, resource allocation, and heart-pounding combat with permadeath and a chilling alien threat. When the franchise was rebooted by Firaxis Games in 2012 to critical acclaim, it left many veterans longing for the darker, more complex systems of the original. Phoenix Point emerged from this longing—a crowdfunded project pitched as Gollop’s true follow-up, leveraging modern technology to expand on his original vision.
At its core, Phoenix Point is unmistakably a Gollop game. It captures the tension and despair of fighting an existential war against a mutating alien menace known as the Pandoravirus. The strategic layer is rich and demanding. Players must manage the Phoenix Project, a fragile initiative aiming to unite a fractured world. Scavenging resources, researching technologies, and forging alliances with competing human factions are essential to survival. The geopolitical dynamics are a highlight; aligning with one group might grant powerful weapons but provoke hostility from another, creating a delicate balance of power that feels impactful and real.
However, it is the tactical combat where Phoenix Point truly innovates. The game introduces a free-aim system that allows players to target specific enemy body parts. Shooting off a crab-like creature’s claw can neutralize its attack, while destroying a leg hinders its movement. This system adds a thrilling layer of precision and strategy, rewarding skillful play and creative problem-solving. The aliens, grotesque and varied, adapt to the player’s tactics over time, developing new abilities and resistances that force constant adjustment—a brilliant touch that makes every encounter feel dynamic and unpredictable.
Yet, for all its strengths, Phoenix Point stumbled at launch. The game was criticized for its uneven difficulty curve, occasionally clunky interface, and a narrative that, while intriguing, failed to fully capitalize on its promising premise. Some mechanics, like the faction diplomacy system, felt underdeveloped, and technical issues hampered the experience for many. It was a game of brilliant ideas that sometimes struggled with execution.
This is where the "score" of Phoenix Point truly comes into play: not at launch, but through its evolution. Gollop and his team at Snapshot Games embarked on a post-launch journey reminiscent of classic game development—listening to feedback, refining systems, and expanding content. Multiple major updates and DLCs have since addressed many of the initial criticisms. The "Living Weapons" pack added unique gear tied to faction allegiances, "Corrupted Horizons" introduced new enemies and missions, and "Kaos Engines" brought vehicular combat into the mix. Each expansion didn’t just add content; it refined the core experience, polishing rough edges and deepening the gameplay.
The culmination of this effort is the Phoenix Point: Complete Edition, which packages the base game with all DLC and improvements. This version is what many had hoped for at launch—a cohesive, challenging, and richly layered tactical experience. The factions now feel more distinct, the late-game more balanced, and the narrative more cohesive. The game’s signature mechanics, like the free-aim system and alien evolution, shine brighter than ever.
Julian Gollop’s return with Phoenix Point is a story of redemption. It is a testament to his commitment to the genre and his willingness to evolve. While the initial release may not have met every expectation, the continued support and refinement have transformed it into a worthy successor to the X-COM legacy. It doesn’t merely imitate; it innovates, pushing the boundaries of tactical gameplay with systems that encourage creativity and adaptability.
In the end, Phoenix Point scores not as a perfect game, but as a passionate one. It embodies the spirit of its creator—a blend of ambitious ideas, uncompromising vision, and a willingness to learn and improve. For fans of the genre, it is a challenging, deeply engaging, and ultimately rewarding experience. Julian Gollop didn’t just return; he reaffirmed why he is still the master of tactical strategy.
