X-COM: Terror from the Deep

X-COM: Terror from the Deep is a turn-based strategy game developed and published by MicroProse in 1995 for the PC. It is the sequel to UFO: Enemy Unknown.

This follow-up to the original X-COM is almost identical to the original as MicroProse wanted a sequel to be ready in just 6 months. However, Terror from the Deep holds its own as a game.

Set 40 years after the triumph in the first game, the aliens are back and ready for revenge. Only this time, as the name suggests, they are coming from the sea rather than the sky. These aquatic aliens were awakened by a beacon that was left active in the main alien base from the first invasion. These new aliens wreak havoc on cruise ships and boats and kidnap humans for gruesome experiments. X-COM had been disbanded following the events of the first game, but now they have to get the team back together to handle this new threat. Like the first one, Terror from the Deep is a strategy, turn-based battle, resource management game. This sequel includes a few new weapons, but keeps the Geoscape and Battlescape views of the game and the research element. Fight aliens on land and at sea and send those invaders packing!

Terror from the Deep has deep roots in the novels of H.P. Lovecraft, including the use of creature names straight from the books. Overall it was well received upon release, though many criticized the lack of any real change in game mechanics from the first one. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, as they say. Despite this criticism the game still won Game of the Year in 1995. This sequel is markedly more difficult than the first. Are you up for the challenge?