UFO: Afterlight is the third edition in the long-running UFO series (ignoring the preceding XCOM games), and follows in the wake of the disappointing UFO: Aftermath and the rather splendid UFO: Aftershock.
As before, the game is a combination of turn-based and real-time tactical missions and global strategy, with the ultimate aim of saving mankind from alien incursions. However, while every other UFO game (and, for that matter, XCOM game) had you defending Earth, Afterlight is different.
For reasons that aren't terribly well explained, you've been forced off planet Earth and onto Mars, where you have to do battle with other alien races, which are also competing with you for resources.
Earlier UFO games adopted a policy of 'shoot first and don't bother asking questions', but Afterlight introduces diplomacy into the mix. Your former enemies, the Reticulans, are now your allies, and you can include Reticulan supplies and soldiers in your squads. There are also a host of other groups, from the resident Martians to various other human and non-human factions.
The other major change is that you're now no longer only responsible for the troops, but the management of your HQ too. Each member of staff has two or three attributes, such as research abilities, and they have to be assigned to various buildings in your main base, including workshops, laboratories and training centres. The more people you have working in a building, the better it performs, but you need to micro-manage who does what to ensure that new technology is developed, and that you don't forget to manufacture fresh ammunition and weapons.
The game also includes role-playing elements. For example, each character has a unique voice (many of which are supremely irritating), and a range of attributes and skills that increase via a combination of academic training and experience.
There are times when all these layers of micro-management seem a bit much, especially when you're trying to save humanity from extinction, although once you get your head around things, the game becomes more enjoyable.
While the strategic aspect is more complicated, the tactical combat remains virtually unchanged since UFO: Aftershock. Each unit is given a certain number of movement points that permit you to perform a set number of actions each turn. However, the maps, enemies and weapons are diverse enough for it not to become repetitive.
UFO: Afterlight is a more complex game than its predecessors, and the need to micro-manage everything can become tiresome. However, there's enough here to keep you playing into the small hours, and the added option of diplomacy is welcome too.
Author: Daniel Emery
UFO: Afterlight