Games like X-COM: UFO Defense

97% positive from 2,477 reviewsReleased 1994Steam Deck Unsupported

What it is

Turn-based tactical combat and global strategy game. Research alien tech, manage resources, and fight invaders to save Earth.

What players liked

Players praise its engaging tactical combat and strategic depth, finding it a classic that still holds up well.

The catch

There is no tutorial and the interface explains nothing, so expect to read a manual.

Why it is here

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 97% positive, but with 2,477 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View X-COM: UFO Defense on Steam

More like this: Sci-fi Classic Turn-Based Turn-Based Strategy

Six games like X-COM: UFO Defense

X-COM: Apocalypse

88% positive from 946 reviews2008Deck Unsupported

Turn-based tactical combat and strategic management game. Fight aliens in a besieged city, researching their tech to survive.

Both are tagged Aliens, Classic and Sci-fi.

Games like X-COM: Apocalypse →

Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000

87% positive from 2,790 reviews2010Deck Playable

This is a classic first-person shooter with three distinct campaigns. Players experience intense survival horror and action as a Marine, Alien, or Predator.

What players likedPlayers praise its creepy horror aesthetics, comparing it to a timeless classic that captures the feel of being hunted.

The catchThe Steam re-release is riddled with bugs and crashes that were never patched.

Both are tagged Aliens, Classic and Sci-fi.

Games like Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000 →

Defense Grid: The Awakening

96% positive from 3,418 reviews20088% finish itDeck Playable

This is a tower defense game where players strategically build towers to stop enemy waves. It features varied enemies, upgradeable towers, and replayable levels.

What players likedPlayers praise this "Good Old Game" as one of the best tower defense games, offering insane amounts of challenging content.

The catchThe difficulty spikes immediately and several missions feel impossible on normal.

Both are tagged Aliens, Sci-fi and Strategy.

Games like Defense Grid: The Awakening →

Halo: Spartan Strike

80% positive from 1,679 reviews2015Deck Verified

Top-down shooter with a focus on fast-paced combat and vehicle use. Players fight Covenant and Promethean enemies across diverse environments.

What players likedPlayers describe it as a fun, gorgeous top-down twin-stick shooter soaking in Halo-vibes, offering a new experience despite some repetitiveness.

The catchThe final missions stay locked until you earn gold on every earlier mission.

Both are tagged Aliens and Sci-fi.

Games like Halo: Spartan Strike →

Shadowgrounds

81% positive from 1,617 reviews2006Deck Unsupported

Top-down shooter with weapon upgrades and a destructible environment. Intense alien combat with realistic lighting and boss battles.

The catchLater enemies overwhelm you as weapon balance falls apart

Both are tagged Aliens and Sci-fi.

Games like Shadowgrounds →

Master of Orion 2

96% positive from 1,644 reviews2016Deck Unsupported

This is a 4X strategy game focused on empire building, galactic conquest, and tactical ship combat. Players manage resources, research technology, and engage in diplomacy to defeat alien threats.

The catchAn unremastered DOSBox release with fixed resolution and an interface that aged badly.

Both are tagged Classic, Sci-fi and Turn-Based.

Games like Master of Orion 2 →

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