I particularly enjoyed creating a Heavy-a class that uses the Mulcher minigun-who does more damage the longer he stays in cover and also excelled when using overwatch. Gears Tactics' four different paths allow you to focus on one side in particular, or make your soldiers a generalist. In XCOM, you'd typically be restricted to choosing one ability over the other as you level up. You see, each class' skill tree features four different routes, each emphasizing different styles of play.

You can go down that route and make them a healer, but you might also want them to be competent in combat in this case, going down the strategist route on the skill tree is ideal. For example, the Support class sounds like your typical healer. Each class has their own weapon type and a skill tree that puts XCOM to shame. There are five classes in Gears Tactics: Support, Vanguard, Sniper, Scout, and Heavy. Gears Tactics might not have as many characters as the XCOM: Chimera Squad, but it certainly feels like there's more to each unit you receive. Then you realize that XCOM: Chimera Squad is more of a one-off and not a direct sequel, so these elements aren't likely to make it over to the third entry of the series. They all have unique skills and abilities for example, one unit has mind control while another can place shields on himself or squad mates, soaking up some damage.

XCOM: Chimera Squad does one thing very well, and that is making every soldier feel different from one another. While the customization doesn't encompass every aspect of the gun, there's so many more options in Gears Tactics that you feel a bit spoiled. XCOM only lets you choose one attachment per weapon. You have the option to equip different barrels, stocks, scopes, and more for your weapons. Gun customization operates on a similar principle. This is useful, but they aren't that exciting, nor do they look individualized like all of Gears Tactics' armor pieces. These armors will either add some extra health or armor points, or maybe allow you to regenerate a few health points per turn. XCOM's armors are extremely underwhelming by comparison. To further enhance this effect, you might have a piece of armor with the 'Untraceable' passive skill, which decreases the damage of enemy overwatch shots. Because they have to get into the thick of it, you can equip your soldier with helmet, chest, and leg armor that increases evasion. For example, the Scout class is equipped with a Gnasher shotgun that is only effective at closer ranges. They offer intriguing gameplay choices, too. Gears Tactics features armor pieces with a rarity, so they vary in strength. So, why don't we dive into it, then? Here's what the next XCOM can learn from Gears Tactics. Lastly, the story was handled in a likable way. Speaking of robust, COG soldiers are able to be customized through an extensive class tree that offers up many different gameplay opportunities.

Gears Tactics' customization was robust and had actual gameplay elements included to make your cosmetic choices count. While finishing up my playthrough of Gears Tactics, there were several elements I wish XCOM could handle much better. Gears Tactics felt so refreshing in comparison. XCOM: Chimera Squad had a few twists that are new for the series, but nothing groundbreaking rather, it's meant as a one-off instead of a true successor to XCOM 2. Furthermore, the difference in gameplay was striking, despite being of the same genre. Gears Tactics, on the other hand, was a seamless and smooth experience. XCOM: Chimera Squad was unpolished and buggy, which is atypical of the series. There's a clear contrast in quality between the two, for sure.

Going from playing XCOM: Chimera Squad to Gears Tactics was an enlightened experience.

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