The Bureau: XCOM Declassified

This 2013 main game places you as Agent Carter in a third-person tactical shooter set during the 1962 Cold War, where you lead a squad against an otherworldly enemy. The core loop involves real-time combat punctuated by a "Command Mode" allowing tactical pausing to issue precise orders. It uniquely blends shooter action with strategic squad management against an alien threat, available on PC, Xbox 360, PS3, and Mac, and includes two DLC expansions.

Step into the tense atmosphere of 1962, where the shadow of the Cold War looms large over the United States. Amidst this geopolitical tension, a clandestine government organization known as The Bureau is activated to combat a threat far more insidious than any earthly adversary. Players assume the role of Agent Carter, tasked with leading a specialized squad in a desperate, covert war to safeguard humanity from an otherworldly invasion. This title blends elements of a third-person shooter with deep tactical strategy, setting the stage for high-stakes espionage and extraterrestrial conflict.

Core Gameplay Experience and Mechanics

This main game centers around squad-based tactical combat delivered through a third-person perspective. As the commanding officer, players must strategically deploy their agents, utilizing their unique abilities and specialized weaponry to overcome alien forces.

The gameplay loop involves mission deployment, real-time tactical decision-making, and character progression. A key feature is the Command Mode, which allows players to pause the action and issue precise orders to squad members, dictating movement, targeting priorities, and the deployment of special powers. This mechanic bridges the gap between fast-paced shooting and deliberate strategic planning.

Setting and Atmosphere

The game is firmly rooted in a retro-futuristic interpretation of the early 1960s. The aesthetic blends classic Cold War paranoia with science fiction elements, creating a unique visual and narrative backdrop for the unfolding alien conflict.

What makes this game unique?

The primary distinction lies in its fusion of genres. It offers the immediate action of a shooter while demanding the foresight and coordination typically associated with strategy games. Furthermore, player choices throughout the narrative have consequences, influencing the evolution of The Bureau and the overall direction of the war against the alien threat.

What genres define this tactical shooter?

The game is categorized primarily as a Shooter, Strategy, and Tactical experience, emphasizing squad management and cover-based combat against superior alien forces.

Platform Availability and Content

This title was released in 2013 and is available across multiple platforms, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), and Mac.

Additional Content

Beyond the main campaign, the game features two downloadable content (DLC) packs that expand upon the core experience, offering new missions, equipment, or narrative elements.