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Article posted: 10/23/2012 6:00 AM

Clever 'XCOM' is chess with plasma rifles

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Extraterrestrial invaders take over "XCOM: Enemy Unknown."

ASSOCIATED PRESS/2K GAMES

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The extraterrestrial invaders in “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” aren't exactly benevolent, but their advantage is more technological than physical. “XCOM” is a throwback to the golden age of science fiction, when bug-eyed monsters ruled. The story is nothing new — a few stalwart men and women make a last stand against overwhelming odds — but the developers at Firaxis Games know how corny it is and have some fun with the melodrama.