The Bureau: XCOM Declassified

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Overview
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is a 2013 tactical third-person shooter by 2K Marin, published by 2K. It is a prequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown and is set in 1962 during the Cold War, following The Bureau, the early version of XCOM, as they defend Earth from an alien invasion.

Gameplay
You control Agent William Carter, accompanied by two AI teammates. In Battle Focus you slow time to give commands and set up tactics. Permadeath is possible, so careful planning is important. At a headquarters hub, you recruit agents from four classes—commando, engineer, recon, and support—with customizable backgrounds and appearances. Recruits gain abilities as you level up through experience from missions and side tasks. Combat uses both human and alien weapons, with cover mechanics indicated by blue or red shields. Ammunition is limited, so you scavenge or find new gear during missions. You can issue orders to your two companions via a console-style radial menu (or a PC-style options row). A skill tree unlocks new abilities, some with cooldowns, and you can upgrade with alien technology and backpacks that boost passive perks. Missions are self-contained and outcomes influence the world, with several endings depending on your choices.

Story
The game unfolds in the early 1960s, when the Outsiders threaten humanity. After a deadly facility attack, the Bureau is activated as XCOM to coordinate defense and research. The mystery deepens as the Outsiders’ power is traced to a psionic network called Mosaic and a powerful Ethereal being. The player’s character, Carter, is revealed to be inhabited by Asaru, an Ethereal, and the ending varies based on choices made during the game, with different hosts and outcomes affecting the final confrontation against Mosaic and Origin.

Development and Release
The Bureau had a troubled, lengthy development starting in 2006, evolving from an initial first-person concept to a tactical shooter. It moved between 2K Marin and 2K Australia, underwent a major reboot in 2011 to align with Firaxis’ XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and shifted focus from stealth and horror toward strategic, squad-based combat. After delays, the game released for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360 in August 2013 (NA August 20, PAL August 23); OS X followed in November 2013. A live-action pre-release trailer, The Burn Room, promoted the game, along with other marketing stunts and pre-order bonuses.

Reception
The Bureau received mixed reviews. Critics praised its tactical combat, atmosphere, and 1960s art style, but criticized its artificial intelligence, permadeath mechanic, uneven narrative, and some design choices. Some reviewers liked the combat depth and weapon variety, while others felt the story and characters were weak. The base exploration and mission structure divided opinion, and some found the pacing and execution inconsistent.

Sales and Impact
Industry analysts expected modest sales, with projections around 250,000 copies in North America for 2013. It faced strong competition during its release week and charted modestly in the UK, reflecting a cautious commercial reception.