UFO: Aftermath

UFO: Aftermath is a video game in the strategy genre developed by ALTAR interactive and published by Toptronics Oy originally released in 2003. It is currently playable on Windows.

In the year 2004, Earth is suddenly invaded by 'spores' launched from an alien mothership. Slowly blocking the earth from the sun, in just one week biological death rains down on the earth... killing most of humanity and the larger life forms.

Since then, humanity's few survivors have sought each other out, and in 2005, humanity has banded together enough to cope. Calling themselves the Earth Council, and working secretly in hidden bases, they must research, recruit, and train with the ultimate goal of taking down UFOs, engaging the aliens in combat, and taking back Earth from their oppressors and mutant biology.

This game is VERY much like the cult favorite, X-Com, but with a post-apocalyptic War of the Worlds (or perhaps 'V: The Miniseries') feel. Much of the game takes place on the world map, where you choose which missions to attend to, where to build new bases (and what kind) and your overall sphere of influence. In addition, you control the research and development and current equipment of your squadron.

However, on the 3D map of each 'zone', the game is a real-time strategy game that pauses to allow you to give orders to your forces. In fact, at the end of queued actions or whenever something 'significant' is observed, the game pauses to allow you to strategize. As in X-Com, these areas are limited in size and visibility. However, objectives vary... killing all enemies is not always the purpose of a mission. Soldier development is also quite detailed. The skills your squad uses in the field will improve (they gain experience individually). In addition, when they reach certain prerequisites in their base stats, they can train to improve in certain skills, including Soldier, Medic, Scientist and others.

UFO: Aftermath is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.