UFO: Afterlight is a squad-based tactical strategy-RPG set on Mars, where a human colony struggles to survive after Earth's collapse. You manage research, resources, and combat in real-time with pause, controlling squads through isometric 3D missions. The colony is self-sustaining—producing air, water, food—but barely. Your main focus: excavating ruins of an ancient Martian civilization while fending off threats. Story runs parallel to events on Earth, revealing details about the Myrmecols, intergalactic organisms tied to humanity's downfall. You'll encounter new tech, hostile factions, and environmental hazards unique to Mars. Combat blends X-COM-style positioning with active pause for issuing orders mid-battle. Research trees unlock gear and base upgrades. Survival hinges on balancing exploration against keeping colonists alive in an alien environment. Third in the UFO series but standalone enough if you're into tactical management with resource pressure.
