The year is 2003 and the world as we know it is about to end. A space-faring alien race has invaded Earth and, in less than three short months, has left human civilization in near ruin. Mankind's last hope lies in the Terran Resistance League, a small guerrilla army that still manages to hold out against the ruthless invaders. The TRL has established operations in a hidden military base in Nevada, which contains fantastic alien artifacts that were closely guarded government secrets before the recent invasion. Only by tapping into the power contained in this ancient technology can the Terrans hope to build a resistance force that might yet save the planet for humanity.

UFO: Aftermath - originally developed under the title Dreamland Chronicles - began at Mythos Games, the same house responsible for 1994's revolutionary X-Com: UFO Defense. After apparent cancellation of the title, development duties were later assumed by ALTAR Interactive, the studio that created the 2001 character-centric RTS Original War.

Like X-Com, UFO: Aftermath involves multiple styles of gameplay including base development and turn-based squad combat in the field. Players must create the structures to support troops and research new technologies. They must choose their missions, arm their soldiers, and direct them step-by-step through dangerous combat situations with mysterious alien invaders. Based upon such well-established concepts, the game branches out with such factors as enhanced AI and deformable terrain to make UFO: Freedom Ridge a new experience with familiar roots. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide