No, you don't need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before the Bureau.
No, you don't need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before the Bureau.
The Bureau is one of the games that comes off of an incredible game... And just ends up being standard/generic. It isn't necessarily "bad"... It's just that it didn't live up to it's predecessor. At all.
The stories are distinct yet share the same universe, featuring similar aliens and mostly comparable technology. I found The Bureau to be a decent game but not the best choice; it's short enough for a quick playthrough, but I wouldn't recommend it. Opt for Enemy Unknown instead—it offers much more value and enjoyment.