Welcome back, Commander.
2k games have been keeping quiet about any potential sequel to the fantastic XCOM Unknown Enemy, the successful 3D reboot of the turn based action strategy series. I was a huge fan of the remake, it was challenging and rewarding to see your recruits go from pathetic rookies who couldn't hit a Sectoid from point blank range to become battle hardened killing machines later on.
The permanent death aspect also hit you hard whenever a member died as you personally helped them grow...unless you were a save scumming bastard. (Which I was sometimes, no way was I going to leave a mission without my beloved Chinese support Li!)
IGN however have managed to get the first details about xcom2, it will coming to PC, Mac and Linux platforms in November 2015! No news has been released yet regarding a console version, so the 'master race' are probably feeling pretty smug right now. I personally think this is great news, isomeric strategy games just work better with a mouse and keyboard. Plus with all the internet controversy regarding The Witcher 3 and other games being being 'downgraded' or poorly ported from consoles, this gives 2k games a chance to make a perfectly optimized PC release. This is what PC gamers have been crying out for in the wake of recent multi plat releases. I'm hyped.
Check out the impressive first trailer below...!
It seems that things didn't end too well in the previous campaign and that the aliens appear to be the dominant race. In XCOM2, the XCOM initiative are now the aggressors, acting from a new mobile HQ and using their limited resources to evade and assault the alien oppressors. Recruiting soldiers along the way to create the ultimate resistance network.
There are some exciting key features that have been highlighted:
Procedurally generated levels! YES! Less predictability will make for a more unique experience and encourage more playthroughs.
Deeper mod support. Enemy Unknown's longevity was greatly enhanced by some challenging fan created tweaks and campaign mods such as 'long war', if you are twiddling your thumbs, go try that out right now! 2k games have apparently realized this and aim to support modders further. This can only be a good thing.
5 updates soldier classes.
Increased soldier customization.
More alien and enemy types.
Tactical combat and more.
We could see a few of the new enemies in the trailer. I'm looking forward to tackling the constricting reptilian type, looks menacing and mobile. As for combat the trailer hunts at more CQC tactics by revealing the blade wielding soldier alongside familiar laser and plasma weaponry. I wouldn't be surprised if this was later announced for all platforms next year. I'll be getting the PC version for sure, if they build upon what they learnt making Enemy Unknown then I definitely won't be disappointed!
