Firaxis developing new XCOM strategy title

05 Jan 2012 at 19:30:05 by Paul Younger

There may be an XCOM FPS coming but what ever happened to the classic strategy formula? 

Today there's some great news for fans of the original games as 2K and Firaxis announce the development of XCOM: Enemy Unknown which will feature an all-new invasion story. As you may know, Firaxis have worked on Sid Meier’s Civilization series so there's some pedigree behind the development team as they set to revive the classic strategic elements of the original series which debuted back in 1993.

Once again players will be tasked with protecting the human race by researching and creating bases around the globe while also controlling their forces in combat, all the key elements that made it such a hit with gamers. 

“We’re looking forward to building upon the core gameplay experiences that fans of the original X-COM love, while introducing the franchise to a new generation,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “With Firaxis’ XCOM: Enemy Unknown and 2K Marin’s upcoming XCOM, 2K Games will be offering two different gameplay experiences drawing from the classic X-COM universe. Each game offers a unique XCOM experience in different genres, as envisioned by two different studios with unique creative visions.”

 “It’s been a dream of ours to recreate X-COM with our unique creative vision. We’re huge fans of the original game and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision a game that is as beloved as X-COM,” said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. “We were careful to keep XCOM: Enemy Unknown true to the elements that made X-COM such a revered game while delivering an entirely new story and gameplay experience for both die-hard X-COM fans and newcomers to the franchise.”

The game is due for release this Autumn on the PC, PS3 and 360. Let's hope the game is not dumbed-down too much to accomodate the console versions, that would be hugely disappointing.

If you want to check out the previous games, Steam have a special bargain bundle on offer which is well worth it.

More information on XCOM: Enemy Unknown can be found on the new official website and on GameInformer which is featuring the game on the cover of the February issue. 

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