XCOM returning as Firaxis Games "Enemy Unknown" strategy title

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xcom-cover.jpgThe sci-fi loving conspiracy theorist in me just gave a little squeal of joy. X-COM, the classic PC turn-based strategy game of man-on-alien warfare, is returning to its roots in a new title called XCOM: Enemy Unknown from none-other than Firaxis Games, the team behind Sid Meier’s Civilization series.

For those keeping track of all things XCOM, that means two titles touching down in 2012; 2K Marin’s first person shooter re-imagining simply titled XCOM (which caused uproar from the series’ long-time strategy loving fans) and this newly announced, more traditional take on the series.

“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, like the original DOS titles, will be turn based with new real-time features, feature destructible tactical environments and, from the first screens shot we’ve seen, seem to take place in a more futuristic environment than the retro-inspired 2K Marin title.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown comes is due out for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in Autumn 2012.

For the whole story, pick up February’s issue of Game Informer.

Gerald Lynch
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