The XCOM reboot was absolutely fantastic, and it sounds like the sequel, due out in just a few agonizing days, will be just as terrific. Nevertheless, there are people out there who prefer to kick it in an old-school kind of way. Well, there’s good news for them, too.
Xenonauts 2 is coming. While XCOM proper was getting modernized and reimagined, Xenonauts directly built upon the intricate systems of the original game, aiming to please the hardcore fans who were displeased by the reboot’s attempt to bring in a new audience. Xenonauts 2 looks to expand the scope of the game and improve on its base mechanics.
The biggest change will be the switch to a 3D Unity-based engine, which will allow for better performance and improved mod support, along with the gameplay benefits provided by a 3D environment and camera controls.
Along the way, the team wants to expand ground combat options, offer more variety to the tech tree, improve air combat, and build a whole new diverse set of alien foes. The story will take place in an alternate timeline, where aliens invade during Earth’s Cold War era. That sounds a little like XCOM’s mediocre shooter, the Bureau, now that I think of it, but hopefully Xenonauts will make better use of the setting.
A more detailed announcement is coming soon, but for now know that all your tactical alien-basting strategy options are well-covered. Xenonauts 2 is planned for release in 2017, and like most major indie projects these days, will have an Early Access phase.
