I’m still battling my way through the alien invasion in 2K’s fantastic XCOM:Enemy Unknown. I’m also still recovering from the XCOM Sydney launch party, which I go on about here).
Whilst I never doubted them, XCOM:Enemy Unknown developers Friaxis (of Civilization fame) have really managed to capture the essence of the old XCOM games, but without the experience feeling like a crusty beards and sandals affair. In this modern age of cookie-cutter first-person-shooters and other safe bets its nice to see a publisher try something a little different.
I’ve been enjoying myself with the game and taking my time with it. But the pressures is now on as 2K have announced not one, but two imminent DLC packs for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. He’s what they have to say (I make no apologies for this mid-week PR regurgitation):
Alien Invasion Continues with Two Add-On Content Packs for XCOM®: Enemy Unknown
Slingshot Content Pack featuring all new missions, maps, characters and more available soon
Sydney, Australia – 24th October, 2012 – 2K Games and Firaxis Games announced today that the critically acclaimed XCOM®: Enemy Unknown will be supported post-launch with two pieces of single-player add-on content that will be available for purchase for Windows PC, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. In addition to these two add-on content packs, the Elite Soldier Pack, which was free to those who pre-ordered XCOM: Enemy Unknown or purchased the game at launch, is now available for purchase. XCOM: Enemy Unknown has critics raving, with review scores including 9.5 out of 10 from Game Informer, earning “Game of the Month” honours in the November 2012 issue and 97% and “Hot Award” honours from Atomic MPC.
The Slingshot Content Pack, the first of two add-on content packs for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, will be available soon. In this new set of linked Council missions, gamers will meet an enigmatic Triad operative, divert an alien ship’s course, and do battle with the aliens in the skies over China. The Slingshot Content Pack includes three new maps tied to the Council missions, a new playable squad character with a unique story and voice and new character customisation options. The release date and pricing of the Slingshot Content Pack will be announced soon.
The Elite Soldier Pack, originally free for those who pre-ordered XCOM: Enemy Unknown or purchased the game at launch, is now available for purchase for AUD$7.75 (PlayStation®Network) / 400 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network) / AUD$7.75 (Windows PC). The Elite Soldier Pack provides the ultimate tools for soldier customisation in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, including:
- Classic X-COM soldier: Players will instantly receive a new recruit in their barracks inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defense. The iconic soldier with the blonde, flattop hairstyle will return fully modernised.
- Soldier Deco packs: Players can customise their soldier with several aesthetic upgrades to armor suits, including the new Hyperion and Reaper soldier armor kits.
- Complete colour customisation: A variety of colours and tints for all armor sets in the game allow players complete control to customise their squad’s look.
A free playable demo* of XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available globally for Windows PC via Steam, and for Xbox 360 and PS3™. Gamers who download the demo will be guided through two levels of the single-player tutorial campaign, experiencing the combat controls and effective tactics for defending humanity against the alien threat. The two tutorial missions will also introduce players to the XCOM base, where soldier training and researching alien technology takes place, and offers a chance to experience the tactical and strategic layers of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
Released in 1993, the original X-COM still reigns as one of the best PC games of all time and has been reimagined as XCOM: Enemy Unknown by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown expands on the X-COM legacy with an entirely new story, enemies and technologies to fight hostile aliens and defend Earth. In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, players will oversee combat strategies and individual unit tactics as well as base management and resource allocation while playing as the commander of a secret global military organisation, XCOM. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown will allow gamers to control the fate of the human race by defending against a terrifying global alien invasion.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available now for Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PS3™. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is rated MA15+ in Australia and R13 in New Zealand.
For more information, please visit http://www.xcom.com. For the latest news and information on XCOM: Enemy Unknown, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/XCOM.
Very exciting.
Vic out.