Good news everyone! The formerly PC-exclusive sequel XCOM 2 is now coming to consoles. The Workshop, the game’s developer, is handling the console port. “As avid console players ourselves, we’re excited to work with The Workshop to bring XCOM to all our fans,” says lead designer Jake Solomon.
2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown was a hugely successful reboot of the classic turn-based PC strategy franchise. When the sequel was announced as a PC-exclusive, it caused a lot of grumbling. Firaxis Games had stated that a PC-only development would bring us new features like procedural levels, and focus on their strength as primarily PC-focused developers (makers of Civilization). Many anticipated a console release coming later. They were right!
“Firaxis has successfully enhanced the XCOM franchise, as XCOM 2 has earned both massive critical and fan acclaim,” said Matt Gorman, VP of marketing for 2k. “Many console gamers have been vocal about bringing XCOM 2 to their platforms, and now they can look forward to joining the resistance this September.”
XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after Enemy Unknown. It’s a dystopian Earth that lost the war against the alien invasion. Familiar faces appear along with new enemies, classes, and a wealth of tactical options and scenarios in every battle.
XCOM 2 is a phenomenal sequel and easily surpasses both Enemy Unknown and its 2013 expansion, Enemy Within. Despite my glowing review, the experience was marred by lots of technical difficulties at launch. Hopefully these issues will be fully addressed for the upcoming console ports. Gamepad support was also added post-launch on PC and should be a welcome addition as well.
XCOM 2 will release for Playstation 4 and Xbox One on September 6, 2016 (NA) and September 9 everywhere else. Good luck, Commander.
