XCOM 3 may still be a distant prospect within the creative halls of Firaxis, but the expansive realm of Steam is teeming with alternative tactical experiences just waiting to be explored. Among these offerings is Phoenix Point, a modern reimagining of XCOM by its original creator, Julian Gollop. Additionally, Terra Invicta, crafted by the minds behind The Long War, elevates the alien invasion narrative to a grand strategy level, providing a complex and engaging gameplay experience.
Then we have the Xenonauts series, which stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gollop’s original vision in X-COM: UFO Defense. The first installment of Xenonauts made its debut in 2014, earning accolades for its faithful homage to the foundational elements of the franchise. Fast forward to July 2023, and developer Goldhawk Interactive has been diligently refining a sequel that recently entered early access.
Xenonauts 2: A Journey Towards Full Release
As Xenonauts 2 approaches its official launch next month, anticipation is building among fans and newcomers alike. While the recent Steam announcement regarding the version 1.0 launch does not divulge specific new features, it highlights the extensive enhancements made during its three-year early access period. Goldhawk has rolled out seven major updates, introducing:
- Four new alien species
- Five distinct UFO types
- Innovative geoscape systems
- Expanded storylines and mission types, including scenarios set aboard alien space stations
- A plethora of new maps, bringing the total number of battlefields to over 180
- The definitive conclusion to the game
Goldhawk has also assured the community that the journey does not end with the 1.0 release. “Although reaching 1.0 is a major milestone, it doesn’t mean our work is done—we’re planning to continue patching and improving the game after launch,” the developers stated. While specifics on future updates remain sparse, one exciting feature confirmed for post-launch is the introduction of modding tools, inviting players to further customize their experience.
Reflecting on the early access debut, a review from PC Gamer noted that while the alpha version showcased rewarding tactical gameplay, it could have benefited from a bolder approach. With the wealth of content and improvements added since then, there is optimism that Xenonauts 2 will deliver the extra depth and excitement that players are eager for. The countdown to the full release on April 2 is on, and the gaming community awaits with bated breath.
