Well, well, well… I’m actually not as surprised about this news because I kind of predicted it last year, but there’s no doubt this will quell somewhat the overblown nerd rage significantly against the other XCOM title in development SO many want to hate without having even played it. Still, I have to ask if this is also being done to appease investors who went nuts based on any doom and gloom forecasting about the potential low sales of the more controversial game.OK, maybe that’s my tinfoil hat sparking too much with conspiracy lightning, but it does strike me as odd that this is Game Informer’s HUGE exclusive in a year that’s going to be packed to the gills with memorable releases…

Also, consider this: turn-based strategy titles are going to be a hard sell to some modern gamers weaned on faster action gaming, although I can see fans of the more anime-themed SRPG’s out there wanting to give this a look. That and the old timers like me who are pleased as punch will make up a decent percentage of buyers, but what about the other folks who’d never go near this sort of game? All I’ll say is for all the bitching going on about the XCOM shooter, the more tactical game had better be a million-seller or close to it. Then again, I’ll bet real money that there are a few hundred or so complaints about the hyphen missing from the spelling of XCOM (which proves you can never please anyone these days)…

That said, I’m actually happy Firaxis is on the case here, as the game will scream quality as well as replay value. I also ABSOLUTELY want to play the other XCOM game even more. Hopefully, 2K will be smart enough to add demos for each game with the other in order to get those new to strategy or unwilling to buy a shooter to see what’s what. At the end of the day, it’s a win-win deal for gamers, period. Good move, 2K! Now, if only the whiners out there would shut the hell up and leave EA’s Syndicate reboot alone. It’s actually one reboot that works as soon as you pick up the controller and dive in.

Anyway, the full X-Com press release is below:

2K Games Announces Action Strategy Game
XCOM: Enemy Unknown in Development at Firaxis Games

Regarded as one of the finest games ever made, the original X-COM is reimagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games

New York, NY – January 5, 2012– 2K Games announced today that Firaxis Games, the creative team behind the iconic Sid Meier’s Civilization® franchise, is developing XCOM: Enemy Unknown, an action strategy title that is planned for release in fall 2012. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be instantly recognizable to fans of the original X-COM, while breaking new ground in strategy games for today’s console and Windows PC gamers. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place players in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, players will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics.

“We’re looking forward to building upon the core gameplay experiences that fans of the original X-COM love, while introducing the franchise to a new generation,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “With Firaxis’ XCOM: Enemy Unknown and 2K Marin’s upcoming XCOM, 2K Games will be offering two different gameplay experiences drawing from the classic X-COM universe. Each game offers a unique XCOM experience in different genres, as envisioned by two different studios with unique creative visions.”

Released in 1993, the original X-COM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. Players will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle. 

“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.”

To learn more about XCOM: Enemy Unknown, gamers can pick up the latest issue of Game Informer Magazine, which currently has the worldwide exclusive cover story on the title. The story is rich with game details, including gameplay impressions, a first look at four of the alien enemy types, insight into combat strategies and tactics, the new base setup and more.

Players who wish to experience the original X-COM titles can do so by purchasing them on Steam. Please visit www.steampowered.com.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available in fall 2012 for Games for Windows, Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoftand PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, please visit www.xcom.com.