Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown Mac version not on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/#comments Though XCOM: Enemy Unknown Elite Edition arrived on Mac on April 25, one place it didn't launch was Steam. A representative of the Mac version's developer, Feral Interactive, told Joystiq that it "does not release games on Steam."

This isn't the only game that Feral has shipped on platforms not owned by Valve, as the developer is credited with creating Mac versions of BioShock 2, Grid and both Batman: Arkham City and Arkham Asylum, among many other games. When asked about whether any games from its catalog would launch on Steam at any point, the representative said they "do not talk about future products."

Feral is offering XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the Mac App Store, among other online retailers listed on its site.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown Mac version not on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesferal-interactivefiraxismacmac-app-storeSTEAMxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 06 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototypes show the evolution of XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/xcom-enemy-unknown-prototype-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/xcom-enemy-unknown-prototype-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/xcom-enemy-unknown-prototype-videos/#comments
XCOM: Enemy Unknown art director Greg Foertsch conducted a GDC 2013 panel called Art Direction Autopsy: XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Foertsch shared a few internal videos chronicling the different directions considered by Firaxis Games, and was kind enough to share those videos with Joystiq.

Above, you can see a video with a more survival-horror slant - a prototype with methodical pacing, centered around a lone farm house wrapped in dark atmosphere. Jump past the break for two more prototype videos.

Continue reading Prototypes show the evolution of XCOM: Enemy Unknown

JoystiqPrototypes show the evolution of XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesgdc-2013iosipadmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationprototypeps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 12 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS won't have in-app purchasable upgrades]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-wont-have-in-app-purchasable-upgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-wont-have-in-app-purchasable-upgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-wont-have-in-app-purchasable-upgrades/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown won't go down the common iOS route of charging for upgrades, items and the like, mainly because the game's lead designer can't stand the idea. Firaxis' Jake Solomon made the blunt disclosure to IGN, reaffirming the upcoming mobile version of the 2012 strategy game is a straight port.

"Oh God, please...," Solomon responded to IGN when asked about in-app purchases like power-ups, "No. I'm not sure I would be able to sleep at night. My food would taste like ashes in my mouth."

Solomon told us last month the iOS version, due this summer, is "the exact same game [as on PC or consoles], it's just now fully playable on an iPhone or an iPad." Given that it's the full game, it'll be "appropriately" priced at a premium point, although we're still waiting to see what that is. The iOS version will include the Elite Soldier DLC but not the Slingshot pack, while the Second Wave update remains a possibility.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS won't have in-app purchasable upgrades originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownTue, 09 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Mac April 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-mac-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-mac-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-on-mac-april-25/#comments XCOM Enemy Unknown coming to MacXCOM: Enemy Unknown for Mac just received a release date of April 25 at PAX East.

Announced earlier this month, the Mac version is the "elite edition," which includes the Slingshot and Elite Solidier downloadable content packs, as well as the second wave update.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown on Mac April 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firaxisFiraxis-Gamesmacpax-site-2013xcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown announced for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/#comments

XCOM: Enemy Unknown was just announced for iPad and iPhone during a PAX East panel.

"It is a straight port. We have not made any gameplay exceptions," XCOM: Enemy Unknown Lead Designer Jake Solomon told us. "You play the exact same game [as on PC or consoles], it's just now fully playable on an iPhone or an iPad."

Asked about the game's pricing, Solomon wouldn't give specifics, saying, "It's going to be priced appropriately for what it is. It's going to be a premium price point. It is the game. It is the full game."

In case you're looking for a definition of "premium" on iOS, expect to be more than $1 and probably push the limits like The Walking Dead does at $15.

The game should be out by summer. We've been told it will not include the Slingshot pack downloadable content, however the Elite Soldier DLC will be included. Meanwhile, the free Second Wave update has not yet been ruled out.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown announced for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/#comments SeenPax East Hanging at the 2K booth at PAX East is an inspirational poster of marketing, featuring the characters from Firaxis' Civilization and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. If you're at the show, you can pick up the poster at the "Strategy Masterminds Mega Panel - Behind the Scenes at Firaxis Games" panel. The panel features the team of Firaxis showing off "never-before-seen footage" and teasing "big reveals" at 4:30PM.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesCivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcxcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC download on sale at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-download-on-sale-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-download-on-sale-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-download-on-sale-at-amazon/#comments Commander, you'll find a wave of new recruits joining you soon. Thanks to a special XCOM initiative promotion, we're opening our doors like never before in an attempt to bolster our ranks against the enemy threat in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, offering enlistment via Amazon for $16.50.

Look, we don't want to say you're doing a bad job, it's just - well have you looked out your window lately, Commander? Oh, right, you're underground, sorry. Just know that there are aliens everywhere now, we could really use the extra muscle and the council thinks this is a solid move for a positive monthly report in March.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown PC download on sale at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesamazonfiraxis-gamespcxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 18 Mar 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown coming to Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-coming-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-coming-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-coming-to-mac/#comments XCOM Enemy Unknown coming to MacGood day, Commander. If you've been unable to experience XCOM: Enemy Unknown due to an allegiance for programs that run on OSX, your wait will soon be over. The award-winning turn-based strategy game is on its way to Mac in an "elite edition," which bundles all previously released downloadable content, including the Slingshot and Elite Solidier packs, along with the second wave update.

XCOM took the silver in our 2012 Game of the Year awards. We've followed up with publisher 2K Games for a narrower release window on the Mac edition.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown coming to Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmacxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Abduct XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC for $16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/abduct-xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-for-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/abduct-xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-for-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/abduct-xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-for-16/#comments If for some reason you still haven't let XCOM: Enemy Unknown get its sharp, slimy hooks into you, Green Man Gaming has a heckuva deal on the PC version. Already discounted to $20, you can knock it all the way down to 16 bucks with the coupon code GMG20-P4DLK-FKYRS.

We suggest you use the savings on building satellites. Like, as many as possible. Always.

JoystiqAbduct XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC for $16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxispcTake-Two-Interactivexcom-enemy-unknownWed, 20 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Download XCOM for $25 from Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/download-xcom-for-25-from-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/download-xcom-for-25-from-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/download-xcom-for-25-from-amazon/#comments In turn-based strategy terms, here's how to acquire XCOM: Enemy Unknown for $25.
  • Order your browser to go to this Amazon link.
  • Spend 25 money units to purchase and download the PC version XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
  • Alien Activity
  • Play XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
  • Rejoice over substantial savings.

JoystiqDownload XCOM for $25 from Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxispctake-two-interactivexcom-enemy-unknownFri, 25 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown now on Xbox Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-now-on-xbox-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-now-on-xbox-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-now-on-xbox-games-on-demand/#comments Steam sale continues with great deals on FTL, XCOM, and moreXCOM: Enemy Unknown is available now from the the Xbox Marketplace's Games on Demand section. All it will cost you is a sectoid arm and a muton foot, which converts roughly to $59.99 (in the United States).

For those not stuck in underground bunkers while the planet is under attack, more cost-effective hard copy options can be delivered to your door for $10 less (or more). But how you want to go spending your hard-earned alien limbs for one of the best games of last year is your choice, Commander.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown now on Xbox Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesgames-on-demandmicrosoftxboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 08 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM's 'Second Wave' DLC available today, adds new gameplay options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcoms-second-wave-dlc-available-today-adds-new-gameplay-opti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcoms-second-wave-dlc-available-today-adds-new-gameplay-opti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/xcoms-second-wave-dlc-available-today-adds-new-gameplay-opti/#comments XCOM's 'Second Wave' DLC available today, adds new gameplay optionsToday marks the announcement and release of XCOM's second batch of DLC, "Second Wave," on all available platforms. The new content comes via a free update, adding multiple new options designed to appeal to players looking for a new and different challenge. Specifically, the update adds a new menu of options that significantly alter the way XCOM is played.

Damage Roulette, for example, gives all weapons a much wider range of damage - potentially stealing a killing blow or possibly bestowing a last ditch pistol shot with extra punch. Another option, Not Created Equally, gives all rookie soldiers random stats, while Hidden Potential causes stats to increase randomly with each promotion. Firaxis designer Jake Solomon tells Joystiq these options allow for more versatile soldiers, even some that go against the grain of their classes. Heavies with incredible accuracy? It could happen.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (Second Wave DLC)

Continue reading XCOM's 'Second Wave' DLC available today, adds new gameplay options

JoystiqXCOM's 'Second Wave' DLC available today, adds new gameplay options originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam's Holiday Encore Weekend reprises discounts on Dishonored, XCOM and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/steams-holiday-encore-weekend-reprises-discounts-on-dishonored/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/steams-holiday-encore-weekend-reprises-discounts-on-dishonored/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/steams-holiday-encore-weekend-reprises-discounts-on-dishonored/#comments Steam's Holiday Encore Weekend reprises discounts on Dishonored, XCOM and moreSteam's Holiday Encore Weekend has kicked off, and it's essentially the digitally distributed PC gaming equivalent of one of those Top 40 best-of compilation CDs: Now That's What I Call The Best of Steam's 2012 Holiday Sale, Vol. 1.

Running until 1 p.m. Eastern on Monday, January 7, the sale encompasses much of Joystiq's 2012 Game of the Year list, including The Walking Dead, Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown, as well as a few of our favorite games from last year, such as Skyrim and Saints Row: The Third. There's 24 deals in all, some of which span multiple games in a franchise, like the Batman, Borderlands and Portal sales. We doubt this compilation will see a Vol. 2, however, so best "get while the gettin's good," as our southern grandmothers would have said.

JoystiqSteam's Holiday Encore Weekend reprises discounts on Dishonored, XCOM and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dishonoredencore-weekendmacpcsaints-row-the-thirdskyrimSteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2010Steam-Holiday-Sale-2012the-walking-deadxcom-enemy-unknownSat, 05 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments GOTY HEADER IMAGESIn the ultimate showdown of "us versus them," your decisions will determine the fate of countless soldiers, the XCOM project, Earth and, oh yeah, humanity. No pressure, Commander.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown doesn't just update and re-imagine a classic PC game for a new generation. It executes on bringing a deep strategy game to consoles without skipping a beat. Developer Firaxis is well-known for creating accessible epic-scale strategy through its Civilization series. In XCOM it applies those skills acquired over a very long career - talents that went underappreciated with Civilization: Revolution - and streamlines the strategy genre to a point where everyone can feel welcome, and aficionados of the genre can recognize the brilliance in the simplicity.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (10/9/12)

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2012: XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesBest-of-2012firaxisGame-of-the-Year-2012GOTY-2012joystiq-best-of-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 03 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale, day 9: Assassin's Creed, Prototype, Left 4 Dead franchises and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/steam-holiday-sale-day-9-assassins-creed-prototype-left-4-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/steam-holiday-sale-day-9-assassins-creed-prototype-left-4-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/steam-holiday-sale-day-9-assassins-creed-prototype-left-4-d/#comments Steam Holiday Sale, day 9 Assassin's Creed, Prototype, Left 4 Dead franchises and moreThe majority of mainstream shopping holidays have now reached a complete stop, but the sales live on - especially in the case of Valve's annual Steam Holiday Sale, which today enters its ninth day of dealing out discounted digital sundries.

PC gamers can save 25 to 75 percent on every game in the Assassin's Creed series, 75/50 percent off Prototype and Prototype 2 respectively, get Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 for a cold dead $7.49, Limbo for a spooky $2.49, Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion for an astronomically low $13.59 and Just Cause 2 for a justified $3.74.

Yesterday's deals also remain active for another 20 hours or so, including LA Noire for $4.99, FTL for $4.99 and 33 percent off XCOM: Enemy Unknown. As always, flash sales and community choice sales change throughout the day.

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale, day 9: Assassin's Creed, Prototype, Left 4 Dead franchises and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedfaster-than-lightFTLftl-faster-than-lightJust-Cause-2LA-Noireleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2limbomacpcprototypeprototype-2Sins-of-a-Solar-Empiresins-of-a-solar-empire-rebellionsteam-holiday-saleSteam-Holiday-Sale-2012Valvexcom-enemy-unknownFri, 28 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam sale continues with great deals on FTL, XCOM, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/steam-sale-continues-with-great-deals-on-ftl-xcom-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/steam-sale-continues-with-great-deals-on-ftl-xcom-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/steam-sale-continues-with-great-deals-on-ftl-xcom-and-more/#comments Steam sale continues with great deals on FTL, XCOM, and moreThere are only four days left in 2012 after today, which means you're running out of chances to save money on games this year. Steam understands this, and today's iteration of sale prices is designed to help you pick up some of the best games of 2012 for super cheap.

FTL, the great indie space roguelike, is down to $4.99, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown is at $33.49.

Elsewhere, award winner The Walking Dead is only $12.49, the ambitious Spec Ops: The Line is available for $10.19, and retro dungeon RPG Legend of Grimrock is $3.74, which is less than that carton of eggnog you polished off last weekend.

JoystiqSteam sale continues with great deals on FTL, XCOM, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012ftlpcsalesalessteamthe-walking-deadxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 27 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook dedicated to fallen soldiers, friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/xcom-memorial-wall-on-facebook-dedicated-to-fallen-soldiers-fri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/xcom-memorial-wall-on-facebook-dedicated-to-fallen-soldiers-fri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/xcom-memorial-wall-on-facebook-dedicated-to-fallen-soldiers-fri/#comments XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook ensures they're gone, not forgottenXCOM: Enemy Unknown is a brutal lesson in life, love and the fragility of human flesh. Your squad members will die, dozens of them, while you are forced to watch in omniscient yet helpless real-time. Each game has its own graveyard, though if you want to share your losses with the world, there's an app for that.

The XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook hosts all of the fallen soldiers added by mournful players. Add yours by simply clicking that big button on the top and filling out the appropriate assets. Turns out Facebook can be used for some pretty cool (and heart-wrenching) things, after all.

Continue reading XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook dedicated to fallen soldiers, friends

JoystiqXCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook dedicated to fallen soldiers, friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfacebookmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-memorial-wallMon, 10 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Skyrim, XCOM, Max Payne 3 DLC available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/psa-skyrim-xcom-max-payne-3-dlc-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/psa-skyrim-xcom-max-payne-3-dlc-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/psa-skyrim-xcom-max-payne-3-dlc-available-today/#comments
It's a big day for big games to get comparatively smaller add-ons.

The Skyrim "Dragonborn" DLC launches today on Xbox 360; you'll have to wait until next year to play it on PS3 and PC. XCOM: Enemy Unknown players on all platforms can recruit Zhang today in the "Slingshot" DLC. And Max Payne 3 players can unearth the title character's "Painful Memories" with a set of new multiplayer maps and weapons, though he'd probably prefer leaving them repressed.

He's kind of a downer as it is.

JoystiqPSA: Skyrim, XCOM, Max Payne 3 DLC available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcelder-scrolls-5max-payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 04 Dec 2012 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Assaulting an alien battleship as a Triad defector in XCOM: Enemy Unknown's 'Slingshot' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/assaulting-an-alien-battleship-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/assaulting-an-alien-battleship-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/assaulting-an-alien-battleship-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments Assault an alien battleship in XCOM Enemy Unknown's 'Slingshot' DLCYou probably remember the day that your best friend died on the field of battle in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. One of the coolest features of the Firaxis-developed remake is the ability to customize the names of individual soldiers that make up your army of alien-stompers, fostering a strong connection that adds weight to a soldier's permanent demise. It's unexpected, then, that for its first downloadable content in the rebooted XCOM universe - dubbed 'Slingshot' - Firaxis has decided to create a completely fictional character as its star.

Zhang is a member of the Chinese Triad who defects over to XCOM when he comes to recognize the magnitude of the threat that the world faces. He's introduced in Slingshot's first mission via cutscene, a heavily scarred, besuited tough guy who stands as motionless as the Foo Dog statues that surround him.

The Triad defector is a civilian in the first mission, a neutered unit that must be escorted by XCOM forces to a nearby evac location situated close to your Chinese cemetery rendezvous point. Alien forces attack from all sides, same as it ever was, and only tactical thinking sees you through. You'll probably think more than once "Why can't I just hand this Triad fellow a gun and tell him to point it at the invaders?"

That opportunity comes later, as Zhang's defector status puts him on the outs with his former bosses. Complete the first Slingshot mission and your Triad buddy joins XCOM as a Heavy. He's just like any other soldier save for the fact that his name and appearance are locked. You don't even need to bring him along on the two Slingshot missions that follow, though his high stats might compel you to do so anyway.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown 'Slingshot' DLC (11/30/12)

Continue reading Assaulting an alien battleship as a Triad defector in XCOM: Enemy Unknown's 'Slingshot' DLC

JoystiqAssaulting an alien battleship as a Triad defector in XCOM: Enemy Unknown's 'Slingshot' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesDLCDownloadable-ContentFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownXCOM-Slingshot-DLCFri, 30 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly offers 20% off Black Friday discounted digital PC titles this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/gamefly-offers-20-off-black-friday-discounted-digital-pc-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/gamefly-offers-20-off-black-friday-discounted-digital-pc-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/gamefly-offers-20-off-black-friday-discounted-digital-pc-titles/#comments GameFly has posted its sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday on digital PC games, and there are quite a few healthy discounts in there, on big PC titles from this year and last. And even beyond the prices on the website, you can use the code NOV20OFF for an extra 20 percent off these already discounted titles. We've got deals on deals here, people!

You can look through the whole list of prices on GamerDeals, but the standouts are probably XCOM: Enemy Unknown for just $37.49, Dishonored for $29.99, Torchlight 2 for just $14.99, and Spec Ops: The Line and The Darkness 2 for $7.49 each.

Only on Black Friday, you can grab Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning also for $7.49, and Hotline Miami is that same price on Saturday. And on Friday and Monday only, Need for Speed: Most Wanted is $24.99. All those prices are before the code discount, too, so if you need to stock up on PC titles, GameFly seems like one of the best ways to do so.

JoystiqGameFly offers 20% off Black Friday discounted digital PC titles this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2012black-friday-dealscodecyber-mondaycyber-monday-2012dealsdiscountdownloadgameflyholiday-2012pcxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 21 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Dishonored sold 460K in October, XCOM hit 114K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/npd-dishonored-sold-460k-in-october-xcom-hit-114k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/npd-dishonored-sold-460k-in-october-xcom-hit-114k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/npd-dishonored-sold-460k-in-october-xcom-hit-114k/#comments October had two scrappy underdogs in Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The meticulous murder-em-up sold 460,200 units, according to the NPD, while the XCOM revamp from Firaxis sold 114,000 units.

Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown launched on October 9 for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and through digital distribution, and later shared shelf space with big hitters like Assassin's Creed 3, NBA 2K13, Forza Horizon and NBA Baller Beats (kidding).

The NPD only chronicles boxed retail sales in North America, so we don't have a full picture of the sales performance of either Dishonored or XCOM: Enemy Unknown. We already followed up with 2K for XCOM specifics, but the publisher told us it does not "comment on sales figures."

JoystiqNPD: Dishonored sold 460K in October, XCOM hit 114K originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesarkane-studiosbethesdadishonoredfiraxis-gamesmicrosoftnpdpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 08 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM patch to solve roof visibility issues, make easy mode easier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/xcom-patch-to-solve-roof-visibility-issues-make-easy-mode-easie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/xcom-patch-to-solve-roof-visibility-issues-make-easy-mode-easie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/xcom-patch-to-solve-roof-visibility-issues-make-easy-mode-easie/#comments Firaxis will soon be beaming down a patch for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The update should fix a number of issues, notably "abductor roof visibility problems," one of the game's more annoying headaches. Inaccessible SHIVs should also be addressed. A number of other fixes will be made as well, including better multiplayer connectivity and solutions for certain states that would make the game hang.

And some good news for XCOM beginners: Easy difficulty will be made easier. Also of note, the patch will not address an issue where players who beat the game are greeted by a defeat screen. Firaxis is aware of the issue and looking into it.

The patch is slated for all platforms "soon."

JoystiqXCOM patch to solve roof visibility issues, make easy mode easier originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxismicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3updatexboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 02 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 has shipped 5M units to date, XCOM a 'critical and commercial success']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/borderlands-2-5-million-xcom-success/#comments
Stiq Flicks Borderlands 2 and the Good, the Bad, and the Weird
Gearbox Software's Borderlands 2 has shipped 5 million units to date, Take-Two interactive announced this morning in its second quarter financials. The company also noted that XCOM: Enemy Unknown is "proving to be a critical and commercial success." Both games are remarked as having "strong digital sales."

"Take-Two's second quarter revenue and earnings exceeded our outlook, driven by the breakout success of 2K's Borderlands 2 and robust demand for our catalog and digitally delivered offerings," noted Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. "Moreover, with Grand Theft Auto 5 slated for spring 2013, we are poised to generate substantial revenue and earnings growth in fiscal year 2014."

Both Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown currently hold near 90 Metacritic ratings.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 has shipped 5M units to date, XCOM a 'critical and commercial success' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2firaxisFiraxis-Gamesgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 31 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firaxis talks future XCOM content, 'Slingshot' DLC announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/firaxis-talks-future-xcom-content-slingshot-dlc-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/firaxis-talks-future-xcom-content-slingshot-dlc-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/firaxis-talks-future-xcom-content-slingshot-dlc-announced/#comments 2K Games and Firaxis have announced the first downloadable content for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Entitled "Slingshot," the DLC packs in three new Council missions with a unique story arc. The story takes place in China and, says designer Ananda Gupta, revolves around a "badass Triad operative named Zhang." Said badass will be a playable character and, unlike other XCOM soldiers, will feature a pre-designed face and a unique voice.

We spoke with Gupta and Firaxis producer Garth DeAngelis to learn a little more about the Slingshot DLC and the developer's future plans for XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (10/9/12)

Continue reading Firaxis talks future XCOM content, 'Slingshot' DLC announced

JoystiqFiraxis talks future XCOM content, 'Slingshot' DLC announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ananda-guptadlcgarth-deangelismicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 23 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How RPGs colonized some of 2012's best games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/how-rpgs-colonized-some-of-2012s-best-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/how-rpgs-colonized-some-of-2012s-best-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/how-rpgs-colonized-some-of-2012s-best-games/#commentsThis is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
2012 may not be remembered as a fantastic year for pure western role-playing games (especially without a Skyrim to sweep the end-of-year awards) but it's been a great year for me as a video game fan. Why? Because many of the "best games of the year" may not be RPGs, but they've adapted some of the best components of RPGs to become stronger games.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, for example, is one of the best-received games of 2012, due in part to its use of RPG mechanics. Tactics games are often associated with RPGs (especially Japanese-style tactics games) but the connection isn't always so concrete with "western" games. For example, I don't really qualify the original X-COM: UFO Defense as an RPG, due to its too-large squads filled with personality-free squaddies, whereas Jagged Alliance 2 certainly fit the mold.

XCOM tweaks the initial game's form in ways that align with traditional role-playing games. The squad size is limited to 4-6 characters, traditional RPG numbers, and only having one base means you rarely need large numbers of squaddies - I never had more than 15 at once, and even that was high due to playing on "Classic" difficulty. It also slightly decreases the importance of the strategic decision-making level, putting the focus on the characters in the field.

Continue reading How RPGs colonized some of 2012's best games

JoystiqHow RPGs colonized some of 2012's best games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesFiraxis-GamesmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationps3Subset-GamesTelltale-GamesThe-Walking-DeadxboxXCOM-Enemy-UnknownFri, 19 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meeting Atypical Aliens and Assassins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/meeting-atypical-aliens-and-assassins/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/meeting-atypical-aliens-and-assassins/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/meeting-atypical-aliens-and-assassins/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
This holiday's unceasing glut of games is a go, with store shelves making room for the onslaught of snarling aliens, sneering assassins, and slow-mo soldiers walking away from large explosions - or sometimes partially melted helicopters. These are the usual, commercially sexy suspects.

It's best not to judge a game by its cover, though, and this week's front-facing embellishments are exceptionally deceptive. At a shallow glance, XCOM: Enemy Unknown may seem like another case of meathead military dudes mowing down extraterrestrials. Dishonored, meanwhile, conveys a stylish stab-a-thon with its masked, supernaturally talented anti-hero out for revenge. Look longer and you'll find that both have roots in classic PC gaming, and both sell something console owners might not even know they want.

Continue reading Meeting Atypical Aliens and Assassins

JoystiqMeeting Atypical Aliens and Assassins originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesArkane-StudiosbethesdadishonoredFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reaction-timexboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 12 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments Play as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOMAn XCOM: Enemy Unknown Easter egg allows players to bring in the heavy hitters when times are bleakest. PC Gamer points out that certain soldier names will activate "XCOM Heroes," who are pre-designed super soldiers.

Name alterations for soldier unlocks that have worked so far are Sid Meier, Ken Levine, Joe Kelly and Otto Zander. The one caveat for this phenomenal cosmic super soldier creation power is that once these heroes are summoned the achievements for the game will be turned off.

We also concur with PC Gamer's request that you make sure Levine lives, since after saving humanity from aliens we'd appreciate him finishing BioShock: Infinite.

JoystiqPlay as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-Interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 11 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City Rampage, tons more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psn-tuesday-dishonored-sherlock-holmes-retro-city-rampage-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psn-tuesday-dishonored-sherlock-holmes-retro-city-rampage-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psn-tuesday-dishonored-sherlock-holmes-retro-city-rampage-to/#comments PSN Tuesday Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City RampageToday's PS Store dump includes a barrage of full games as part of Sony's Day 1 Digital promotion and its ongoing indie focus. For full games, we have Dishonored, Birds of Steel, Devil May Cry HD Collection and The Testament of Sherlock Holmes.

PSN gets Retro City Rampage, The Walking Dead Episode Four: Around Every Corner, Derrick the Deathfin, Machinarium, Worms Revolution and more. Retro City Rampage is also hitting Vita, alongside Dr. Who: The Eternity Clock, Spy Hunter and Sunflowers.

Vita is getting three new PSOne Classics, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 4, Destrega and Saiyuki: Journey West. There's also a free demo for this week's big release (that isn't Dishonored), XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and the Mechromancer DLC for Borderlands 2. Check out the complete lineup here.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City Rampage, tons more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2derrick-the-deathfindestregadishonoreddr-whomachinariumplaystationplaystation-vitaPS-Storeps3PSNpsn-tuesdayretro-city-rampageromance-of-the-three-kingdomssaiyuki-journey-westspy-huntersunflowersthe-testament-of-sherlock-holmesthe-walking-deadvitaworms-revolutionXComxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 09 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM demo out now on Xbox, PS3 later today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/xcom-demo-out-now-on-xbox-ps3-later-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/xcom-demo-out-now-on-xbox-ps3-later-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/xcom-demo-out-now-on-xbox-ps3-later-today/#comments XCOM demo out now on Xbox, PS3 later todayCommander, to the living room console. Commander, to the living room console.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown's demo is available now on Xbox 360 to Xbox Live gold members. The demo will hit the PlayStation 3 following the regular PSN update later today, and be available tomorrow in Europe. The PC demo is already out there for discovery.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available today at retail and will deliver close encounters of the awesome kind.

JoystiqXCOM demo out now on Xbox, PS3 later today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 09 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/metareview-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/metareview-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/metareview-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments Metareview XCOM Enemy UnknownXCOM: Enemy Unknown, a turn-based strategy game, is getting pretty high marks across the board. We'll let that "turn-based strategy" bit sink in before we continue.... Okay, so, it is a strategy game from Firaxis, the studio behind the accessible Civilization series, which we said in our review "deftly blended management, tactics and the sort of gut-level, throaty encounters usually reserved for fast-paced action games."
  • Edge (90/100): "Charting a course through Earth's imminent destruction is as unashamedly difficult as it was in 1994's X-COM. It's possible, through bad planning and bad management, to doom the planet early on, making the game feel unfair. Get it right, however - survive the stresses of management, and the strains of aliens - and you'll feel like world's greatest hero."
  • Eurogamer (90/100): "So much craft has gone into its atmosphere, into innumerable small details that together add enormous depth and flavour to the world: the occasional conversations overheard while fiddling around in the base; the mission loading screen, which gives you a view of the troops inside the carrier, fidgeting and tapping their feet in transit; the ridiculously cute touch of soldiers acquiring nicknames like 'Longshot' or 'Odin' after a few missions; the memorial room for fallen warriors, with a cork board of photos on the wall, which records their names - and the fact that visiting it triggers, after a few seconds, the sound of a bagpipe march. "
  • Destructoid (90/100): "I was disappointed EU didn't have a great story, at first. But, somewhere along the way, my own story played out through the game's intense missions and grueling decision making back at the base. My story is about an unlikely group of space heroes. After months of waging a seemingly impossible war, my elite squad of XCOM soldiers died."
  • Polygon (85/100): "While tactical, squad-based combat has never felt so effortless and rewarding, the strategy component takes just enough away to make the game as a whole feel like two slightly disjointed halves. One of those halves just so happens to be one of the best and most artfully-designed strategy games in recent memory."
  • IGN (82/100): "Recently Firaxis has been very willing to try new things with its franchises, and it's great to see both the revival of the XCOM franchise and the extension of strategy games on the consoles. You're still likely to want a bit more depth and surprise in the tactical game, but the campaign is full of tense moments that are sure to keep you coming back for more."

JoystiqMetareview: XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-Interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 08 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM rookies, listen up!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-rookies-listen-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-rookies-listen-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-rookies-listen-up/#commentsJoystiq's resident strategy game fan, Alexander Sliwinski, examines XCOM: Enemy Unknown from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with the series. How will other rookies react?
Never played X-COM before? Cool, neither had I. Although the details are still hazy on how the hyphenated installments of the alien defense strategy series passed me by during the '90s, I am a turn-based strategy fan and I love me some sci-fi.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is one of the best and most accessible strategy games to come along in a long time, as evidenced by Joystiq's review. The game is split between the turn-based combat missions you'd see in a Final Fantasy Tactics, streamlined for a larger audience; and managing the resources and growth of XCOM's barracks, laboratories, workshops, satellite installations and more.

I can assure you that starting a game at the "normal" difficulty is imperative your first time through. The "classic" difficulty, even after I've beaten the game on normal and know the abilities of each alien species, is still a challenge. It's not that the aliens are overpowered, it's just that they're out to kill you in the classic mode as much as you're after them to usurp their tech. The normal difficulty setting won't regularly activate the aliens until you find them at your own pace.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (8/18/2012)

Continue reading XCOM rookies, listen up!

JoystiqXCOM rookies, listen up! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-GamesmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationps3second-opiniontake-twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 08 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown review: Close encounters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-review/#comments My squad touches down in a wooded area, somewhere in the continental United States. The Skyranger's ramp lowers and my soldiers shuffle out. Dead animals litter the ground under the tree cover. I inch my squad members forward, toward the crashed UFO. I'm the one who shot it down, and I expect its occupants are none too happy about it. As my squad slowly creeps forward, wary of ambush, I notice strange pods scattered about the terrain. I have just enough time to wonder what they are before my point man, Cameron "Shield" Robertson, discovers three Muton soldiers - ugly, hulking brutes with equally nasty plasma rifles.

The Mutons scramble into cover, positioning themselves to fire. Before they have a chance, my heavy trooper readies a rocket launcher, sending its payload directly into the aliens, scorching their hides and blasting their cover to smithereens. Now fully exposed, the beasts make easy targets for my sniper, Sheng "Xeno" Lin. Thanks to some special training, he quickly settles into "the zone," taking out all three Mutons with three perfect shots in rapid succession.

The entire exchange is exhilarating, and I pat myself on the back for a job well done. Little do I know that I have just wasted my only rocket, and that I'll really regret it later on. It's choices like these, and their repercussions, that define XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (10/9/12)

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown review: Close encounters

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown review: Close encounters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 08 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown launch trailer to the situation room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-launch-trailer-to-the-situation-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-launch-trailer-to-the-situation-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/xcom-enemy-unknown-launch-trailer-to-the-situation-room/#comments

Here's the launch trailer for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which invades retail next week. We will have our review prepped to launch on Monday at 8AM Eastern.

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown launch trailer to the situation room

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown launch trailer to the situation room originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 04 Oct 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM lead designer goes undercover to sell his game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/xcom-lead-designer-goes-undercover-to-sell-his-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/xcom-lead-designer-goes-undercover-to-sell-his-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/xcom-lead-designer-goes-undercover-to-sell-his-game/#comments

The crew at Firaxis is pretty passionate about XCOM: Enemy Unknown, few more so than lead designer Jake Solomon, who went to a local shop to pitch the upcoming game to customers. In his own special way, he tries to get customers to give the game a shot come launch day.

If you appreciate Solomon hamming it up, be sure to give our Gamescom podcast a listen, where he joins us as a guest with XCOM producer and designer Garth DeAngelis. They eventually get around to talking about XCOM, but it's a fun and bizarre journey before we get to that point. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will begin abducting your time October 9.

JoystiqXCOM lead designer goes undercover to sell his game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisJake-Solomonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownWed, 03 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose your own XCOM adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/choose-your-own-xcom-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/choose-your-own-xcom-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/choose-your-own-xcom-adventure/#comments

If you're unable to download XCOM: Enemy Unknown's PC demo due to a Sectoid incursion of your higher mental functions, check out this YouTube-based choose your own adventure video.

The fork-in-the-road style video lets you choose what will happen to your squad on a routine mission to give planetary outsiders a ticket to XCOM HQ's autopsy slab. Don't worry if rookies die. Rookies always die.

If you're looking for a less interactive XCOM viewing experience, you can always check out the hour-long playthrough by the developers.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (8/18/2012)

JoystiqChoose your own XCOM adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxismicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 28 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown demo out today on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-demo-out-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-demo-out-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-demo-out-today-on-steam/#comments
XCOM: Enemy Unknown will have a PC demo available today on Steam, with a console version "available soon." The demo covers two levels of the strategy game's single-player tutorial campaign, which also introduces the XCOM base, where all the training, research and alien autopsies happen.

We've been impressed with how the game is shaping up so far, both its single-player campaign, seen in the video above, and multiplayer component. XCOM will admit new recruits on October 9.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (PC Interface)

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown demo out today on Steam

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown demo out today on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdemofiraxisFiraxis-Gamespcxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 24 Sep 2012 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: From X-COM to XCOM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/video-from-x-com-to-xcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/video-from-x-com-to-xcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/video-from-x-com-to-xcom/#comments
XCOM: Enemy Unknown has come a long way from the original X-COM. And we're not just talking about the absence of a hyphen. Check out the video above to see just how far XCOM has come since 1994. Just make sure you're stocked up on time units first.

JoystiqVideo: From X-COM to XCOM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 13 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sending rookies to die in XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/sending-rookies-to-die-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/sending-rookies-to-die-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/sending-rookies-to-die-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments
We've been able to spend quite a few hours with the PC version of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, so we decided to put together a quick video walkthrough of one of its missions. Join us as we blast some Sectoids, snipe a few Floaters and just stand there and watch as our poor rookie gets murdered.

JoystiqSending rookies to die in XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 13 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon on the importance of PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/xcom-enemy-unknown-designer-jake-solomon-on-the-importance-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/xcom-enemy-unknown-designer-jake-solomon-on-the-importance-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/xcom-enemy-unknown-designer-jake-solomon-on-the-importance-of-p/#comments X-COM has quite a history on PC. In fact, apart from a pair of PlayStation ports (and for the Amiga and CD32!), the franchise's home is entirely bound to the PC. Developer Firaxis is definitely aware of the franchise's history, lead designer Jake Solomon tells me, and that history was taken into account when developing XCOM: Enemy Unknown, not to mention Firaxis' own history with the platform.

"When we first talked about reimagining X-COM, it made a lot of sense, because we were Firaxis, and we have a lot of experience with PC-based, turn-based games," he says. The studio always intended to make the game for consoles as well, but unlike an action game or a first-person shooter, Firaxis couldn't simply port the console version over to PC. "You couldn't say, 'Well, let's just do the least amount of work,' because interfacing with the characters, interfacing with the world, is so different."

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (PC Interface)

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon on the importance of PC

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon on the importance of PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2kfiraxispcxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 07 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier joins XCOM in new video, first PC screens revealed, digital pre-sales open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/sid-meier-joins-xcom-in-new-video-first-pc-screens-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/sid-meier-joins-xcom-in-new-video-first-pc-screens-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/sid-meier-joins-xcom-in-new-video-first-pc-screens-revealed/#comments
Alongside the announcement of Steam pre-sales for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, 2K has released a gameplay walkthrough narrated by lead designer Jake Solomon. Things don't start out looking very good for humanity ... until Sid Meier's psionic powers turn the table, that is.

In addition to the new video, we also have the first screens of Enemy Unknown's PC version. Apart from the obvious point-and-click differences, the PC version also features a traditional grid system, which should be familiar to fans of the series.

Finally, 2K has announced that digital pre-orders for Enemy Unknown are now open. In addition to Steam's pre-order promotion that Valve revealed yesterday, the downloadable version of the game is available from other outlets as well, including GameStop and Amazon. As with its retail counterpart, pre-orders of the digital version include the "Elite Soldier Pack," which features the original X-COM flat-top hairstyle, among other soldier customization options.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (PC Interface)

Continue reading Sid Meier joins XCOM in new video, first PC screens revealed, digital pre-sales open

JoystiqSid Meier joins XCOM in new video, first PC screens revealed, digital pre-sales open originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisJake-Solomonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 07 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST