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Being a Bureau dude in XCOM Declassified

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

You always remember your first alien invasion. The Bureau: XCOM Declassified puts you on the ground in 1962 as William Carter, a crucial member of what will eventually become the planet-guarding, all-caps organization known as XCOM. The game brings it own brand of agency to the revitalized strategy series, though not in the drastically simplified form you might expect from a third-person shooter.

Once Earth becomes unwilling host to "The Outsiders," a race of aliens that have enthralled other extraterrestrial creatures, Carter and a crew of two are ordered to investigate the fate of a fallen agent in New Mexico. The Outsiders have a few slaves up their sleeves, including XCOM's classic sectoids. To compensate, Carter has a dapper vest that effectively says, "Everyone, listen to me, I am going to use some tactics on these aliens."

Gallery: The Bureau: XCOM Declassified (5/10/13)

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Being a Bureau dude in XCOM Declassified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM shooter re-reveal expected this week

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST

2K Marin's XCOM shooter recently had all its official assets removed from the internet, which now appears to have been prep work for a new reveal of the game later this week. According to a 2K Games post, the XCOM "squad-based tactical shooter in development at 2K Marin" will be shown again.

It was a little surprise back in February when Take-Two (2K Games' parent company) announced during its financial call that the XCOM shooter was still in production and expected before March 31, 2014.

Firaxis' refresh of the original strategy game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, launched last year to "critical and commercial success." It seems we're about to live in a world where two genres of XCOM live in peaceful coexistence (for a time, anyway).

XCOM shooter re-reveal expected this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Games pulls XCOM shooter site, trailer from the internet

David Hinkle — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:15:00 EST

2K Marin's XCOM shooter seems to be in trouble, based on how thorough 2K Games has been about erasing it from the internet. The XCOM shooter website and even all trailers uploaded to 2K Games' official YouTube channel have been removed.

Last month, a piece from Superannuation posited that 2K Games is looking to rebrand the XCOM shooter, based on some domain registrations for thebureau-game.com, thebureau-game.net, whathappenedin62.com, and whathappenedin62.net. The XCOM shooter, if you'll recall, takes place in 1962.

As of February, XCOM is still in production at 2K Marin for parent company Take-Two's fiscal 2014, which means it's due before March 31, 2014. We've contacted 2K Games for comment and will update when we hear back.

2K Games pulls XCOM shooter site, trailer from the internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM, the shooter, still alive and set for FY 2014 launch

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST

XCOM, the shooter from 2K Marin, is still a part of Take-Two's future launch plans, scheduled for fiscal year 2014. Take-Two's fiscal 2014 runs from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014. This is the same release window XCOM received in May 2012, which is also the last time we heard any significant news about the game.

"2K Marin continues to make progress on XCOM," Take-Two said today during a financial call.

XCOM has been delayed twice, from an initial launch date of March 6, 2012, and now past its second window in FY 2013. Developer Firaxis launched XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the strategy game, last year also under 2K Games, and we thought it was quite a boon to the franchise, even without any first-person alien-gunning.

XCOM, the shooter, still alive and set for FY 2014 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Julian Gollop reviving 1985's 'Chaos: The Battle Wizards'

Xav de Matos — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST

Father of all things X-COM, Julian Gollop, has revealed that his next project will revive the 1985 ZX-Spectrum game, Chaos: The Battle Wizards.

Gollop revealed the game's revival on Twitter, saying, "OK it's official! I am working on a sequel/remake to my classic ZX Spectrum game 'Chaos' - for iOS, PC, Mac - maybe more." Despite one fan pleading for a PS3 release, Gollop said extending the revival to that platform (and presumably other consoles) would only be possible if the current planned platforms see a profit.

Gollop noted the game "will be 3D for sure," revealing it will be powered by the Unity3D engine. Work has only just begun, so we aren't likely to see a finished product for "about a year or so."

The original turn-based game was written by Gollop and published by Games Workshop, garnering enough of a following that a sequel, Lords of Chaos, was developed by Gollop's Mythos Games, which went on to make 1997's X-COM: Apocalypse.

Julian Gollop reviving 1985's 'Chaos: The Battle Wizards' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN Tuesday: Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City Rampage, tons more

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST

Today'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.

PSN 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.

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XCOM delayed again, beyond Q1 2013

JC Fletcher — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:27:00 EST

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the strategy game, is still coming on October 9, but XCOM the shooter is growing ever more distant. Take-Two's latest earnings report gives the game a "fiscal year 2014" date, which puts it between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014.

The previous release window announcement put it in the previous fiscal year - and that announcement was, itself, a delay from a proposed March 6, 2012 release date. At this point, 2K is racing against science; if engineers of the future develop a method to contact and interact with alien life for real, this game will suddenly seem less exotic.

XCOM delayed again, beyond Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three ex-BioShock devs form The Fullbright Company

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

Three of the developers behind recent BioShock games have started their own studio, called The Fullbright Company, with the simple goal to "make a great game." The Fullbright Company is Steve Gaynor, Johnnemann Nordhagen and Karla Zimonja. As Gaynor describes it, perhaps their goal isn't so "simple" after all:

"A memorable experience that you'll be drawn into, and keep thinking about after the game's turned off, and want to come back to again someday. An experience that gets away from the constraints of ossified game genres, while relying on what we're good at as a team: creating immersive places to inhabit, and a deep, personal story to explore at your own pace. A nonviolent game in an unfantastical locale; an experience that not many games provide, built out of techniques that only video games can employ."

The trio have worked on BioShock 2, Minerva's Den, BioShock Infinite and XCOM. Gaynor wrote and was design lead on Minerva's Den, if that gives anyone confidence in this new studio. Fullbright promises more updates and information on its site "soon."

Three ex-BioShock devs form The Fullbright Company originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST

2K Marin is busy busting some alien assignations with the first-person version of XCOM, but apparently it has plenty of artillery to throw around. J.R. Hogarth de la Plante, one of the founders of 2K Marin in 2007 and the lead artist/level architect on the BioShock series, lists an "Unannounced Title" for which he is the art director, right on his resume.

Hogarth de la Plante doesn't describe the new title itself, but does explain that it's a brand new IP that he and four other directors are inventing and pitching internally. If it's still open to improvisation, Mr. Hogarth, may we suggest a stylized, top-down 2D adventure, played as a Little Sister as she fights her way through the terrifying realm of 1980s high school? You're welcome.

2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM delayed beyond Q1 2012

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:10:00 EST

A tired but resourceful former cop delays an alien invasion. It sounds like the eventual outcome of the never-ending Die Hard franchise, but for now it's the picture of Take-Two's first quarter of 2012. We didn't think there'd be room for Max Payne 3 and 2K Marin's overhauled XCOM in the same month, and now the latter project has been bumped into the publisher's fiscal year 2013.

Originally scheduled to launch on March 6, 2012, the promising tactical shooter is expected sometime between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. XCOM's public invasion has moved ahead in jolts since it was first announced, but has grown quiet in recent months following rumors of layoffs at 2K's Australian studio.

At least it's a chance for humans and aliens to agree on something: these things are never easy to plan.

XCOM delayed beyond Q1 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: 2K Marin in Australia hit by layoffs

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST

2K Marin's studio in Canberra, Australia, has allegedly gone through a round of layoffs. Kotaku AU reports that the studio, previously known as 2K Australia, cut 15 employees. The studio is currently assisting in the development of XCOM, which is scheduled to launch March 6, 2012. Requests for 2K to reconfirm that date, especially in light of recent announcements that would have titles from the same publisher competing against one another, have gone unanswered.

We contacted 2K to confirm the layoffs, but were informed it's company "policy not to comment on rumors or speculation"

If true, this is just the latest in a string of bad news for Australia's troubled development scene.

Rumor: 2K Marin in Australia hit by layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM developer diary discusses game world

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:15:00 EST

If you couldn't find the patience to watch the 22-minute XCOM E3 demonstration, you'll find the game's first developer diary trailer covers the basics of XCOM's world in about six minutes.

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XCOM developer diary discusses game world originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM's E3 demo declassified

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST

XCOM version 2.0 was revealed at E3 this past June. The tweaked demonstration we saw kept the setting of socially and politically turbulent 1960s America, but took a significantly different approach to the gameplay. Gone was the clearly BioShock-infused game we'd seen the prior year, twisted into something more strategic with many more gaming influences, not the least of which was Mass Effect.

The demo video has everything we saw at E3, covering squad selection, use of skills in combat and alien technology reclamation. XCOM will supposedly be ready to hire new recruits on March 6, 2012.

Gallery: XCOM (E3 2011)

XCOM's E3 demo declassified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former XCOM leads form Uppercut Games, unveil Epoch

Justin McElroy — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:45:00 EST

We tend to get nervous when muckety mucks at AAA studios leave to form their own iOS developers. They always seem to run at top speed from the "hardcore" shackles they've freed themselves from, naming their studio something like Candybaby Pop and launching with a game that seamlessly blends match-three gameplay, baking and Google Maps integration.

So, we were understandably nervous when we got word that the former Art Director and Lead Designer for 2K's big-budget XCOM reboot had formed a new studio and were leading off with an iOS game. The first thing that put our mind at ease? Andrew James and Ed Orman called their studio Uppercut Games, which is one of our top three favorite types of punches. And as you can see in the above video, their first iPad/iOS game, Epoch, looks anything but casual.

Here's hoping we'll manage to break our Pastry Planet addiction long enough to play it.

Gallery: Epoch (7/11/11)

Former XCOM leads form Uppercut Games, unveil Epoch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM Preview: Mass affect

Christopher Grant — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:08:00 EST

2K Marin creative director Jordan Thomas wasted little time in addressing XCOM's year-long absence after E3 2010. "We're here to pull back the curtain on what we've been up to for a year," Jordan told us during a demo last week. "We've kind of been flying under the radar for a long time, and I wanted to start by talking about why that was."

The studio was comprised of plenty of talent from Irrational who had worked on BioShock (including Thomas) and then developed BioShock 2 at 2K Marin. In other words, BioShock was their comfort zone, Thomas said. "Our first crack at XCOM kind of had a run-and-gun feel. It was very BioShock. It was contiguous first-person, it had a creepier, splicer-like alien enemy, and so on," Thomas said. Over the last year, they've tried to get away from that, making "several key alterations" to the XCOM reimagining we first saw last year.

XCOM was a strategy game, the new XCOM is a first-person shooter, and that incongruity seems to be responsible for much of 2K Marin's second draft. "The main reason for that is that we are strong fans of the original XCOM series," Thomas said. "Basically, XCOM was about being the best of humanity repelling an alien invasion through cleverness and dynamism. Through taking the enemy technology and subverting it, to remove their strategic edge." Lucky for you, the "best of humanity" are on your team.

Gallery: XCOM (E3 2011)

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XCOM Preview: Mass affect originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM inducing singularities on March 6, 2012

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST

After months of secrecy, XCOM's release date has finally been declassified by publisher 2K Games. The first-person relaunch of the XCOM series will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC on March 6, 2012, according to 2K. The nearly nine month window between now and then does, of course, give plenty of extra time to delay it, should that be necessary. Not that we hope it gets delayed, but it does stand to reason that we won't see BioShock Infinite in the first quarter of 2012 if XCOM sticks to the release date, as 2K Games is unlikely to drop two major shooters so close to each other.

The game's E3 2011 trailer was also loosed, showing off a much more direct example of XCOM's first-person action gameplay. A press release accompanying today's release date news speaks to the game's setting as well, explaining that XCOM will put players into the shoes of Special Agent William Carter who, employing a crack team of veteran XCOM officers, will "strike surgically against the alien menace" in an effort to turn the tide of war against them. It's kind of like Halo, basically, except in 1950's America. And no Master Chief (as far as we know). And the aliens are way more inky, of course.

Okay, it's not that much like Halo. Fine.

Continue reading XCOM inducing singularities on March 6, 2012

XCOM inducing singularities on March 6, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Australia studio head resigns in the middle of XCOM; 2K responds

Christopher Grant — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST

Earlier this month, internet snoop supererogatory noticed 2K Australia's studio head Martin Slater resigned, right in the middle of development on the upcoming XCOM reboot. That news was paired with another tweet saying, "FWIW, there's a rumor that XCOM's undergone some big changes since it was announced." Sounds plausible, especially if the studio head of one half of 2K Marin (yeah, it's confusing) is no longer with the company.

"Over the course of a project, development teams do change and evolve from time-to-time," a 2K spokesperson told Joystiq. "While we can confirm that Martin Slater is no longer with the studio, there have been no changes to the way in which XCOM is being developed. The project continues to involve strong collaboration between our California and Australia locations and continues to be led by creative director Jonathan Pelling, a longstanding member of the talented team that worked on BioShock, BioShock 2, Freedom Force and Tribes."

While Slater's departure may not have caused changes in the way, or the process, that XCOM is being developed, that doesn't mean the game itself hasn't undergone changes since we saw it last, at E3 2010. We'll know for sure the next time we get our hands on the title. Probably E3 this year, right 2K?

2K Australia studio head resigns in the middle of XCOM; 2K responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM, Spec Ops listed for fiscal 2012 release, Max Payne 3 not listed at all (again) [update]

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:35:00 EST

Take-Two has updated its release calendar in coordination with the publication of its lastest financial report. Most of the entries aren't too surprising, including already known release dates and windows for LA Noire, Duke Nukem Forever and BioShock Infinite -- however, XCOM and Spec Ops: The Line, both of which were formerly scheduled for this calendar year, are now listed as "Fiscal Year 2012" (April 2011 - March 2012) releases. That means they could still both arrive this year -- Strauss willing and the creek don't rise -- but the publisher has opened up the possiblity for delays to the first quarter of 2012.

Also, Max Payne 3 has again failed to make an appearance on Take Two's release calendar. When this happened last December, Take Two was quick to reassure fans that the title was still in development. We have our fingers crossed for a similar assurance in the company's conference call, which is due to start any minute.

Update: During the Q&A portion of the investor's call, Take-Two CFO Lainie Goldstein spoke about the fate of Max Payne 3, saying, "There is no update on that title at this time." That's a really not great answer. We've emailed other Take-Two contacts in search of something more concrete.

XCOM, Spec Ops listed for fiscal 2012 release, Max Payne 3 not listed at all (again) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin on the cross-oceanic development of XCOM

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Speaking to Gamasutra, 2K Marin's Jonathan Pelling discussed the state of development on the upcoming reboot of XCOM. The game has already raised something of a fuss with longtime fans, as the new game eschews the turn based strategy in favor of first-person shooting. Still, Pelling insists that the new XCOM will retain the "feeling" of the series and that it includes plenty of strategic elements.

We've heard all of this before, of course, but Pelling did reveal the interesting fact that each of 2K Marin's teams -- one in Australia, the other in California -- is focused on a different section of the game. According to Pelling, the California team is "dedicated to leading the design side of the field operations -- the FPS combat and stuff," while the Australian team is focused on the story and campaign. He added that the studio is making sure neither team diverges from the other. Still, Pelling noted that the game has "a very strong concept behind it and so it's really just a matter, at this point, of executing."

2K Marin on the cross-oceanic development of XCOM originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-Com: UFO Defense developer working on 3DS launch game

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The internet is so cool, you guys. Check this out: Gamasutra recently did a feature on the XCOM first-person shooter reboot that's currently in development at 2K Marin. Julian Gollop, creator of the original X-Com: UFO Defense just happened to pop into the comments of said article to give his opinion on the current sorry state of the turn-based strategy genre, and revealing he's "now working on a turn-based tactical RPG which will be a 3DS launch title." Thanks, the internet! You're just full of surprises.

According to some investigation from TinyCartridge, Gollop's LinkedIn profile states he's been at Ubisoft Bulgaria/Sofia the past three years -- and Ubisoft has a turn-based strategy game titled Ghost Recon: Lead The Ghosts in the works for Nintendo's three-dimensional handheld. We've contacted Ubisoft to see if this cyclically-titled Clancy jam is indeed Gollop's next opus.

X-Com: UFO Defense developer working on 3DS launch game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: XCOM

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST

Many longtime gamers, including me, were disappointed by the news that the new XCOM is a first-person shooter. Having witnessed a hands-off demo of the game at E3, I can tell you two things. One, it's definitely a first-person shooter. Guns, grenades, sprinting; you know the drill. Two, the game actually has much more in common with the original X-COM games than you may think.

Gallery: XCOM (E3 2010)

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Preview: XCOM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debut XCOM trailer is an inky black treat

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

At last, 2K Games has unleashed the debut trailer for 2K Marin's upcoming FPS relaunch of the XCOM franchise. Though the suburban, 1950s aesthetic smacks familiar of the underwater metropolis of BioShock, the extraterrestrial enemies you'll be tasked with eradicating look like no aliens you've ever had to fight off before. Okay, maybe if you're Spider-Man, you'll find yourself on familiar ground. Everyone else is screwed.

Check out the trailer after the jump, and imagine how unpleasant it must be to have one of these gelatinous, violent blobs force feed themselves to you. That cannot be delicious. Or sanitary.

Continue reading Debut XCOM trailer is an inky black treat

Debut XCOM trailer is an inky black treat originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM, Spec Ops: The Line opt for 2011 release

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Tucked away in its E3 lineup announcement, Take-Two shed the tiniest bit of light on the release dates for Spec Ops: The Line and the upcoming XCOM reboot. According to the release, both games are slated for a 2011 release, though it doesn't get any more specific than that. Spec Ops had previously been announced for Take-Two's fiscal 2011, offering the hope of a November 2010 release at the earliest. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.

If only there were other games that let you blast aliens and enemy soldiers.

XCOM, Spec Ops: The Line opt for 2011 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xenonauts capitalizes on XCOM rage

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

2K Marin's surprise announcement of an XCOM reboot upset a number of purists. "I'd rather have something that played like X-Com ... than a generic first person shooter with the X-Com name clumsily stapled on," one of our commenters chimed in. If you agree with this sentiment, Goldhawk Interactive has an appropriately-timed announcement for you.

Xenonauts is an indie-developed, PC-only game that's meant to be a spiritual successor to the original X-Com, described as "neither a sequel to X-Com, nor a remake of it ... it shares the same core mechanics that made the original so compelling." Like its inspiration, players will take command of a global organization that must defend the planet against alien invasion. The "planetary defense simulator" will have you constructing bases, managing budgets, and engaging in turn-based squad combat.

Goldhawk's Chris England explained in a press release that "we were a bit put out when 2K made their big announcement," as it may have stolen some thunder from today's announcement. However, England believes this is now actually an "opportunity," allowing the team to "capitalize on the general sentiment that the new X-Com game should be a strategy game." Does this announcement appease those of you burned by 2K's FPS reboot?

Gallery: Xenonauts

Xenonauts capitalizes on XCOM rage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin working on XCOM, '2K Australia name is no longer used'

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST

Earlier today, we reported that the development of the recently announced XCOM was being handled by 2K Marin's sister studio in Canberra, Australia -- 2K Australia. As it turns out, that isn't the entire story. When we contacted 2K Games representative Charlie Sinhaseni for follow up, we were told, "2K Marin, both the Novato, California and Canberra, Australia arms of the studio, are collaborating on XCOM. The two function as sister studios now." Notably, this new relationship is very similar to the the previously existing one between Irrational Games/2K Boston and Irrational Australia/2K Australia functioning as sister studios.

We also confirmed that, aside from BioShock 2 DLC, the California arm of 2K Marin is working exclusively on XCOM, effectively refuting the idea that it's working on BioShock 3.

Further, we were told, "The 2K Australia name is no longer used." It appears that the southeast Australia-based studio will no longer be known by its former moniker and will instead fall under the "2K Marin" label. Guess the Marin County School District's gonna have some major budget restructuring to do with all that new geography under its belt, eh?

2K Marin working on XCOM, '2K Australia name is no longer used' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM being developed by 2K Australia [update]

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:18:00 EST

Update: As it turns out, 2K Australia is actually part of 2K Marin. We've got the full story right here.

Original Story: Though 2K Games' middle-of-the-night XCOM announcement heralded 2K Marin as the studio heading up development of the title, 1UP reportedly clarifies that 2K Marin's "Canberra, Australia arm" (read: 2K Australia) will be in charge of the project. For those of you playing along at home, 2K Australia was the Australian counterpart to BioShock developer Irrational Games before it split to work with 2K Marin on BioShock 2, while Kenny L and company got to work on a separate (still unannounced) project.

That said, this news frees up 2K Marin's core team for other projects. And if we were betting men, we'd put our money on the California arm of the company working on a third entry in the BioShock series. When reached for comment, a 2K Games rep told us we'll hear more specifics about XCOM and 2K Marin "over the next couple of months."

XCOM being developed by 2K Australia [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM re-imagined by 2K Marin for Xbox 360 and PC

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:19:00 EST

Click to XPAND

In a surprise late night announcement, 2K Games has revealed that 2K Marin (responsible for BioShock 2) is working on a re-imagined version of XCOM. Like the first BioShock game, this "strategic" and "suspense-filled" first-person shooter will debut exclusively on Xbox 360 and PC.

Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K, addressed the switch to a first-person perspective in a press release: "Players will explore the world of XCOM from an immersive new perspective and experience firsthand the fear and tension of this gripping narrative ride."

According to the release, players will assume the role of an FBI agent "tasked with identifying and eliminating the growing threat" from an "unknown enemy." If the story stays true to the original franchise, expect aliens, global conflict, and lots and lots of dead, incinerated humans.

XCOM re-imagined by 2K Marin for Xbox 360 and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameTap Thursday: Painkiller Overdose, XIII Century Death or Glory

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:00:00 EST

Oh, blargh. Writing this post last week was so much easier when it was about Syberia II. This week, GameTap gold subscribers gain access to a neo-DOOM game and an RTS that might be a good -- wait, no, we take that last bit back.

Painkiller: Overdose (Windows) - The pseudo-sequel to the old school-embracing shooter where you continue to kill everything.
XIII Century Death or Glory (Windows) - Um, really, we have no idea. It's apparently a "historically accurate" RTS set in Europe. No word if it's so accurate it has giant enemy crabs.

X-Com UFO Defense will be available gratis for one week only. A full list of the service's recently downsized free-to-play offerings can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Painkiller Overdose, XIII Century Death or Glory

GameTap Thursday: Painkiller Overdose, XIII Century Death or Glory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-Com: Screenshots from the Deep

Eric Caoili — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Homebrew, Screens

We would trade our souls for a DS version of X-Com: UFO Defense, had we not already sold the bedraggled things to Milhouse at a discount price of five dollars of course, but it looks like Blue_knight's homebrew port of the tactical RPG is coming along well enough. Three cheers for hobbyist programmers!

He has added a lot since we last covered the project -- tile selection, a tweaked UI, and an "entity rendering system." Though we're not sure what exactly that all means, the screenshots we grabbed and added past the post break look promising.

Now if you'll excuse us, we have some souls to track down. Last we heard, Milhouse exchanged them for Alf pogs. Alf pogs! Remember Alf? He's back ... in pog form.

Gallery: X-Com DS

Continue reading X-Com: Screenshots from the Deep

X-Com: Screenshots from the Deep originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Godspeed, X-Com DS

Eric Caoili — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Homebrew, Screens

We usually wait until a homebrew project has had time to mature past its alpha builds before calling the game to your attention, but we take exception with any and all plans for a portable X-Com: UFO Defense. Our love affair with the turn-based, tactical title has been a romance with few equals, inviting comparisons with Shakespeare's tragic coupling of Romeo and Juliet. Should society ever try to separate us, you'll find that we've already taken measures to leave this miserable world, our lifeless arms entwined with X-Com's diskettes even in death.

Blue_knight has posted screenshots of the progress he's made so far with adapting the game's data for the DS. The handheld clone already features tileset loading/creation, four height views, and touchscreen support for scrolling around the battlescape. Though there's still a lot left to implement, like fog of war and a map overview on the second screen, that hasn't stopped us from scouting countries for potential bases and trading tips on how to best attack Chryssalid terror sites.

Gallery: X-Com DS

[Via DCEmu]

Godspeed, X-Com DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five

Eric Caoili — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Homebrew, GBA, Features, Meta

All this week, the DS Fanboy staff is letting you in on a few of their favorite titles. Each day, a different member of the staff will present their personal top five DS games along with a snapshot of their gaming paraphernalia and habits, in an effort to provide our readers with a little more information on the tastes and personalities of our writers.

When my afternoons aren't busied by hours of photoshopping cat heads onto pictures of my friends, I pass the time with puzzlers and plumbers on my DS Lite. But those kitten-free days are few and far between, so I end up being able to only fit either the most polished or the most eccentric games into my packed schedule. Wario: Master of Disguise? Sorry, I've got things to do and feline faces to retouch. Lost in Blue 2? I'll have to pass -- I'm already lost in trying to get these whiskers to look perfect.

My collection is a mishmash of AAA titles and niche releases, their cases piled atop one another like a Jenga stack of mismatched blocks, threatening to topple over at any moment. Just pulling a game from the middle of the shaky structure is an act preceded by hours of anxiety and self-doubt. Having my wife provide commentary during the ordeal, remarking "Oh god, it's going to crash this time for sure, I just know it. Why'd you even try, Eric?! Game over, man! Game over!" as I tug out my copy of Advance Wars DS doesn't make the challenge any easier.

So when I do manage to put aside the pussycat photos and secure a game to play, it better damn well be worth it. Journey forth and read which of those titles have captured a place not only on my top five list, but in my heart.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five

DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irrational developing X-Com sequel?

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

If you played PC games during the 90s, chances are you've played X-Com. A memorable turn based strategy title, X-COM put players in control of an elite agency tasked with defending the planet from alien invaders. Players researched alien technology and built their arsenals to combat different types of enemies. All in all, X-COM earned a fond place in many gamers' memories. Potentially good news then, as Irrational Games, makers of the upcoming BioShock, may be working on a sequel. A client document from Irrational's law firm, Fierst, Pucci, & Kane LLP was discovered by Shacknews. The document in question lists X-Com among Irrational's games. Adding fuel to this fire is the fact that Irrational's Ken Levine himself has professed his love for the X-Com series and Take-Two (owner of Irrational) purchased the rights to the series in 2005.

Should the rumor prove true, we can only hope that the imminent success of BioShock will convince Irrational Games to bring the game to the Xbox 360.

[Via 1UP]

Irrational developing X-Com sequel? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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