Humans and aliens are working together in the new XCOM: Chimera Squad game, but you know not everyone is happy about that. Publisher 2K Games announced today that developer Firaxis is launching the new standalone XCOM for PC. Chimera Squad picks up five years after the events of XCOM 2. And you can start playing April 24 for just $10.

Sep 07, 2017  XCOM is a notoriously punishing series of strategy games, from the 90s originals up through Firaxis’ fantastic reboot, and XCOM 2 is no different. In many ways it’s significantly harder than.

In XCOM: Chimera Squad, players command an elite squad of humans and aliens. Farmscapesfreegame. Your mission is to take out an underground threat to City 31, which is a beacon of peace and harmony. But some people always seem to have a problem with peace and harmony, and it’s your job to take them out.

“We’re inspired by our passionate community and excited by the opportunity to create a dynamic, innovative, and unique XCOM experience for both fans of our games and new players in XCOM: Chimera Squad,” Firaxis president Steve Martin said.

To ensure that as many players as possible can get into XCOM, Firaxis is positioning Chimera Squad as a standalone release. This is despite its $10 introductory pricing, which suggests it is more of an expansion to XCOM 2.

“We know fans have been eager to dive back into the world of XCOM,” 2K marketing boss Melissa Bell said. “XCOM: Chimera Squad offers tremendous value and we’re intentionally lowering the barriers of entry for new fans to the franchise with a game XCOM veterans will really enjoy.”

XCOM: Chimera Squad

The most notable new feature in Chimera Squad is its focus on characters. The titular team has 11 distinct agents that have set personalities and abilities. This is significantly different to the procedurally generated soldiers in previous XCOM games.

The idea is to combine the special skills of each unit into synergistic attacks. And you’ll need to rely on these tag teams to survive, because Chimera Squad also uses interleaved turns. This means turn order isn’t based on one squad and then the next. Instead, the order alternates based on an automated initiative roll.

Above: Squad up.

Another big change is Breach Mode, which is a new round that starts before the combat. In this phase, players use different character abilities to strategically enter a battle.

“With XCOM: Chimera Squad, we felt there were exciting gameplay opportunities yet to be discovered within the XCOM universe,” lead designer Mark Nauta said. “Gameplay like Breach Mode, interleaved turn order, and the introduction of agents as fully fleshed-out characters will revolutionize how the game plays while still retaining the combat experience that makes the XCOM series so loved by gaming communities around the world.”

But if this all sounds strange, you don’t have long to wait. The game is coming out in under two weeks. So you can see for yourself.

Ignite a global resistance and reclaim Earth from alien occupation in XCOM 2 on Nintendo Switch™

The XCOM® 2 Collection includes the award-winning strategy game XCOM 2, four DLC packs (Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, Shen’s Last Gift) and the War of the Chosen expansion all in one package. Activate any of the additional content (DLCs and the Expansion) or just play the base game.

XCOM® 2:

Aliens rule Earth, promising a brilliant future for mankind while secretly hiding a sinister agenda. As the leader of a guerrilla force facing impossible odds, you must ignite a global resistance to eliminate the alien threat and save the hum race from extinction.

XCOM® 2: War of the Chosen:

This expansion adds extensive new content in the fight against ADVENT including new Hero classes, powerful new enemies, as well as new missions, environments and increased depth in strategic gameplay.

FOUR DLC PACKS:

• Resistance Warrior Pack: Customize your squad of resistance fighters with a set of bonus outfits and head gear, as well as custom armor and face camo.
• Anarchy’s Children: This rebellion-themed content pack introduces more than 100 new exotic customizations for the entire arsenal of armors available to your XCOM soldiers. These options are purely cosmetic and do not alter the stats of a soldier.
  
• Alien Hunters: Transform the soldiers of XCOM into an elite alien hunting squad with impressive new weapons and armor to face off against new alien Rulers that will pursue your squad across an entire campaign. Additional cosmetic upgrades to soldiers and the Avenger are included, as well as a new epic mission where Central Officer Bradford leads a squad with the guidance of an old friend.
  
• Shen’s Last Gift: Investigate ADVENT’s “Lost Towers” facility where Chief Engineer Lily Shen accompanies your squad in search of her late father’s secretive final project. Discover a unique new soldier class complete with powerful new combat abilities, strategy mechanics, and customization options.
  

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