As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Firaxis’ XCOM 2 remains a benchmark for the turn-based tactics genre, and Aliens: Dark Descent could potentially breathe new life into it. The blend of real-time strategy and tactical RPG in Dark Descent is reminiscent of what XCOM needs to evolve – a touch of the old with a dash of the new.
10 years on since its debut, I’d still argue that Firaxis’ XCOM 2 is the epitome of excellence in the turn-based tactics genre – and rightfully so. Expanding upon the rejuvenation of the iconic XCOM series with the 2013’s Enemy Within, XCOM 2 represents a giant stride forward in terms of tactical choices, map diversity, campaign depth, and challenge. The expansions, War of the Chosen and Chimera Squad, are equally remarkable feats, but even the most recent one is nearing its 5th anniversary. With series producer Jake Solomon venturing into his own studio now, the future of the XCOM franchise might find inspiration in a new alien threat – the Xenomorph – for potential directions to explore.
In the previous year, the game titled “Aliens: Dark Descent” emerged unexpectedly among the expanding collection of games based on the Alien franchise. It distinguished itself from both the nerve-wracking survival horror experience offered by “Alien: Isolation” and the team-based shooting gameplay in “Aliens: Fireteam Elite“. Instead, it combined elements of turn-based strategy games and real-time strategy, skillfully recreating the ambiance and tension found in James Cameron’s 1986 film sequel, Aliens. The blend of RTS and turn-based mechanics was one of “Aliens: Dark Descent“‘s most compelling aspects, and it could pave the way for a fresh take on the XCOM series, pushing the franchise in an exciting new direction.
Aliens: Dark Descent’s Gameplay Could Be a Natural Fit for the XCOM Franchise
As a devoted fan who’s delved into the gripping universe of Aliens: Dark Descent, I can wholeheartedly vouch for its unique amalgamation of two captivating strategic gameplay styles. It skillfully weaves together the swift, real-time maneuvers and automatic assaults typical of a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) with the measured pacing and tactical precision expected in a Turn-Based Tactical Role-Playing Game (RPG).
In essence, the structure of stages with enemy encounters, base management, and squad control found in modern Firaxis XCOM games is similar, but the way battles unfold differs significantly from Aliens: Dark Descent and XCOM. Many contemporary turn-based strategy games are shifting away from grid movement systems, and the next installment of XCOM might innovate even more by integrating real-time components. Aliens: Dark Descent serves as a valuable reference for the upcoming XCOM due to its ability to blend both real-time and tactical playstyles effectively.
Tindalos Interactive Could Join Forces With Firaxis to Help Shepherd the XCOM Franchise
As a die-hard XCOM fan, I can’t help but ponder about the future of this epic series, especially with the departure of Jake Solomon from Firaxis. The XCOM license has been a gold mine for Firaxis, with games like Enemy Within and XCOM 2 still selling strong even years after their initial release. It seems almost inevitable that they’ll keep hold of the IP. But with no obvious successor to guide the team, maybe it’s time for Firaxis to consider collaborating with Tindalos Interactive in some way.
Despite Tindalos not being involved in the creation of the upcoming primary XCOM title, their expertise in the real-time strategy (RTS) genre could prove incredibly beneficial for a new RTS-centric XCOM game that harkens back to the franchise’s original entries. The current landscape of turn-based tactics games, both indie and AAA, has been consistently pushing boundaries and innovating, so it would be wise for the next XCOM not to settle for being just a continuation of XCOM 2, even though that might seem appealing.
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2024-11-29 14:35