Firaxis' 'XCOM 2' Release Date is February 5th, and Here's Why You'll Like the Game

For those of us familiar with Firaxis' XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 isn't going to just be more of the same thing. Resource management, troop deployment, missions and more are more critical, and with a release date of February 5th, should you make the decision to buy or to wait?

While there are many new things featured in XCOM 2, plenty of the good things remain. The base is built and upgraded similarly to that of Enemy Unknown, and combat has retained some of the best parts as well. Troops have significantly more customization options in XCOM 2, and the classes have interesting paths that diverge more than in the previous game.

One key thing that changed is the way resources are gathered. Instead of just tossing up satellites and receiving x-amount of money per time frame, players first have to make contact with the rebels in the area, and even spend time to gather the resources collected, as they are hidden from the aliens.

The variety of enemies has improved as well. Remember Sectoids, the little bulb-headed short dudes with minor psychic powers? As PC Gamer put it, "The lowly Sectoids of Enemy Unknown are all grown up, and can mind-control your troops and resurrect corpses." Plus, the Advent have much nastier snakes, brutes, mechs and more all trying to kill your soldiers.

Stealth is a brand new feature to the game that is vital for your squad. Setting up ambushes is now a much more viable tactic, and your squad will start the battle in stalth, remaining in that state until spotted by the enemy.

Upprox describes the game with "In XCOM 2, the world's situation is even more dire, as the alien force you were fighting in the first game has taken over, and it's up to you to defend the last remnants of humanity. New classes, enemies, and types of objectives should make this the most varied and challenging XCOM games yet."

This looks to be an excellent addition to the Firaxis strategy game franchise.

So should you get XCOM 2 when it comes out? No. Pre-order it so you can get a bonus. Steam lists it as "Customize your squad of resistance fighters with bonus outfits, headgear, and custom facial war paint. Instantly unlock a survivor of the old war as a recruit in your barracks."