XCom is a franchise that, until two years ago, many assumed was dead and gone.  In 2010, however, longtime fans rejoiced at headlines that revealed a new title was in the works.  In most cases, though, this excitement only lasted as long as it took to read the article under those headlines, which revealed that this latest entry would actually be a first person shooter instead of an overhead strategy game.  Internet outrage soon followed.

If this sounds like you, then you’ll likely be overjoyed to learn that this headline is legitimate.  The latest Game Informer magazine revealed that Firaxis Games is developing XCom: Enemy Unknown, and this will indeed be the strategy game that those who loved the original were looking for.

Firaxis president Steve Martin went on to describe his focus on maintaining the elements that made the classic XCom games, well, classic, while creating a new story and more modern gameplay experience.

While the majority of the finer details are still a mystery, it has been confirmed that the game will feature a combination of turn-based and real-time strategy, which sounds quite a bit like the original PC release.

UPDATE: For more information, see the attached press release to the right.

2K Games Announces Action Strategy Game XCOM: Enemy Unknown in Development at Firaxis Games

Regarded as one of the finest games ever made, the original X-COM is reimagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games

New York, NY – January 5, 2012–2K Games announced today that Firaxis Games, the creative team behind the iconic Sid Meier’s Civilization® franchise, is developing XCOM: Enemy Unknown, an action strategy title that is planned for release in fall 2012. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be instantly recognizable to fans of the original X-COM, while breaking new ground in strategy games for today’s console and Windows PC gamers. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place players in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, players will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics.

“We’re looking forward to building upon the core gameplay experiences that fans of the original X-COM love, while introducing the franchise to a new generation,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “With Firaxis’ XCOM: Enemy Unknown and 2K Marin’s upcoming XCOM, 2K Games will be offering two different gameplay experiences drawing from the classic X-COM universe. Each game offers a unique XCOM experience in different genres, as envisioned by two different studios with unique creative visions.”

Released in 1993, the original X-COM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. Players will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle.

“It’s been a dream of ours to recreate X-COM with our unique creative vision. We’re huge fans of the original game and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision a game that is as beloved as X-COM,” said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. “We were careful to keep XCOM: Enemy Unknown true to the elements that made X-COM such a revered game while delivering an entirely new story and gameplay experience for both die-hard X-COM fans and newcomers to the franchise.”

To learn more about XCOM: Enemy Unknown, gamers can pick up the latest issue of Game Informer Magazine, which currently has the worldwide exclusive cover story on the title. The story is rich with game details, including gameplay impressions, a first look at four of the alien enemy types, insight into combat strategies and tactics, the new base setup and more.

Players who wish to experience the original X-COM titles can do so by purchasing them on Steam. Please visit www.steampowered.com.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available in fall 2012 for Games for Windows, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoftand PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, please visit www.xcom.com.