XCOM: Enemy Unknown

One of the rules of the current gaming generation states that big game releases must have multiplayer—no ifs, ands, or buts. With that in mind, Firaxis Games today lifted the lid on the multiplayer options for their upcoming XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Yes, Firaxis is bringing multiplayer to the XCOM series—something it has never had before. Players will be able to go one-on-one against another XCOM owner in a mode that “draws on the gameplay, tactics and strategy of the single-player experience without making any direct ties to the narrative.” Really, in a game like XCOM: Enemy Unknown, that’s probably the best solution: Offer multiplayer, but keep it totally separate from the single-player.

Players will be able to build their own custom squads using units picked from both the soldier and alien armies, and then outfit those units with a wide variety of armor types, weapons, items, and class-based abilities. You’ll be able have up to six units total on your squad, and modifiable options will allow you to change the scope of the battle, determine the point limit and time per term for matches, and more.

“Throughout the history of the XCOM series, players have acted as the world’s last hope against the alien invasion,” said XCOM: Enemy Unknown lead designer Jake Solomon. “With the multiplayer mode in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, gamers can finally find out what it’s like to command alien units and unleash extraterrestrial destruction on Planet Earth or defend it with a squad of XCOM soldiers and alien allies.”

For those who pre-order XCOM: Enemy Unknown from key retailers, you’ll receive the Elite Soldier Pack—an extra offering giving you “top-of-the-line soldier customization features”. XCOM: Enemy Unkown hits for the PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC on October 9th in North America (and October 12th internationally).