Now that I’ve got this new monster PC, I’m looking to cover some PC games.  You might have noticed my review for Dustforce the other day, and today I give you a little walkthrough video from Firaxis, the awesome developer behind the Civilization series.  These guys know their real-time strategy games, and XCOM, which is actually a reboot of one of the most popular PC games in history, looks excellent.  Just so you know it’ll also be heading to consoles and this video shows the console-interface.  The PC interface features a grid over the environment and feels much more like a classic RTS would on PC.  Here’s a look at the game in action.

What I love most about this game is that it has a certain Fire Emblem feel to it for when characters on your squad are killed, their dead for good.  You can actually lose in this game if you’re not careful.  Imagine getting all the way to the later portions of the game and have nothing but technology and rookies to back you up?  You won’t last very long.  As such you’re going to want to keep those commandos alive and well.  This changes the dynamic of the gameplay significantly as you’re not just going to race in as you would in typical real-time strategy games.  Here, you’re going to take things really slow and try your hardest to keep everyone alive.

You can pre-order the game on Steam right now for $49.99, or buy the special edition in physical format which includes an art book, a fold-out poster, an insignia patch, and a few digital  goodies like the game’s soundtrack and desktop wallpapers.  You get all that for $59.99.  The one thing that makes the Steam version so interesting is that there are three reward tiers for pre-ordering the game.  As more and more people pre-order, the rewards change.  Here are the reward tiers for those interested.

Reward 1

Elite Soldier Pack*

The Elite Soldier Pack will provide the ultimate tools for soldier customization in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, including:

  • Classic XCOM Soldier 
    Players will instantly receive a new recruit in their barracks inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defense. The iconic soldier with the blonde, flattop hairstyle will return fully modernized.
  • Soldier Deco packs
    Players can customize their soldier with several aesthetic upgrades to armor suits, including the new Hyperion and Reaper soldier armor kits.
  • Complete color customization
    A variety of colors and tints for all armor sets in the game allow players complete control to customize their squad’s look.

Reward 2

Everything Above, Plus:

3 Exclusive XCOM TF2 Item’s*

  • The Crafty Hair
    If you’re ever planning on fighting aliens, this is the hair to have.
  • Area 451
    If aliens ever invaded Badlands and used their special alien powers to make all of our heads look like alien heads, this is a scientifically accurate representation of what Pyro would look like.
  • The Vigilant Pin
    This pin proudly states to all that you are at least vaguely aware of the possibility that maybe aliens exist.

Reward 3

Everything Above, Plus:

A Free copy of Civilization V!* Already own Civilization V? Gift a copy to your friend.

So there you have it.  Currently the first tier is at 61% full, meaning odds are at least the tier two gift will be awarded to all those who pre-order, which is pretty awesome.  What a great incentive to get more people involved.  The game hit on October 9th.  Before leaving you all, here’s a look at the PC version of the game.

Now here’s a look at the console version.

The game looks outstanding regardless of which version you pick up.

So any takers?