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XCOM: Enemy Unknown to feature turn-based multiplayer death match mode

by: Nathaniel -
More On: XCOM: Enemy Unknown
For the first time, the XCOM franchise will feature multiplayer.  Now before someone flies off the handle because XCOM: Enemy Unknown is getting even more dumbed down, you should know that the one multiplayer mode is turn-based deathmatch featuring squads made up of either humans or aliens - or humans AND aliens.

Basically, the multiplayer will be just like the single-player campaign but both sides are controlled by actual humans, but it will have no connection to the single-player story.

In other XCOM: Enemy Unknown news, if you pre-order XCOM: Enemy Unknown, you'll receive access to the Elite Soldier Pack that features extra "top-of-the-line" soldier customization features.

Select retailers will also carry a special edition of XCOM: Enemy Unknown exclusively for the PC that will contain a copy of the game and an art book, fold-out poster of XCOM Headquarters, XCOM insignia, desktop wallpaper, and the game's soundtrack, among other things.  You can pre-order XCOM: Enemy Unknown at www.xcom.com/enemyunknown/preorder.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown comes out for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows PC on October 9th in North America and October 12th internationally.  For full details, follow the jump.

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Command an Unlikely Alliance of Aliens and Soldiers Against Another Player in XCOM®: Enemy Unknown Multiplayer Deathmatch Mode

Intense head-to-head, turn-based deathmatch multiplayer lets players command squad of soldiers, aliens, or both

New York, NY – August 10, 2012 – 2K Games announced today that XCOM®: Enemy Unknown, the highly anticipated action-strategy game from Firaxis Games, will include a unique multiplayer game mode featuring a one-on-one deathmatch against another player for the first time in an XCOM game. Players will be able to pick a squad of soldiers, aliens or even combine a squad of both unit types to create the ultimate mixed squad to command in battle.

“Throughout the history of the XCOM series, players have acted as the world’s last hope against the alien invasion,” said Jake Solomon, lead designer of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. “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.”

Multiplayer in XCOM: Enemy Unknown draws on the gameplay, tactics and strategy of the single-player experience without making any direct ties to the narrative, offering a standalone opportunity for gamers to enjoy the XCOM universe. Players can mix and match both alien and soldier units to comprise their squad, outfitting soldiers with dozens of armor types, weapons, items and class-based abilities for thousands of possible loadout combinations. These dream squads of up to six units are built using a point cap that can be scaled for players to fight in small skirmishes all the way up to epic battles. Matches can be modified by point limit or time limit per turn. Just like the single-player experience, the fog of war will conceal your enemy’s units until you encounter them on the battlefield, creating the tense anticipation that is the hallmark of the XCOM series.

Gamers can get in on the action early by pre-ordering XCOM: Enemy Unknown from participating retailers to guarantee access to the Elite Soldier Pack, a launch bonus offering top-of-the-line soldier customization features. This limited-time bonus gives players the ultimate tool for soldier customization, including Soldier Deco packs, complete color customization and a classic XCOM soldier, flat top included. There will also be a special edition of XCOM: Enemy Unknown available exclusively for PC at retail locations that contains a copy of the game for PC and a number of unique XCOM items, including an art book; fold-out poster of the XCOM headquarters; XCOM insignia patch; and a collection of digital bonus assets such as desktop wallpaper, soundtrack and more. To pre-order now, visit http://www.xcom.com/enemyunknown/preorder.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available for Windows PC, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system in North America on October 9, 2012 and internationally on October 12, 2012. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information, please visit www.xcom.com. For the latest news and information on XCOM: Enemy Unknown, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/XCOM.

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

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