Firaxis shared some brand new XCOM 2 screenshots that showcase the improvements in graphics quality and variety we can expect in the game.
XCOM 2 was originally scheduled for a November 2015 release, but Firaxis delayed it to February 5, 2016 in order to make it "the best possible game". Given the insanely packed Holiday release schedule and the additional polish that the game is going to get, they might have made the best choice indeed.
For a turn-based tactics game with an isometric view, these XCOM 2 screenshots are definitely looking good, especially the ones featuring wilderness. Firaxis is still using Unreal Engine 3 (albeit heavily modified), but they've introduced new popular techniques such as Physically Based Rendering. Though the developer is not opposed to releasing the game on consoles eventually, XCOM 2 will be a PC exclusive with a strong focus on modding: Firaxis will release both the UDK and the editor they use to create content, allowing creative gamers to make amazing maps & mods and publish them on Steam Workshop.
Another major XCOM 2 feature is procedurally generated levels. This will further increase the game's longevity, especially since secondary objectives will also be procedurally generated.
XCOM 2 also enables Commanders with the ability to strike first most of the time. Thanks to the new concealment system, clever Commanders will be able to set up ambushes for the aliens, which fits with the overall guerrilla tactics vibe of the game; after all, the premise is that the aliens have conquered the Earth and you're now leading a resistance movement from your mobile base, the Avenger.
Stay tuned for our ongoing XCOM 2 coverage as the launch gets closer.
About the author: With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief. In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech's gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews. Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications. His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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