XCOM Chimera Squad is the latest in the RTS franchise, a standalone game announced today and heading to Windows PC via Steam before Microsoft’s upcoming Gears Tactics, a game we described as “Gears of XCOM“.
Described by 2K Australia PR as “neither a sequel nor expansion,” Chimera Squad is set five years after the events of XCOM 2.
“Humans, hybrids and aliens are now working together to forge a civilization of cooperation and co-existence. However, not all of Earth’s inhabitants support the interspecies alliance,” 2K said in a press release, setting the scene. “City 31, a model of peace in a post-invasion world, is opposed by mysterious groups whose agendas threaten to shatter this delicate interspecies alliance. Chimera Squad, an elite force of human, hybrid and alien agents, must work together to destroy the underground threats driving the city toward chaos.”
Chimera Squad boasts 11 unique agents, each with “their own distinct personality and tactical abilities, including species-specific attacks like the Viper’s tongue pull.”
“We’re inspired by our passionate community and excited by the opportunity to create a dynamic, innovative, and unique XCOM experience for both fans of our games and new players in XCOM: Chimera Squad,” said Steve Martin, President at Firaxis Games.
“With XCOM: Chimera Squad, we felt there were exciting gameplay opportunities yet to be discovered within the XCOM universe,” added Mark Nauta, Lead Designer at Firaxis Games. “Gameplay like Breach Mode, interleaved turn order, and the introduction of agents as fully fleshed-out characters will revolutionize how the game plays while still retaining the combat experience that makes the XCOM series so loved by gaming communities around the world.”
XCOM Chimera Squad will be available from 24 April, on sale for $14.98 AUD/$15.98 NZD/$9.99 USD until 3.00 am AEST on 2 May (10am PDT on 1 May). The surprise announcement of the game means it will be available a full four days ahead of Gears Tactics.
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