Firaxis and 2K games have just uploaded the XCOM 2 gameplay demo that was shown off at E3 last week. The ten minute video starts with a commentary by producer Jake Solomon, who gives us the background to the game and the particular mission you see played out. XCOM 2 remains a turn-based strategic combat title. However in this episode, set 20 years after the original game, the earth is ruled by aliens with what is left of XCOM operating as a resistance movement.
In the video it is the 20th anniversary of the Alien's victory and forming of the Advent coalition (nothing to do with PC World). This is a sabotage mission aiming to spoil Advent celebrations and demolish a new monument put in place by the earth's alien overlords.
As the mission starts you direct your squad to keep cover and get into position to 'deliver a package' while the celebratory crowd has security forces distracted. As your troops are strategically placed for the best attack you open fire and, thanks to the cover and surprise, this seems to be rather successful. In short order the Advent and alien forces retaliate and a potent alien warrior takes out a couple of your squad. Next we see one of your remaining soldiers despatch the lizard alien with a scimitar in a close quarters attack.
With Advent dropping off combat reinforcements you manage to hack the gun turret of an armoured car to help give your troops cover support as your explosives expert primes a bomb (deliver the 'package') on the alien monument. As the detonation timer ticks away another potent trio of alien reinforcements arrive and you rush to evacuate, mission complete, before they rip you apart.
The game looks quite exciting with cool cut scenes of the action in hand, but it might be difficult to stomach losing so many of your squad in every mission. On the other hand, if this is an introductory mission from the game, you won't be losing levelled-up characters.
XCOM 2 is due to arrive on PCs in November.
