Xenonauts 2
Release Date: July 18, 2023 Early Access
Strategy, science fiction, turn-based, tactics, crowdfunding, indie games, singleplayer
Steam
A sequel to the turn-based science-fiction strategy game from Goldhawk Interactive, developed as a spiritual successor to the classic tactical game, UFO: Enemy Unknown. The story of Xenonauts 2 is not a direct continuation but an alternative retelling of the events from the previous game, telling of an alien invasion on Earth during the Cold War period.
Videos and Screens
[1:48] Xenonauts 2 launch trailer
[0:55] Xenonauts 2 trailer #1
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgic Value: Many players appreciate the game's homage to classic X-COM titles, particularly praising its adherence to the original's mechanics and feel.
- Tactical Depth: The game offers engaging tactical gameplay, with a variety of strategies and thoughtful mechanics that keep players invested.
- Modern Enhancements: Players note improvements in graphics, game engine, and overall gameplay experience compared to its predecessor, Xenonauts 1.
- Replayability: The game is described as having high replay value, with each update providing new content and experiences.
- Challenging Gameplay: The game is recognized for its difficulty, appealing to hardcore strategy enthusiasts who enjoy a tough challenge.
- Destructible Environments: Players enjoy the destructible environments which enhance tactical options during gameplay.
- Varied Biomes and Customization: There are multiple biomes to explore and options to upgrade bases, soldiers, and vehicles.
The main cons of the game
- Early Access Limitations: Many reviews mention that the game is still in early access, with some content missing, particularly endgame content.
- Balance Issues: Some players feel that the game can be unbalanced, particularly in terms of enemy strength and player resources, making it frustrating at times.
- Automated Reaction Fire: Players express dissatisfaction with the automatic reaction fire system, suggesting it leads to unpredictable outcomes and frustration.
- Inconsistent Hit Mechanics: There are complaints about the hit probability system, where high percentages do not always translate to successful hits, leading to confusion and frustration.
- Limited Alien Variety: Some players desire more creativity and diversity in alien designs and behaviors.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Endgame Content: Players are waiting for the completion of the game, specifically for more content that would provide a satisfying endgame experience.
- Faster Load Times: Requests for optimization to improve loading times have been noted.
- Campaign Customization: Users are looking for more options to customize their campaign experience, such as a Long War type of experience.
- Base Planning Tools: Suggestions include implementing better tools for base planning and strategy recommendations to assist players in making informed decisions.
- More Unique Alien Designs: Players wish for a wider variety of alien types with distinct abilities and characteristics to enhance gameplay diversity.
Summary
- Overall, while Xenonauts 2 is praised for its nostalgic and engaging gameplay, players are eager for further improvements and content as it continues through early access.
Summary generated on:
Xenonauts 2 Description
Xenonauts 2 for PC is a turn-based strategy game by Goldhawk Interactive. It is a sequel to the 2014’s Xenonauts. Both production were developed as spiritual successors of UFO: Enemy Unknown.
Story
As far as the plot is concerned, Xenonauts 2 is not a continuation of its predecessor and presents an alternative version of the Xenonauts’ story, where aliens invaded Earth during the Cold War period. The result is the fact that we do not start out with alien technology available but have to start the war from scratch.
Gameplay
In Xenonauts 2 for PC, the basic gameplay foundations remained the same as in the original Xenonauts. Therefore, it is still a turn-based strategy game which is divided into the base management part—which involves recruiting soldiers, conducting scientific research, and control the budget- and combat missions that require us to assume direct command over a few troops. At the same time, a lot of changes and enhancements were introduced. The most noticeable one is undoubtedly the replacement of 2D graphics with full 3D. As a result, the game is not only prettier but also more interesting thanks to the possibility of free camera manipulation and the introduction of a realistic physics system that governs the environment behavior and projectile trajectories.
Significant improvements were made in the land battle combat system. We can now destroy alien vessels and make use of new strategic possibilities related to terrain shape. The player’s tactical arsenal was also expanded with a myriad of new elements such as troops possessing parapsychic abilities. Air combat was subject to even greater changes since it was switched to turn-based mode and now allows to use a large number of units.
The strategy mode also offers some novelties. This time around, we have a lot more freedom in conducting researches and selecting the development path of our group. Aliens also received enhancements; the faction now has more effective artificial intelligence modules and its ranks are more varied.
Last updated on February 25, 2016
Xenonauts 2 Summary
Game Series: Xenonauts
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Goldhawk Interactive
Publisher: Hooded Horse
Age restrictions: 12+
Xenonauts 2 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-4300M 3.5 GHz / AMD Athlon II X2 550 3.06 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GT 630 / Radeon HD 6670 or better, 5 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-750 2.66 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 965 3.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 650 / Radeon HD 7770 or better, 5 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Xenonauts 2 Guide - Tips for Beginners
In this Xenonauts 2 Guide we will present you with some useful tips. If you want to learn more about the game, read our text.
How to
Damian Gacek
July 18, 2023
Xenonauts 2 Launches - Strategy for Gamers Hungry for New XCOM
Xenonauts 2 launched today as part of early access. This strategic adventure is available at all three major digital game distribution stores.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
July 18, 2023
Xenonauts 2 - Console (Xbox, PS5, PS4, Switch) Release
In this guide, you will learn about the potential release of Xenonauts 2 on consoles. Read more about PS4, PS5, Xbox and Switch ports.
How to
Dawid Lubczynski
July 18, 2023
Xenonauts 2 vs 1 - Differences Explained
Xenonauts 2 enters Early Access program. Despite the fact that this is a sequel, it is not easy to see differences at a first glance. Here you will find the most important changes covered.
How to
Aleksander Kartasinski
July 18, 2023
Xenonauts 2 - Multiplayer and Coop Explained
In this guide we will talk about multiplayer and coop mode for Xenonauts 2. If you wish to learn more about it, read our article.
How to
Dawid Lubczynski
July 11, 2023
Fans of Original XCOM Finally Got a Release Date for Xenonauts 2
The developers of Xenonauts 2 ended up with a very long „soon,” but their creation (inspired by the first XCOM) is finally heading for early access.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
June 20, 2023
This Strategy Doesn't Look Great, But It's Hella Fun!
XCOM 3 still hasn't even been announced, but at least Xenonauts return to face the space invaders in tactical combat again. And boy, it's so much fun!
Opinions
Martin Deppe
April 27, 2023
Xenonauts 2 soon in early access – check out hardware requirements
The Steam now features the card for Xenonauts 2, a turn-based strategy from Goldhawk Interactive studio, which is the spiritual successor to the well-known X-COM series. Information suggests that the title will require DirectX12 graphics libraries.
video games
Bart Swiatek
January 23, 2019
XCOM-inspired tactical strategy Xenonauts 2 gets a public demo
Xenonauts team is deep in works on the sequel and are now ready to share some early results of their efforts. Find out how to download a demo of Xenonaut 2 and play a skirmish.
video games
February 3, 2017
Xenonauts 2 announced; the sequel to XCOM-inspired strategy planned for 2017
Xenonauts 2 is officially at works, confirmed Goldhawk Interactive. The second installment, planned for 2017, will feature deep Cold-War setting and 3D graphics powered by Unity3D.
video games
February 4, 2016