Is XCOM 2 a direct sequel to XCOM 1?

Is XCOM 2 a Direct Sequel to XCOM 1?

The release of XCOM 2, the sequel to the 2012 Game of the Year award-winning XCOM: Enemy Unknown, raised questions about the storyline and continuity between the two games. In this article, we will explore whether XCOM 2 is a direct sequel to XCOM 1 and what the differences are between the two games.

The Original Storyline

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game set in a world where Earth is invaded by aliens. The player takes on the role of the commander of the XCOM organization, tasked with defending the Earth against the alien threat. The game’s story revolves around the XCOM organization’s efforts to push back against the alien invasion, using a combination of stealth, strategy, and direct combat.

The Disconnect

However, the original game’s story ends abruptly, with the XCOM organization being defeated by the aliens. This leaves a cliffhanger, raising questions about what happens to the XCOM organization and its members. XCOM 2 picks up from this point, with a new storyline that diverges from the original game.

A New Timeline?

In an interview, the game’s developer, Firaxis Games, clarified that XCOM 2 is not set in an alternate timeline, but rather continues the story of XCOM 1. This means that the events of XCOM 2 take place after the defeat of XCOM in the original game. However, this does not necessarily mean that the game is a direct sequel, as the storyline has diverged significantly from the original game.

The New Storyline

XCOM 2 is set 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. In this new timeline, humanity has been defeated and forced to live in hiding from the alien threat. The player takes on the role of the leader of the resistance, tasked with gathering a team of soldiers and resources to fight back against the aliens. The game’s story revolves around the resistance’s efforts to topple the alien occupation and restore humanity’s freedom.

Key Differences

Several key differences between XCOM 1 and XCOM 2 are worth noting:

• Story: As mentioned earlier, the storyline of XCOM 2 diverges from the original game, with the events of XCOM 1 serving as a catalyst for the new story.
• Setting: The game takes place in a world where humanity has been defeated and forced to live in hiding, whereas the original game took place in a world where humanity is still fighting against the alien threat.
• Tone: XCOM 2 has a darker tone than the original game, reflecting the dire circumstances faced by humanity in the game’s world.
• Gameplay: While the core gameplay mechanics of the two games are similar, XCOM 2 introduces new features such as guerrilla warfare and the ability to hack alien equipment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while XCOM 2 is not a direct sequel to XCOM 1 in the classical sense, it does continue the story of the original game in a new and separate timeline. The game’s new storyline, setting, tone, and gameplay mechanics offer a fresh take on the XCOM franchise, while still maintaining the same level of strategic depth and excitement that fans of the series have come to expect.

Key Takeaways

• XCOM 2 is not a direct sequel to XCOM 1, but rather continues the story of the original game in a new and separate timeline.
• The game’s storyline diverges from the original game, with the events of XCOM 1 serving as a catalyst for the new story.
• The game has a darker tone than the original game, reflecting the dire circumstances faced by humanity in the game’s world.
• The gameplay mechanics of the two games are similar, but XCOM 2 introduces new features such as guerrilla warfare and the ability to hack alien equipment.

I hope this article helps you understand the relationship between XCOM 1 and XCOM 2. Whether you’re a fan of the original game or just discovering the series, XCOM 2 offers a fresh and exciting take on the XCOM franchise that is sure to entertain.