How a Co-Op Shooter Could Revitalize the Series
By
Jayden McKayla Jones
The wait for XCOM 3 has been excruciating for many fans of the franchise. While not the same thing, XCOM would make an amazing co-op FPS.
When XCOM: Enemy Unknown was released in 2012, fans were ecstatic. 2K Games and Firaxis had rebooted the classic franchise and stuck to its roots with turn-based tactical combat along with a base building and management mechanic. Since then the rebooted franchise has seen an expansion, a Cold War spinoff shooter, a sequel with its own expansion, and a stand-alone spinoff taking place after the events of XCOM 2. Sadly, it has been two years since Chimera Squad‘s release, and while it was a great tactical game in its own right, it did not quite scratch the same itch that previous entries had.
Fans desperately want more XCOM content, and while the work of fan modders has brought great experiences like Long War, they’re not the same thing as a new entry in the series. Unfortunately, with Firaxis busy working on Marvel’s Midnight Sons, it could be a while before fans get a new title in the franchise. However, if 2K wanted to give fans another entry, there is one genre from which they could take inspiration. The XCOM series would make for a perfect cooperative first-person shooter.
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While Left 4 Dead was not the first FPS to feature cooperative or multiplayer gameplay, it did codify a lot of the tropes of cooperative team shooters — four players fighting their way through a horde of enemies to complete a mission objective or get to the end of a map. While every game does things a little differently, there is no doubt that the team shooter has become one of the most popular genres in the industry. With the success of games such as Vermintide II, Deep Rock Galactic, and Payday 2, and the anticipation for Warhammer 40k: Darktide, it is clear that this genre has plenty of room to expand.
A four-player cooperative shooter based on the XCOM franchise would be a fantastic way to explore the universe further while doing something new. There is plenty of source material that could be drawn on for a cooperative shooter. Each XCOM game has plenty of potential enemies to fight — everything from basic Sectoids or Advent troopers to terrifying Sectopods and Gatekeepers. Meanwhile, The four different classes in both Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2 could serve as a basis for the classes in an XCOM cooperative shooter. The different levels of guns could be changed to either progression unlocks or be turned into side-grades each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
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A progression system could also be implemented allowing player characters and classes to level up over time. This could give access to new abilities, just like ranking up soldiers in tactical games and could eventually also grant access to powerful psionic abilities.
Of course, rigid classes and characters are not the only way to make a cooperative shooter. For example, Payday 2 has a skill tree with no set classes. A similar system could allow for more customization of the player’s soldier, at the expense of unique roles or abilities for each player. The resistance units from War of the Chosen could also have their own skill trees, allowing a player to mix and match abilities to make their perfect XCOM soldier. No matter how an XCOM cooperative shooter would implement its classes, the gameplay should focus on various missions similar to the ones in the tactical game.
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Imagine playing through one of XCOM‘s iconic missions from an FPS perspective. There are so many possibilities as to what players could encounter — anything from a standard supply raid or assaulting an alien UFO to something more extreme like an alien terror attack or the infamous fishing village mission from XCOM: Enemy Within.
Missions could be dynamic, with players not fully knowing everything they need to do at the start. Objectives could be added over time based on what the player finds. These objectives could also be given to the players as orders barked from XCOM HQ, similar to Mission Control from Deep Rock Galactic. The XCOM 2 Guerilla Ops missions would be a great place to take inspiration from for these additional objectives.
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While XCOM has struggled in the past with shooters, it doesn’t mean every attempt to make a shooter based on the franchise is doomed. Cooperative shooters have a long shelf life. Even the original Left 4 Dead games are still played today. With the right team and enough funding, 2K could make one of the best cooperative shooters out there and give fans of the XCOM franchise hours of enjoyment with a completely new experience.
It should be kept in mind that a cooperative shooter cannot take the place of a new turn-based tactical entry.
A third XCOM game is still something that fans want, and something Firaxis is still planning on providing. Hopefully one day fans will be able to experience both a new turn-based tactical entry as well as an exciting cooperative shooter set in the XCOM world.
XCOM® 2 Collection for Nintendo Switch
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Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence
The XCOM® 2 Collection includes the award-winning strategy game XCOM 2, four DLC packs (Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, Shen’s Last Gift) and the War of the Chosen expansion all in one package. Activate any of the additional content (DLCs and the Expansion) or just play the base game.
XCOM® 2:
Aliens rule Earth, promising a brilliant future for mankind while secretly hiding a sinister agenda. As the leader of a guerrilla force facing impossible odds, you must ignite a global resistance to eliminate the alien threat and save the hum race from extinction.
XCOM® 2: War of the Chosen:
This expansion adds extensive new content in the fight against ADVENT including new Hero classes, powerful new enemies, as well as new missions, environments and increased depth in strategic gameplay.
FOUR DLC PACKS:
• Resistance Warrior Pack: Customize your squad of resistance fighters with a set of bonus outfits and head gear, as well as custom armor and face camo.
• Anarchy’s Children: This rebellion-themed content pack introduces more than 100 new exotic customizations for the entire arsenal of armors available to your XCOM soldiers. These options are purely cosmetic and do not alter the stats of a soldier.
• Alien Hunters: Transform the soldiers of XCOM into an elite alien hunting squad with impressive new weapons and armor to face off against new alien Rulers that will pursue your squad across an entire campaign. Additional cosmetic upgrades to soldiers and the Avenger are included, as well as a new epic mission where Central Officer Bradford leads a squad with the guidance of an old friend.
• Shen’s Last Gift: Investigate ADVENT’s “Lost Towers” facility where Chief Engineer Lily Shen accompanies your squad in search of her late father’s secretive final project. Discover a unique new soldier class complete with powerful new combat abilities, strategy mechanics, and customization options.
Software description provided by the publisher.
ESRB rating
Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence
Supported play modes
Tabletop
Handheld
Play online, access classic NES™ and Super NES™ games, and more with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
This game supports:Save Data Cloud
Learn more
WARNING: If you have epilepsy or have had seizures or other unusual reactions to flashing lights or patterns, consult a doctor before playing video games. All users should read the Health and Safety Information available in the system settings before using this software.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) is required for Save Data Cloud backup.
XCOM 2 Collection requires download of at least 25GB. microSD required (sold separately). Storage requirements may change, visit xcom.com for details.
XCOM 2 Collection requires download of at least 25GB. microSD required (sold separately). Storage requirements may change, visit xcom.com for details.
©2020 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Take-Two Interactive Software, 2K, Firaxis Games, XCOM, XCOM 2, and their respective logos are trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Co-op became possible in XCOM 2
A unique modification has appeared in the XCOM 2 workshop on Steam, which allows you to play the missions of a strategy game in co-op with other players
A unique modification has appeared in the XCOM 2 workshop on Steam, which allows you to play the missions of a strategy game in co-op with other players.
Studio Team Dragonpunk has published a modification of Tactical Co-Op in the public domain. The studio plans to cooperate with Feraxis and expand the multiplayer to 12 simultaneously playing people.
Of course, the mod has some bugs and cannot be launched in timer missions, but despite this, it is steadily moving up the list of the most popular Steam Workshop crafts.
The Mods section for XCOM 2 contains over 2,000 products, with the most popular being the Soldier Accessory Pack.
Strategy XCOM 2 was released on February 5, 2016 and has a 76% positive rating on Steam.
2016-11-08 13:47:00
Dmitry Krivov
XCOM 2
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Top 20 XCOM 2 mods to improve gameplay
- 2019
XCOM 2 is a very popular turn based tactical game and chances are you are here because you have already played it. Although the game is intense and fun, you play as a commander, prepare soldiers for battle, drop them into battle zones, and coordinate all your soldiers to attack. The game is played on a huge map with isometric battlefields and the goal is to defeat the aliens who have conquered our world. While it’s definitely fun, it could be done better. Luckily, there are some great mods for XCOM 2.
The following mods benefit the gameplay in XCOM 2 in one way or another, except for a few, because we all like to have some fun from time to time. Before we get into mods, you should know how to apply these mods. It’s a simple process:
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How to install mods in XCOM 2
First, you need to create a folder called Mods » and it should be created in \Steam\steamapps\common\XCOM 2\XComGame. Then put the mods in this folder after downloading them. Then the mods will be available in the game launcher. It is so simple!
So now that you know how to apply XCOM 2, 9 mods0069 Here are the top 20 XCOM 2 mods you should try to improve your gameplay:
1. Stop wasting my time XCOM 2 has some of these breaks in the game. These breaks occur between shots, after killing someone, or after running for cover.
This results in a changeable experience for some people. Stop Wasting My Time — The Solution to These 9 Breaks0071 and makes the game run smoother. This mod doesn’t speed up the game to the point where it feels rushed, rather it improves the overall experience.
Download
2. Free Camera Rotation
In a strategy based game like XCOM 2, an overview of your surroundings is essential for optimal planning. Traditionally, XCOM 2 does not include a 3D camera movement feature. This mod was created to give a good overview of your surroundings so you can plan and move accordingly. The mod includes zoom in and out, 45 degree rotation, and even traditional fixed angles.
Download
3. New countries
This mod, you guessed it, adds more countries to XCOM 2. There are already a lot of different countries in XCOM 2, but once you’ve finished the game, there’s not much else you can do.
So, for all those who want more action and gameplay, the New Country mod will be perfect. This adds 21 new soldier nationality ; from Slovakia to the UAE. This mod not only adds gameplay, but also makes the game more varied and intense.
Download
4. Cheat Mod
This mod is for players who would like to have some fun with from time to time. You have control. Cheat Mod opens up a world of amazing tricks and features that would otherwise be impossible to use in XCOM 2. For example, you can stop Advent Clock and roam at your own pace or even have unlimited inventory storage. Cheat Mod can do a lot more and should be checked out.
Download
5. More Maps
XCOM 2 is loaded with various areas and maps. This is done by using small packs or packs of specific location information and randomizing those lots to create unique areas, so every time you play you get a new battleship every time.
This mod brings more of what is already present. Mod introduces more parcels, created from the game itself, fitting them nicely into the game. Parcels aim to bring more unique content to the same maps rather than completely new levels.
Download
6. ACORG-47
This mod makes the list both for its mood and its uniqueness. This was the first ever mod released for this game, which makes it very valuable for players who want to see where the community started. ACORG-47 replaces all guns in the game with Corgis . That’s right, cute dogs that stick out when they’re fired. The mod is really fun to watch in action and will really brighten up your day.
Download
7. Mouton Centurion
This mod belongs to the very creators of XCOM: Long War and is possibly one of the best mods for XCOM 2. Mod introduces a new muton for aliens , and this muton similar to others.
It’s much bigger, much stronger, and much more brutal than your regular alien already in the game. This is for those players who want more difficulty in this game, as it is not easy to fight one on one with these centurions. These creatures can also empower other aliens with their battle cry.
Download
8. Better Advent 2
A Better Advent 2 is a AI overhaul for XCOM 2 . This mod makes the game more challenging and much more enjoyable to play. This mod is perfect for those players who really want to experience and destroy more creatures. Better Coming also introduces new creatures ; about 60 new enemies come with this mod. All of these creatures are varied and powerful, with different ways to kill. The mod does a great job of improving the gameplay and everyone should check it out.
Download
9. Stabilize me!
This is a mod that adds a minor feature (compared to these other mods), but the feature it adds is very useful and has a good effect on the gameplay.
Stabilize me! this is a medical mod. This allows you to use the medkit to help a fallen soldier bleed out and die. The mod adds a feature that many will appreciate, especially if their only medic enters the battlefield.
Download
10. Panic Mod
This mod is another mod that improves the overall gameplay by adding only a small feature. Panic Mod adds a bit of meaning to Soldier . In XCOM 2, when you start shooting at enemies, they start running towards the line of fire instead of dropping to the ground in place. It’s funny, no doubt, because the cowardly fighters running in confusion are very funny, but it can be painful when you want some realistic action. The panic mod fixes this by making sure the soldiers run away from the line of fire.
Download
11. Advent Official: Call for Reinforcements
This is an unorthodox mod as it works not in your favor, but in favor of your enemies — Advent.
How does this contribute to the appearance? Well, this mod allows the Advent Officer to call in more fighters when the initial ones are destroyed. This can only be done once and you can set how strong the backup will be. This mod increases the difficulty and creates additional complexities for XCOM 2.
Download
12. Show me the skills
Show Me The Skills is an XCOM 2 mod that aims to make your life easier. One problem with XCOM 2 is that there is no information available about things. So finding things like a specific grunt with the required skill is difficult and time consuming. Show Me The Skills puts all information in an easily accessible place : Squad selection menu. The mod also allows you to set what can be seen here, including perks, stats, and more.
Download
13. Evac All
Evac All is another mod that aims to make your life easier in XCOM 2. This is a simple mod that should have been in the game already.
This mod does what it does evacuate all your troops in one click. This is achieved by a button that the mod imposes in the game. Now, instead of clicking on individual soldiers to evacuate them, make one click. With the time saved, you can beat more aliens.
Download
14. True Hiding
XCOM 2 has combat timers that add a bit of complexity to the game. There are many mods that interfere with this timer, some cause the timer to stop completely, while others reduce the timer for more grueling and difficult battles. However, True Concealment does not interfere with the timer, but rather makes it true . In vanilla XCOM 2, the battle timer starts even when you’re just hiding and haven’t been seen. This mod only starts the timer when your first soldier is spotted. This is a nice mod that makes the timer system fairer.
Download
15. Tactical Co-op
This mod is from the makers of XCOM and it’s an amazing mod that works great with the game as the official developers worked on this mod.
Tactical Co-op provides a full multiplayer mode for 2 players in XCOM 2. The team is working on this mod to expand it to a 12 player multiplayer mod. The mod allows you to transfer the roll of the dice with a friend, which makes the game more fun.
The mod needs instructions to make it work. You can find them in the download link below.
Download
16. Long War Alien Pack
This is another mod from the creators of XCOM. The mod fits perfectly and is perfect for players who are looking for more stuff to kill . The Alien Long War Pack adds many new aliens and monsters. These aliens vary in their abilities, some of them have shooting abilities while others are just old strong ones. The mod even contains the Muton Centurion from the other mods listed above. The mod is well designed and the creatures in this pack even consist of Advent squads for those who would still like to kill some of the original aliens.
Download
17. Falloff Grenade Damage
In vanilla XCOM, you can solve any problem by blowing things up. And as much as we love blowing things up, it takes away the accuracy and strategy of the game. You can be surrounded by enemies and all it takes is a grenade to blow them all into little pieces. The grenade damage drop mod does a great job of this. With this mod, your grenades are less powerful, and barely affect enemies on the edges of the explosion; only the center of the explosion is where the damage is. It’s brings back the frustration and awe of being surrounded by enemies and makes the game more challenging and real.
Download
18. It’s just a scratch V2
This mod is useful for people who want to reduce the infirmary time of their soldiers or completely get rid of it. Taking only health damage taken from your soldier’s armor prevents any infirmary time.
You don’t need to occupy the infirmary if your soldier’s health never drops below base health. However, if your soldier’s health drops below their maximum base health, then there will be an infirmary time based on your base health. Usually, the game considers remaining health against total health. However, if you use this mod, it will only count remaining health against base health, reducing the overall healing time in the game.
Download
19. Additional Mission Types
The Extra Mission Mod is a great mod that enhances the content of XCOM 2. The mod introduces many new unique missions. These new missions provide a different experience than Vanilla XCOM. You can take on a defensive mission by defending cities, neutralizing missions, and more. This is one of the best mods to make XCOM 2 even better.
Download
20. Guerrilla Warfare
This is one of the biggest mods for XCOM 2.
