View source for XCOM

{{short description|Video game series}}
{{About|the video game series||XCOM (disambiguation)|and|X.com (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title     = XCOM
| image     = Xcomrebootlogo.png
| caption   = 
| creator   = [[Julian Gollop]]
| platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Amiga]], [[Amiga CD32]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[OS X]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Linux]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[Nintendo Switch]]
| developer = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Mythos Games]] (1994–1997)
  | [[MicroProse]] (1994–1999)
  | [[Hasbro Interactive]] (1999–2001)
  | [[Infogrames Entertainment, SA|Infogrames]] (2001–2002)
  | [[Irrational Games]] (2007–2013)
  | [[2K Marin]] (2007–present)
  | [[Firaxis Games]] (2008–present)
  }}
| publisher = {{unbulleted list
  | MicroProse (1994–1998)
  | Hasbro Interactive (1998–2001)
  | Infogrames (2001–2005)
  | [[2K Games]] (2005–present)
  }}
| genre     = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Strategy video game|Strategy]]
  | [[Turn-based tactics]]
  | [[Real-time tactics]]
  | [[Third-person shooter]] <small>(''Enforcer'', ''The Bureau'')</small>
  | [[Space flight simulator game|Space flight simulator]] <small>(''Interceptor'')</small>
  }}
| first release version  = ''[[UFO: Enemy Unknown]]''
| first release date     = March 1, 1994
| latest release version = ''[[XCOM: Chimera Squad]]''
| latest release date    = April 24, 2020
}}

'''''XCOM''''' (originally called ''X-COM'') is a [[science fiction]] video game franchise featuring an elite international organization tasked with countering [[alien invasion]]s of Earth. The series began with the [[strategy video game]] ''[[UFO: Enemy Unknown]]'' created by [[Julian Gollop]]'s [[Mythos Games]] and [[MicroProse]] in 1994. The original lineup by MicroProse included six published and at least two canceled games, as well as two novels. The ''X-COM'' series, in particular its original entry, achieved a sizable cult following and has influenced many other video games; including the creation of a number of [[Video game clone|clones]], [[spiritual successor]]s, and unofficial [[Video game remake|remakes]].

A [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] series was published by [[2K Games]], beginning with the strategy video game ''[[XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]'', developed by [[Firaxis Games]] and released in 2012 to critical and commercial success. It was followed by the prequel ''[[The Bureau: XCOM Declassified]]'' and the sequels ''[[XCOM 2]]'' and ''[[XCOM: Chimera Squad]]''.

== Games ==
=== Released ===
{{Color box|b3e6ff|border=black}} ''X-COM'' series (1994–2001)<br />{{Color box|ffd9b3|border=black}} ''XCOM'' reboot series (2012–present)
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Release
! scope="col" | [[Video game developer|Developer]]
! scope="col" | [[Video game publisher|Publisher]]
|-
|style="background:#b3e6ff"|''[[UFO: Enemy Unknown]]'' <br /><small>(a.k.a. ''X-COM: UFO Defense'')</small>
| {{dts|1994}}
| [[Mythos Games]]<br />[[MicroProse]]
| MicroProse
|-
|style="background:#b3e6ff"|''[[X-COM: Terror from the Deep]]''
| {{dts|1995}}
| MicroProse
| MicroProse
|-
|style="background:#b3e6ff"|''[[X-COM: Apocalypse]]''
| {{dts|1997}}
| Mythos Games<br />MicroProse
| MicroProse
|-
|style="background:#b3e6ff"|''[[X-COM: Interceptor]]''
| {{dts|1998}}
| MicroProse
| MicroProse
|-
|style="background:#b3e6ff"|''[[X-COM (Email games)|X-COM: First Alien Invasion]]''
| {{dts|1999}}
| [[Hasbro Interactive]]
| [[Hasbro]]
|-
|style="background:#b3e6ff"|''[[X-COM: Enforcer]]''
| {{dts|2001}}
| Hasbro Interactive
| [[Infogrames]]
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''[[XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]''
| {{dts|2012}}
| [[Firaxis Games]]
| [[2K Games]]
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''[[The Bureau: XCOM Declassified]]''<br /><small>(previously known as ''XCOM'')</small>
| {{dts|2013}}
| [[Irrational Games]]<br />[[2K Australia]]<br />[[2K Marin]]
| 2K Games
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''[[XCOM: Enemy Within]]'' <br /><small>(expansion of ''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'')</small>
| {{dts|2013}}
| Firaxis Games
| 2K Games
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''[[XCOM 2]]'' <br /><small>(sequel to ''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'')</small><ref name="xcom2-announce"/>
| {{dts|2016}}
| Firaxis Games
| 2K Games
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''[[XCOM 2: War of the Chosen]]'' <br /><small>(expansion of ''XCOM 2'')</small>
| {{dts|2017}}
| Firaxis Games
| 2K Games
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''[[XCOM: Chimera Squad]]''
| {{dts|2020}}
| Firaxis Games
| 2K Games
|-
|style="background:#ffd9b3"| ''XCOM: Legends''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Capel |first1=Chris J |title=XCOM: Legends is real and is an official XCOM game |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/xcom-enemy-unknown/xcom-legends |website=[[PCGamesN]] |publisher=Network N |access-date=22 February 2023 |date=18 July 2021}}</ref>
| {{dts|2021}}
| Iridium Starfish
| 2K Games
|}

=== Cancelled ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Developer
|-
| ''[[X-COM: Genesis]]''
| Hasbro Interactive
|-
| ''[[X-COM: Alliance]]''
| Hasbro Interactive<br />Infogrames
|}

=== Original ''X-COM'' series (1994–2001) ===
{{VG Series Reviews
|updated = November 17, 2011
|gr = yes
|mc = no
|game1 = [[UFO: Enemy Unknown]] <br />(X-COM: UFO Defense)
|gr1 = (PC) 94%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199362-x-com-ufo-defense/index.html |title=''X-COM: UFO Defense'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312034506/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199362-x-com-ufo-defense/index.html |archive-date=March 12, 2011 }}</ref><br />(PS) 93%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/572590-x-com-ufo-defense/index.html |title=''X-COM: UFO Defense'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021072252/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/572590-x-com-ufo-defense/index.html |archive-date=October 21, 2010 }}</ref>
|mc1 = -
|game2 = [[X-COM: Terror from the Deep]]
|gr2 = (PS) 100%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/573917-x-com-terror-from-the-deep/index.html |title=''X-COM: Terror from the Deep'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128141500/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/573917-x-com-terror-from-the-deep/index.html |archive-date=November 28, 2011 }}</ref><br />(PC) 86%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199361-x-com-terror-from-the-deep/index.html |title=''X-COM: Terror from the Deep'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107004428/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199361-x-com-terror-from-the-deep/index.html |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref>
|mc2 = -
|game3 = [[X-COM: Apocalypse]]
|gr3 = (PC) 87%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/36014-x-com-apocalypse/index.html |title=''X-COM: Apocalypse'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107004433/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/36014-x-com-apocalypse/index.html |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref>
|mc3 = -
|game4 = [[X-COM: Interceptor]]
|gr4 = (PC) 70%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/53729-x-com-interceptor/index.html |title=''X-COM: Interceptor'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106122320/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/53729-x-com-interceptor/index.html |archive-date=January 6, 2012 }}</ref>
|mc4 = -
}}

{{main|UFO: Enemy Unknown|X-COM: Terror from the Deep|X-COM: Apocalypse|X-COM: Interceptor|X-COM (Email games)|X-COM: Enforcer|X-COM: Genesis|X-COM: Alliance}}

The ''X-COM'' core series consisted of four main games published by [[MicroProse]]: ''[[UFO: Enemy Unknown]]'' (also known as ''X-COM: UFO Defense'', PC and [[Amiga]] in 1994, [[Sony PlayStation]] in 1995), ''[[X-COM: Terror from the Deep]]'' (PC in 1995, PlayStation in 1996), ''[[X-COM: Apocalypse]]'' (PC in 1997) and ''[[X-COM: Interceptor]]'' (PC in 1998). The premise of the franchise is that an [[alien invasion]] beginning in 1999 prompts the creation of a [[Clandestine operation|clandestine]] paramilitary organization codenamed X-COM (an abbreviation of "[[Extraterrestrial life|E'''x'''traterrestrial]] '''Com'''bat") by a coalition of funding nations. The player is charged with leading this force and tasked to secretly engage and research the alien threat. The sequels, against new alien invasions, are set underwater (''Terror from the Deep'', set in 2040), in a futuristic megacity (''Apocalypse'', set in 2084), and in space (''Interceptor'', set in 2067 and making it a prequel to ''Apocalypse'').

''UFO: Enemy Unknown'', featuring a [[turn-based tactics|turn-based]] ground combat system, remains the most popular and successful game in the series, having been often featured on various lists of best video games of all time.<ref>[[UFO: Enemy Unknown#Reception]]</ref> The first sequel, ''Terror from the Deep'', was quickly created by MicroProse's internal team; based on the same game engine and used largely identical gameplay mechanics. ''Apocalypse'' took several new directions with the series, introducing an optional [[Real-time tactics|real-time]] combat system and shifting the aesthetics to a [[Retro-futurism|retro-futuristic]] style. A spin-off game, ''Interceptor'', constitutes a hybrid of a strategy game and a [[space flight simulator game|space combat flight simulator]].

After ''Interceptor'', [[Hasbro Interactive]] purchased MicroProse, acquiring its studios and the ''X-COM'' brand. There were talks of ''X-COM'' toys, comics, and even a cartoon show.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/x-com-ufo-defense/1216654p3.html |title=GameSpy: Enemy Unknown: An X-COM Retrospective - Page 3 |publisher=Uk.pc.gamespy.com |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194218/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/x-com-ufo-defense/1216654p3.html |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref> A budget range, turn-based tactical  [[play-by-mail]] multiplayer game ''[[X-COM (Email games)|Em@il Games: X-COM]]'' was released in 1999. In 2001, Hasbro published ''[[X-COM: Enforcer]]'', a poorly received [[third-person shooter]] loosely based on the events of ''Enemy Unknown'', marking a low point in the series. The ''X-COM'' games were also released as part of four compilation releases: ''X-COM (Collector's Edition)'' (1998),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/x-com-collectors-edition |title=X-COM (Collector's Edition) for Windows (1998) |publisher=MobyGames |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190818/http://www.mobygames.com/game/x-com-collectors-edition |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref> ''X-COM Collection'' (1999)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/x-com-collection |title=X-COM Collection for Windows (1999) |publisher=MobyGames |date=2001-01-13 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701025414/http://www.mobygames.com/game/x-com-collection |archive-date=2017-07-01 }}</ref> and ''X-COM: Complete Pack'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/x-com-complete-pack |title=X-COM: Complete Pack for DOS (2008) |publisher=MobyGames |date=2008-09-04 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191144/http://www.mobygames.com/game/x-com-complete-pack |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref> as well as in ''2K Huge Games Pack'' in 2009.

At least two more major titles have been planned for this series. One of them was ''[[X-COM: Genesis]]'', a real-time strategy and tactics game "going back to the roots but in full 3D."<ref name=tg/> Another was ''[[X-COM: Alliance]]'' (also known as ''X-COM 4'' and the project ''Fox Force Five''), an ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]''-inspired mix of strategy game and first-person perspective [[tactical shooter]], using the licensed original [[Unreal Engine]]. However, both of these projects were cancelled after ex-MicroProse Hasbro Interactive studios were all shut down in 1999–2000 (with ''Alliance'' being later abortively reactivated in 2001-2002 before being quietly cancelled again without any official announcement). Terry Greer, a former senior artist and head of game design at MicroProse UK, disclosed: "We'd also discussed other avenues for future games including time travel, retaking the solar system (with interplanetary distances playing a significant role in recruitment and resources), and resistance movement concept where you had to fight back after the world was taken and humanity was totally under the alien yoke."<ref name=tg>{{cite web|url=http://www.terrygreer.com/xcomalliance.html|title=Terry Greer – Ghosts of games that never were|website=Terry Greer – Past work - XCOM Alliance|access-date=26 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701060535/http://www.terrygreer.com/xcomalliance.html|archive-date=1 July 2017}}</ref>

''OpenXcom'' is an [[open source]] re-implementation of the first game in the series intended to fix all the bugs and enable modding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openxcom.org/index.php/about/|title=About|publisher=OpenXcom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729142402/http://openxcom.org/index.php/about/|archive-date=2013-07-29|url-status=live|access-date=2013-08-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/05/09/openxcom-renews-the-original-ufo-defense-as-a-valid-option-for-terror/|title=OpenXCom renews the original UFO Defense as a valid option for terror &#124; Mods, News|date=2013-10-25|magazine=PC Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113165353/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/05/09/openxcom-renews-the-original-ufo-defense-as-a-valid-option-for-terror|archive-date=2013-11-13|url-status=live|access-date=2013-11-14}}</ref> ''OpenApoc'' is a similar open source project for ''X-COM: Apocalypse''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.openapoc.org|title=OpenApoc|website=openapoc.org|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref>

=== ''XCOM'' series (2012–present) ===
{{main|XCOM: Enemy Unknown|The Bureau: XCOM Declassified|XCOM: Enemy Within|XCOM 2|XCOM 2: War of the Chosen|XCOM: Chimera Squad}}
{{VG Series Reviews
|updated = September 27, 2016
|gr = no
|game1 = [[XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]
|mc1 = (360) 90<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-unknown/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113135608/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/xcom-enemy-unknown |archive-date=November 13, 2012 }}</ref><br />(PC) 89<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-unknown/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023053832/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/xcom-enemy-unknown |archive-date=October 23, 2012 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 89<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-unknown/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027034633/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/xcom-enemy-unknown |archive-date=October 27, 2012 }}</ref>
|game2 = [[The Bureau: XCOM Declassified]]
|mc2 = (PS3) 69<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-bureau-xcom-declassified/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''The Bureau: XCOM Declassified'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822123555/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-bureau-xcom-declassified |archive-date=August 22, 2013 }}</ref><br />(360) 68<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-bureau-xcom-declassified/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''The Bureau: XCOM Declassified'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819171327/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-bureau-xcom-declassified |archive-date=August 19, 2013 }}</ref><br />(PC) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-bureau-xcom-declassified/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''The Bureau: XCOM Declassified'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820082441/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-bureau-xcom-declassified |archive-date=August 20, 2013 }}</ref>
|game3 = [[XCOM: Enemy Within]]
|mc3 = (iOS) 92<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-within/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad|title=''XCOM: Enemy Within'' Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=September 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919011839/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/xcom-enemy-within|archive-date=September 19, 2015}}</ref><br />(360) 88<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-within/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''XCOM: Enemy Within'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=September 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229125903/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/xcom-enemy-within |archive-date=December 29, 2017 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 88<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-within/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''XCOM: Enemy Within'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=September 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229063938/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/xcom-enemy-within |archive-date=December 29, 2017 }}</ref><br />(PC) 86<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-enemy-within/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''XCOM: Enemy Within'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=September 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829093105/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/xcom-enemy-within |archive-date=August 29, 2015 }}</ref>
|game4 = [[XCOM 2]]
|mc4 = (PC) 88<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=XCOM 2 for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204215638/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/xcom-2 |archive-date=February 4, 2016 }}</ref><br />(PS4) 88<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=XCOM 2 for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630104011/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/xcom-2 |archive-date=June 30, 2016 }}</ref><br />(XONE) 87<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=XCOM 2 for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618163048/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/xcom-2 |archive-date=June 18, 2016 }}</ref>
|game5 = [[XCOM: Chimera Squad]]
|mc5 = (PC) 77<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xcom-chimera-squad/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=XCOM: Chimera Squad for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 1, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628230448/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/xcom-chimera-squad |archive-date=June 28, 2020 }}</ref>
}}

In 2010, [[2K Marin]] announced they were working on re-imagining of ''X-COM'', relabeled as ''XCOM''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xcom.com/ |title=(official 2K Marin site) |work=XCOM |access-date=2012-01-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222125547/http://www.xcom.com/ |archive-date=2012-02-22 }}</ref> It was described as a tactical and strategic first-person shooter that would combine elements from the original ''X-COM'' alongside a new setting and viewpoint while keeping some main concepts from the original game series. The setting received a complete overhaul, now based in the early 1960s, with the original XCOM organization being a secret U.S. federal agency. Originally planned for 2011, the game was repeatedly redesigned by different studios before being finally released in 2013 as ''[[The Bureau: XCOM Declassified]]'' for Windows, [[OS X]], [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]].

In 2012, [[Firaxis Games]] (led by MicroProse co-founder [[Sid Meier]]) announced the development of a Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 strategy game ''[[XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]'', a "re-imagination" of ''UFO: Enemy Unknown'' with real-time strategic view, turn-based combat and destructible tactical environments more in the vein of the original ''X-COM'' game and set in a more contemporary setting than the ''XCOM'' game by 2K Marin.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/01/05/february-cover-revealed-xcom-enemy-unknown.aspxd |title=February Cover Revealed: XCOM: Enemy Unknown |magazine=Game Informer |date=January 5, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' was released later that same year to critical acclaim, winning multiple "Game of the Year" awards. ''X-COM'' creator [[Julian Gollop]] hailed it as "a phoenix rising from the ashes of the ''X-COM'' disaster," saying that "it’s amazing that after 20 years, a brand that had gone so badly in the wrong direction has finally been put right."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/03/29/gdc-2013-original-x-com-was-nearly-cancelled-on-two-occasions/ |title=GDC 2013: Original X-Com was nearly cancelled on two occasions &#124; News |magazine=PC Gamer |date=2013-03-29 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910112439/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/03/29/gdc-2013-original-x-com-was-nearly-cancelled-on-two-occasions/ |archive-date=2013-09-10 }}</ref> It was also ported to [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], OS X, [[Linux]], and [[PlayStation Vita]].

In 2013, Firaxis released a downloadable content for the base game ''XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' titled ''[[XCOM: Enemy Within]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xcom.com/enemywithin/us/ |title=Enemy Within |publisher=XCOM |access-date=2013-11-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111195406/http://www.xcom.com/enemywithin/us/ |archive-date=2013-11-11 }}</ref> It was made available on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] (which requires ''Enemy Unknown'' to play),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.steampowered.com/app/225340/ |title=XCOM: Enemy Within on Steam |publisher=Store.steampowered.com |access-date=2013-11-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215171321/http://store.steampowered.com/app/225340/ |archive-date=2013-12-15 }}</ref> as well as for iOS, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (those versions are standalone and do not require ''Enemy Unknown'').

In 2015, Firaxis announced a sequel, ''[[XCOM 2]]''.<ref name=xcom2-announce>{{cite web|last1=Stapleton|first1=Dan|title=XCOM 2 Announced -- IGN First|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/01/xcom-2-announced-ign-first|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=1 June 2015|date=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601235604/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/01/xcom-2-announced-ign-first|archive-date=1 June 2015}}</ref> It was released in 2016 for Windows, [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], OS X, and [[Linux]] (Later ported to several other platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, but not iOS). Its expansion, ''[[XCOM 2: War of the Chosen]]'', followed in 2017. The next game in the series, ''[[XCOM: Chimera Squad]]'', was released in April 2020, for Windows. Unlike the global scale of previous games, ''Chimera Squad'' focused on a specific city, giving the player control of a diverse squad of humans and aliens. The game introduced several changes to game mechanics, such as replacing randomly generated and customizable squad members with preset and unique soldiers, and utilizing "interleaved turns" (mixing turn order between the opposing teams during combat) instead of a team-by-team turn system.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/xcom-chimera-squad-changes-combat-and-squads-but-firaxis-says-this-is-still-an-xcom-game/ |title=XCOM: Chimera Squad changes combat and squads, but Firaxis says "this is still an XCOM game" |magazine=gamesradar |date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>

===Julian Gollop's unofficial games===
''[[The Dreamland Chronicles: Freedom Ridge]]'' was a game for the PC and [[PlayStation 2]] by Julian Gollop's Mythos Games (creators of ''UFO: Enemy Unknown'' and ''X-COM: Apocalypse''), claimed to having been "essentially a remake of the first ''X-Com'' with 3D graphics."<ref name=codo_about>{{cite web | title =XCom UFO creators strategy game Laser Squad Nemesis | publisher =Codo Technologies | url =http://www.lasersquadnemesis.com/AboutUs.htm | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090308022717/http://www.lasersquadnemesis.com/AboutUs.htm | archive-date =2009-03-08 | access-date =2007-11-26  }}</ref> ''The Dreamland Chronicles'' was canceled in 2001 and Mythos Games soon ceased to exist.

''[[Laser Squad Nemesis]]'' is a 2002 low-budget PC turn-based tactics game developed by Gollop's next company [[Codo Technologies]] and very similar to the turn-based Battlescape combat system of the first ''X-COM''. In 2005, Codo Technologies and publisher [[Namco]] also released ''[[Rebelstar: Tactical Command]]'', a [[Game Boy Advance]] turn-based [[tactical role-playing game]] that too was reminiscent of the early Battlescape system.

''[[Phoenix Point]]'' is a strategy and turn-based tactics video game for Windows, and OS X that has the open world, strategic layers of the ''X-COM'' style games of the 1990s like ''Enemy Unknown'' and ''Apocalypse'' together with the presentation and tactical mechanics of the more recent Firaxis reboot games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/julian-gollop-s-new-game-will-be-a-cross-between-old-and-new-xcom/0166045 |title=Julian Gollop's new game will be a cross between old and new XCOM |publisher=mcvuk.com |date=2016-04-27 |access-date=2017-06-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706171117/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/julian-gollop-s-new-game-will-be-a-cross-between-old-and-new-xcom/0166045 |archive-date=2016-07-06 }}</ref> The game was developed by Gollop with [[Snapshot Games]], an independent game studio in Bulgaria. ''Phoenix Point'', described as a spiritual successor to ''X-COM'', was released in December 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/11/phoenix-point-launches-december-3-for-pc-q1-2020-for-xbox-one-and-later-in-2020-for-ps4|title=Phoenix Point launches December 3 for PC, Q1 2020 for Xbox One, and later in 2020 for PS4|website=Gematsu|date=November 2019|access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref>

== Other media ==
[[File:Xcom_the_board_game_at_2015_gdc.jpg|thumb|The board game at the [[Game Developers Conference|GDC]] 2015]]

=== Literature ===
Two ''X-COM'' novels have been published based on the first game in the series: [[Diane Duane]]'s  ''X-COM: UFO Defense - A Novel'' (1995, {{ISBN|0-7615-0235-1}}) and [[Vladimir Vasilyev (writer)|Vladimir Vasilyev]]'s ''Enemy Unknown'' (1997). The reboot series' novel is titled ''XCOM 2: Resurrection'' by [[Greg Keyes]] and was published in 2015, bridging the plots of ''XCOM'' and its sequel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xcom.com/news/xcom-2-resurrection-bridges-the-gap-between-xcom-enemy-unknown-and-xcom-2 |title=XCOM.com &#124; XCOM 2: Resurrection Bridges the Gap Between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2 |access-date=2015-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731043927/https://xcom.com/news/xcom-2-resurrection-bridges-the-gap-between-xcom-enemy-unknown-and-xcom-2 |archive-date=2016-07-31 }}</ref> In 2017, a second novel was published with the title ''XCOM 2: Escalation'' by [[Rick Barba]].

MicroProse's manual/documentation writer John Possidente also wrote three short stories, "Decommissioning", "Manley's Deposition", and "Moray in the Wreck", taking place between the events of the first two games in the series. More recently, ''X-COM'' co-designer Dave Ellis and artist Jon McCoy released a free online tribute digital comic titled ''Deep Rising'', with music created by ''X-COM'' composer [[John Broomhall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comic.strategycore.co.uk/|title=Deep Rising comic - a tribute to X-Com|website=comic.strategycore.co.uk|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref>

=== Board game ===
A board game entitled ''[[XCOM: The Board Game]]'', designed by Eric M. Lang and based on the 2012 reboot, was released on January 28, 2015, by [[Fantasy Flight Games]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=5341|title=UFOs Sighted!|date=28 January 2015|publisher=Fantasy Flight Games|access-date=28 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131012355/http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=5341|archive-date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

== Intellectual property rights ==
The trademark for the ''X-COM'' name was filed on May 25, 1995, by MicroProse Software. According to Julian Gollop, "They wanted us to do a deal where we would sign over any rights that we might have in return for some cash plus a high royalty on ''X-COM: Apocalypse''. They more or less insisted on it, otherwise they were threatening to cancel the ''Apocalypse'' project, so there was a lot of bluff involved."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1034964/interview_with_xcom_creator_julian_gollop.html |title=Interview With XCOM Creator Julian Gollop |publisher=Nowgamer.com |date=2011-08-30 |access-date=2014-02-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205043247/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1034964/interview_with_xcom_creator_julian_gollop.html |archive-date=2013-02-05 }}</ref> Following the acquisition and subsequent merger of MicroProse with [[Hasbro]], the X-COM [[intellectual property]] (IP) was also transferred to Hasbro Interactive on August 19, 1998. Due to financial difficulties, Hasbro Interactive was sold to [[Infogrames Entertainment SA]] on January 29, 2001. As part of this transfer, the ''X-COM'' IP was legally transferred to Infogrames on December 21, 2001 (shortly thereafter, Infogrames was renamed [[Atari SA]]). In 2005, Atari SA transferred several IPs to [[Take-Two Interactive]] Software Inc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://assignments.uspto.gov/assignments/q?db=tm&reel=3102&frame=0242 |title=USPTO Assignments on the Web |publisher=Assignments.uspto.gov |access-date=2014-02-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317070238/http://assignments.uspto.gov/assignments/q?db=tm&reel=3102&frame=0242 |archive-date=2015-03-17 }}</ref> and ''X-COM'' was transferred with them on June 12, 2005.

The X-COM IP is currently owned by Take-Two and its subsidiaries;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://assignments.uspto.gov/assignments/q?db=tm&qt=sno&reel=&frame=&sno=74679753&rno=&asnr=&asnri=&asne=&asnei=&asns=&apct=&apcti=&rgst=&rgsti= |title=USPTO Assignments on the Web |publisher=Assignments.uspto.gov |access-date=2014-02-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317073129/http://assignments.uspto.gov/assignments/q?db=tm&qt=sno&reel=&frame=&sno=74679753&rno=&asnr=&asnri=&asne=&asnei=&asns=&apct=&apcti=&rgst=&rgsti= |archive-date=2015-03-17 }}</ref> by 2007, first rumors emerged that [[Irrational Games]] (who are owned by Take-Two) were developing a new'' X-COM'' title<ref>{{cite web |last=Yurik |first=Poor |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/45797/irrational-games-developing-x-com |title=Irrational Games Developing X-COM Title? - Video Game News, Videos and File Downloads for PC and Console Games at |publisher=Shacknews.com |access-date=2014-02-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202507/http://www.shacknews.com/article/45797/irrational-games-developing-x-com |archive-date=2014-02-22 }}</ref> (this game eventually became ''The Bureau: XCOM Declassified''). In May 2007, [[2K Games]] (a subsidiary of Take-Two) inherited the ''X-COM'' franchise and re-released ''Terror from the Deep'' on [[Steam (service)|Steam]]. In September 2008, ''UFO: Enemy Unknown'', ''Apocalypse'', ''Interceptor'' and ''Enforcer'' were also re-released as downloadable titles. 2K Games' ''XCOM'', which had been in development since 2003 (prior to the IP acquisition),<ref>{{cite web |last=Pitts |first=Russ |url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2013/1/31/3928710/making-of-xcoms-jake-solomon-firaxis-sid-meier |title=The Making of XCOM's Jake Solomon |website=Polygon |date=2013-01-31 |access-date=2014-02-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209131039/http://www.polygon.com/features/2013/1/31/3928710/making-of-xcoms-jake-solomon-firaxis-sid-meier |archive-date=2014-02-09 }}</ref> was finally completed and released in 2012.

== Inspired titles == <!-- UF2000 is basically just a mod of Enemy Unknown, doesn't count -->
Because of the series' popularity, various other developers have created [[spiritual successor]] games similar in theme and tone of the ''X-COM'' games (sometimes called "''X-COM'' clones";<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/04/16/xenonauts-the-x-com-anti-apocalypse/ |title=Xenonauts: The X-COM Anti-Apocalypse? |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |date=16 April 2010 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191240/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/04/16/xenonauts-the-x-com-anti-apocalypse/ |archive-date=2013-10-29 |last1=Meer |first1=Alec }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-xcom/|title=Games Like XCOM|website=Games Finder|access-date=2017-06-06}}</ref> Julian Gollop also himself called turn-based tactical game genre in general as "sons of ''[[Rebelstar]]''" in a reference to one of his earlier games<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pockettactics.com/2012/06/01/julian-gollop-sons-of-rebelstar-todays-ios-squad-tactical-games/ |title=Julian Gollop: Sons of Rebelstar |publisher=Pocket Tactics |date=2012-06-01 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827102213/http://pockettactics.com/2012/06/01/julian-gollop-sons-of-rebelstar-todays-ios-squad-tactical-games/ |archive-date=2013-08-27 }}</ref>). The level to which they borrow from the original series varies.

=== Commercial games ===
* ''[[Abomination: The Nemesis Project]]'' is a real-time tactics / action game developed by [[Hothouse Creations]] and released by [[Eidos Interactive]] for the PC in 1999 that has been touted as "''X-COM'' meets ''[[Day of the Dead (1985 film)|Day of the Dead]]'' in real-time."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escmag.com/v5/reviews/review.cfm?rv=19 |title=Abomination: The Nemesis Project - ESCMag Review |publisher=Escmag.com |date=1999-12-15 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191847/http://www.escmag.com/v5/reviews/review.cfm?rv=19 |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref>
* ''Aliens versus Humans'' is a ''UFO: Enemy Unknown'' clone for the [[iPhone]], [[iPad]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aliensvshumansapp.com/ |title=Aliens versus Humans / retro iPhone game |publisher=Aliensvshumansapp.com |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904125828/http://www.aliensvshumansapp.com/ |archive-date=2013-09-04 }}</ref> Gollop highlighted it an example of "[[Indie game|indie]] [[Video game remake|remake]]s" in his "X-Com legacy" chart.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP7VjbuNEzg Classic Games Postmortem - XCOM: UFO Defense] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103165352/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP7VjbuNEzg |date=2014-11-03 }}, presentation of Julian Gollop on the GDC, March 28, 2013 ([[GameSpot]]).</ref>
*''Guardians: Agents of Justice'' was an unreleased game by [[Simtex]] and MicroProse,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.unseen64.net/2010/06/06/guardians-agents-of-justice-pc-cancelled/ |title=Guardians: Agents of Justice (PC - Cancelled) |newspaper=Unseen64: Beta, Cancelled & Unseen Videogames! |publisher=Unseen 64 |date=2010-06-06 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604183937/http://www.unseen64.net/2010/06/06/guardians-agents-of-justice-pc-cancelled/ |archive-date=2012-06-04 }}</ref> which was described as "a superhero version of ''X-COM''."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2000/08/25/curse-of-the-superheroes |title=Curse of the Superheroes? - IGN |date=25 August 2000 |publisher=Uk.ign.com |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204808/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2000/08/25/curse-of-the-superheroes |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=NG Alphas: Agents of Justice |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=33 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=September 1997|pages=90–91 |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_33/page/n91}}</ref>
* ''[[Incubation: Time Is Running Out]]'' is a turn-based combat PC game that was considered to be "what ''X-Com Apocalypse'' should have been".<ref name=incubation-reviews>{{cite web | title=Incubation Reviews | publisher=Blue Byte | url=http://www.bluebyte.net/eng/products/incubation/p_reviews.htm | access-date=2010-06-23 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109044652/http://www.bluebyte.net/eng/products/incubation/p_reviews.htm | archive-date=2011-01-09 }}</ref> It was developed and released by German company [[Blue Byte]] in 1997.
* ''Isomer'' was an indie strategy game project, currently abandoned,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://steamcommunity.com/app/311980/discussions/|title=Isomer Steam forums discussion|date=October 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021002115/http://steamcommunity.com/app/311980/discussions/|archive-date=October 21, 2016}}</ref> that was also heavily influenced by the ''X-COM'' series as well as other games such as ''[[Dwarf Fortress]]'' and ''[[Minecraft]]''. It blends realtime strategy combat with world exploration and sandbox gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ionisingsoftware.co.uk/isomer/|title=Isomer the alphafunded XCOM-like indie game|publisher=ionisingsoftware.co.uk|access-date=2014-06-12|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625135619/http://www.ionisingsoftware.co.uk/isomer/|archive-date=2014-06-25}}</ref>
* ''[[UFO: Aftermath]]'' is a 2003 single-player PC strategy and real-time tactics game which was heavily influenced by the ''X-COM'' series and used elements of the Mythos Games' canceled ''The Dreamland Chronicles''. It was created by Czech company [[ALTAR Interactive]] and published by Tri Synergy.
** ''Aftermath'' was followed by two sequels: ''[[UFO: Aftershock]]'' in 2005 and ''[[UFO: Afterlight]]'' in 2007.
* ''[[UFO: Extraterrestrials]]'', a PC strategy / turn-based tactics game that is an unofficial sequel to the ''X-COM'' games, developed by Czech developer Chaos Concept and released by Tri Synergy in 2007.
**The follow-up game, ''UFO2Extraterrestrials: Shadows over Earth'' was originally supposed to be released in Q4 of 2012, but as of 2021 has no official release date.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ufo2extraterrestrials.com/shadows-over-earth.htm|title = UFO2Extraterrestrials: Battle for Mercury}}</ref> It still remains in development simultaneously with ''UFO2Extraterrestrials: Battle for Mercury'' which is announced to launch Spring of 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ufo2extraterrestrials.com/ |title=Home |website=ufo2extraterrestrials.com}}</ref>
* ''UFO Online'' (unrelated to ''UFO Online: Fight for Earth'') is a [[free-to-play]], tactical [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]] that is available only in Russian.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ufo-game.ru/ |title=UFO Online - News |publisher=Ufo-game.ru |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907002828/http://www.ufo-game.ru/ |archive-date=2013-09-07 }}</ref>
* ''UFO Online: Fight for Earth'' is a Steam and browser-based [[Massively multiplayer online game|massively multiplayer]] tactical game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ufo-online.gamigo.com/ |title=''UFO Online – Fight for Earth'' website |publisher=Ufo-online.gamigo.com |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302095654/http://ufo-online.gamigo.com/ |archive-date=2012-03-02 }}</ref> Gollop called it "actually more a clone of ''Incubation''."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/julian-gollop-xcom?page=2 |title=Julian Gollop on XCOM - Edge Magazine |publisher=Edge-online.com |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326154744/http://www.edge-online.com/features/julian-gollop-xcom?page=2 |archive-date=2012-03-26 }}</ref> It can be played in the free-to-play system using a [[micropayment]] system to generate revenue.
* ''[[Xenonauts]]'' is a PC strategy game by British independent studio Goldhawk Interactive, again heavily influenced by the ''X-COM'' series. It is being marketed as a [[Cold War]]-era (1979 instead of 1999) re-imagining of the original ''UFO: Enemy Unknown'' and an answer to 2K's ''The Bureau: XCOM Declassified'' which alienated some of the ''X-COM'' fanbase due to its FPS-based gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/xenonauts-capitalizes-on-xcom-rage|title=Xenonauts capitalizes on XCOM rage|first=Andrew|last=Yoon|publisher=Joystiq|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212160715/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/xenonauts-capitalizes-on-xcom-rage|archive-date=2015-02-12}}</ref> The game missed several release dates, but was finally released in June 2014.
** ''[[Xenonauts 2]]'' is currently in development.

The franchise was also referenced in the ''[[Civilization (series)|Civilization]]'' series of strategy video games that had partially inspired ''X-COM'' in first place. The original game received an unofficial sequel in the 1997 expansion set ''Civ II: Fantastic Worlds'' for MicroProse's ''[[Civilization II]]'', in a scenario set on the [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]] moon of Mars.<ref>Michael E. Ryan, [http://www.gamespot.com/civ-ii-fantastic-worlds/reviews/civ-ii-fantastic-worlds-review-2538413/ Civ II: Fantastic Worlds Review] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229024245/http://www.gamespot.com/civ-ii-fantastic-worlds/reviews/civ-ii-fantastic-worlds-review-2538413/ |date=December 29, 2011 }}, GameSpot, December 18, 1997</ref> Firaxis' ''[[Civilization V]]'' features a unit type named XCOM Squad.

=== Fan games ===
Fan-remake projects for ''UFO: Enemy Unknown'' have included ''X-com - Last Hope'' (a mod of ''[[Half-Life 2]]'' released in 2006),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moddb.com/mods/x-com-last-hope |title=X-com - Last Hope mod for Half-Life 2 |publisher=Mod DB |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193629/http://www.moddb.com/mods/x-com-last-hope |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref> ''UFO: The Two Sides'' (development halted in 2011 due to copyright issues),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ufotts.ninex.info/ |title=UFO: The Two Sides |publisher=Ufotts.ninex.info |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012043914/http://ufotts.ninex.info/ |archive-date=2011-10-12 }}</ref> ''UFO: Cydonia's Fall'' (canceled in 2012),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ufo.freelanzer.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412000320/http://ufo.freelanzer.com/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-04-12|title=UFO: Cydonia's Fall - Temporary Site|date=2012-04-12|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref> ''X-COM: Origin'' (canceled in 2013),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xcomorigin.com/ |title=X-COM: Origin |publisher=Xcomorigin.com |date=2012-02-15 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718072517/http://xcomorigin.com/ |archive-date=2013-07-18 }}</ref> and ''The Rebel Squad'' (an also defunct project by [[Sam Liu]]).<ref>{{cite web|author=Arne Niklas Jansson |url=http://itchstudios.com/psg/rebelsquad/rebelsquad.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417221413/http://itchstudios.com/psg/rebelsquad/rebelsquad.htm |archive-date=2012-04-17 |title=PSG RebelSquad |date=2012-04-17 |access-date=2013-08-22}}</ref>

* ''[[UFO: Alien Invasion]]'' is an open source, cross-platform, 3D strategy / turn-based tactics fan game heavily influenced by the ''X-COM'' series.
** A similar open source game, but which never left a pre-release phase (last updated in 2011) was ''X-Force: Fight for Destiny''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Christian Reich |url=http://www.xforce-online.de/ |title=X-Force: Fight For Destiny - Home |publisher=Xforce-online.de |date=2011-08-31 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719091110/http://xforce-online.de/ |archive-date=2013-07-19 }}</ref> 
** Another, ''Project Xenocide'', was aborted in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.projectxenocide.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114223706/http://projectxenocide.com/|url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-01-14 |title=News |publisher=Project Xenocide |access-date=2013-08-22 }}</ref>
* ''Xenowar'' is an open source, simple tactical game for the Android and Windows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xenowar.net/ |title=Official ''Xenowar'' website |publisher=Xenowar.net |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904103723/http://www.xenowar.net/ |archive-date=2013-09-04 }}</ref>
* ''X-Com: Tactical'' is a board game reproducing the squad tactics element of the first game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/18206 |title=X-Com: Tactical &#124; Board Game |publisher=BoardGameGeek |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331021705/http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/18206 |archive-date=2012-03-31 }}</ref>

== See also ==
*''[[Laser Squad]]'': a science fiction tactical game by the original creators of ''X-COM'' and an immediate predecessor of ''X-COM'' (''UFO: Enemy Unknown'' originally began development as ''Laser Squad 2''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1034964/interview_with_xcom_creator_julian_gollop.html |title=Interview With XCOM Creator Julian Gollop |publisher=NowGamer |date=2011-08-30 |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205043247/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1034964/interview_with_xcom_creator_julian_gollop.html |archive-date=2013-02-05 }}</ref>).
* [[Rebelstar (series)|''Rebelstar'' series]]: precursor games to both ''Laser Squad'' and the ''X-COM'' series, also created by the same developers.

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
*{{official website|http://www.xcom.com}}
*{{moby game|id=-group/x-com-series}}
* [http://www.firaxis.com/?/news/single/xcom-commanders-jake-solomon-and-julian-gollop-interviewed XCOM Commanders: Jake Solomon and Julian Gollop interviewed] at [[Firaxis Games]]
*[http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/x-com-ufo-defense/1216654p1.html Enemy Unknown: An X-COM Retrospective] at [[GameSpy]]

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