X-Com 'Re-Imagined' as FPS by BioShock 2 Dev

BioShock 2 developer 2K Marin is to revive the classic turn-based tactical PC series X-COM as a first-person shooter, publisher 2K Games announced today.

The first XCOM screenshot and 1994's UFO: Enemy Unknown.

"True to the roots of the franchise," according to 2K, the PC and Xbox 360 shooter named simply 'XCOM' will put players "in charge of overcoming high-stake odds through risky strategic gambits coupled with heart-stopping combat experiences that pit human ingenuity--and frailty--against a foe beyond comprehension" as an FBI agent.

"With BioShock 2, the team at 2K Marin proved themselves as masters of first-person, suspenseful storytelling, and with XCOM they will re-imagine and expand the rich lore of this revered franchise," said 2K president Christoph Hartmann in a press statement. "Players will explore the world of XCOM from an immersive new perspective and experience firsthand the fear and tension of this gripping narrative ride."

The X-COM series was begun in 1994 by Mythos with UFO: Enemy Unknown, blending base management, research and production with turn-based combat. The series was re-released on Steam and other outlets after 2K owner Take-Two picked up the rights.

Rumours had swirled since 2007 that BioShock creator Irrational Games would revive the franchise--which studio head Ken Levine has described as "sort of like my first love"--and resumes indicated that former Irrational studio 2K Australia was involved.

There's no word yet on when XCOM is scheduled to be released.