XCOM: Enemy Unknown release dates announced

Highly anticipated action-strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available for purchase in North America on October 9, 2012.  It will be released internationally on October 12, 2012.

In addition, when pre-ordering XCOM: Enemy Unknown from participating retailers you will receive the Elite Soldier Pack, a launch bonus offering "top-of-the-line soldier customization features" that will be available for only a limited time.  The Elite Soldier Pack includes:

• Classic X-COM Soldier: Players will instantly receive a new recruit in their barracks inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defense. The iconic soldier with the blonde, flattop hairstyle will return in his full glory, modernized with the rest of the XCOM universe.
• Soldier Deco packs: Players can customize their soldier with several aesthetic upgrades to armor suits, including the new Hyperion and Reaper soldier armor kits.
• Complete color customization: A variety of colors and tints for all armor sets in the game allow players complete control to customize their squad’s look.

There will also be a special edition of XCOM: Enemy Unknown available exclusively for PC that contains a variety of "unique XCOM items".

“As we reimagine XCOM, one of our goals is to evolve the experience while recognizing what made X-COM one of the greatest PC games to date,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “It’s important to create an experience that is appealing to both existing fans and newcomers to the world of XCOM, which is what we’re doing with XCOM: Enemy Unknown.”

There will be a special edition of XCOM: Enemy Unknown available at launch that will contain a copy of the game for PC and a number of unique XCOM items, including an art book; fold-out poster of the XCOM headquarters; XCOM insignia patch; and a collection of digital bonus assets such as desktop wallpaper, soundtrack and more.

“XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the answer to the 15-year craving that X-COM fans have been experiencing,” said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. “We wanted to find a special way to honor these die-hard fans, and the special edition and Elite Soldier Pack are just the way to do it.”

XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.