XCOM: Enemy within to be release this 2nd week of November

I have mentioned before XCOM will release an update this year, but I was wrong on mentioning it's just a DLC before on my blog http://philgadgames.blogspot.com/2013/09/xcom-enemy-within-dlc-not-expansion-is.html.

But, it seems like DLC to me since I have the PC version, and the only way I can purchase the expansion is thru steam, which by the way, they still blocks my IP address since someone in our IP block merited to be blocked and in the process also blocked everyone else with the same masked IP.

Currently released, here in the Philippines as mentioned by DataBlitz... fingers crossed that I get one later.

XCOM Enemy Within DLC, not an expansion, is going to be released in November 2013

Most of us are expecting an expansion pack for the XCOM game, but instead we have additional content, new upgrades for the units and new enemies.  This is usually accompanied by new campaign, but this one is just new units for both XCOM and the aliens.

I think, it's a bit expensive just to have an upgrade on units.  I don't know. Steam is giving me a hard time connecting to their server, since my area's shared IP has been blocked.

I'll buy, if it comes with a box in our local store.  Not buying if directly from steam.  I still like my box and DVD package.

Update: This game has already been released in the Philippines, but those who bought the installer need to wait for Nov 15 to start playing the game.  Also correction, this is an expansion pack in a sense it expands the game with new weapons and enemies.  With new enemies, there come new goals to the game.  I have been playing with it for a few hours and the game expansion does improve the game.  I also noticed the easy mode is still hard to play.  I started with normal and I got my butt kicked most of the time.  I can't wait for XCOM 2, next year hopefully a continued story rather than new faction and additional equipment.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC version Review

XCOM: Enemy unknown is a very addictive game, if you are into the classic turn based strategy games.  I find myself spending half a day playing the game without realizing it already took more than 3 hours playing a couple of missions.

The game itself has a following, since the original XCOM game was release a decade ago.  The game is like a chess game, you have your troops go against the alien threat.  You move your troops individually and give them the weapons they need in battle.  It's micro-manage game at its finest.

I still dream of playing it before, but was not able to do so in faster PC, since the processor speed has improve, playing the DOS game was like seeing "The Flash" in all my troops.  This new release of the same game with improvement is a great reincarnation of the original.

What is the game all about?
The game is all about strategy, individual movement of troops, tech research, and total elimination of the alien threat.  You basically, have a base where you do your research, improve the capability of your troops with better weapons, buy & sell alien tech, launch satellites, produce weapons and armor, and other great things no other game provides.

This new version of the game, is the best I have seen.  It has the core concept of the original, with great improvement in game play and overall experience. There are other releases from other companies with the same XCOM title, but this one is the only one with high praises from game critics.  Why they gave it such a high rating?  Due to the great new layout of the base, they made it like an ant farm concept.  They made the game play a bit simple.  Another improvement is the micro-management isn't as hard as the previous releases of the game.

Replay Value
As a fan of the original X-com game, this is the best remake I have played.  Sure there are some things the game can improve on, but this release is great and not as messy as other releases.

The replay value for me is very high.  I still play the game after a couple of months I bought it.  I have completed the game a couple of times, in easy and normal mode.  The game has a high replay value, since I still enjoy playing it even when I have finished the whole campaign twice before.

Overall
Overall, I give this game a must buy.  I have played a lot of computer games before, but this game is just the right game for people who have a bit of time to play, but wouldn't invest much on leveling up, getting trophies, and buying items with real money.

It's a great value for your money.  Just for the pure fun and replay-ability you get what your money is worth and more.  I don't regret buying this game.  With just this game on my laptop, I can have hours of fun, without me thinking of other games I should be playing with right now.  And since, it's a turn based game, you have all the time in the world to think of strategy and tactics.  No one will hurry you up, you can sip coffee, eat your sandwich and still enjoy your game.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Available in the Philippines

I know, it's a bit late to announce this, but XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available in the Philippines since October 12, 2012.  Although, back then, when I tried to get a copy for PC, they were always out of stock; especially in the Rockwell Datablitz branch.

I was able to get a PC copy in Datablitz Megamall branch.  I'll write a review, after I play with it in Normal Difficulty.

DataBlitz priced the different formats as follows:

• P1,895 for PS3
• P1,695 for X360
• P1,595 for PC

Available Region: R3 / NTSC-J

They say it comes with the following DLC:

•  Classic X-COM Soldier
• Soldier Deco Packs
• Complete Color Customization

But I never notice them, they should come with the Games Installer in the first place.

You need Steam client to play.  And let me tell you, it's darn hard to download and install when the IP you  are using has been blocked by Steam.  Someone in my IP block must have done something to their website.