XCOM: Enemy Unknown Coming To iOS

Firaxis Games' XCOM: Enemy Unknown is headed to iOS devices. The strategy game will be playable on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch this summer.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a re-imagined version of the 1994 game X-COM: UFO Defense. The game puts players at the head of a secretive agency charged with protecting Earth from extraterrestrials. Players must monitor alien activity throughout the globe and respond to it with force. They can scramble jets to shoot down UFO's, or send teams of agents into battle against alien ground forces. Players will directly control their agents in turn-based battles. They're also in charge of researching new technologies to ensure that their team is adequately equipped to stop the alien invasion.

The Polygon report on the iOS version says that it's meant as "complete port" of the console and PC edition. iOS gamers can expect all of the features from the original version. The UI has been revamped to better accommodate touchscreen controls.

One important sacrifice was made to fit XCOM on mobile devices, though. There won't be as many maps in the iOS XCOM due to file size restrictions. The turn-based battles are a pivotal part of the game so it's too bad that smartphone gamers will have fewer maps to experience. Maybe 2K will sell additional maps to get around the limits on file size, though?

2K China is charge of the port. Firaxis Games is said to be providing assistance to the Shanghai-based studio, though.

XCOM was released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC this fall. 2K recently announced an Elite Edition for Mac.