XCOM: Enemy Unknown Available For Pre-Load On Steam

Just in case you've forgotten (and you'd be forgiven, given the packed fall video game schedule), XCOM: Enemy Unknown is launching tomorrow, October 9. Even better is that it's available for pre-load on Steam right now, so if you've already purchased it, you can load the game on your rig early and be ready to play right when the clock strikes midnight. What's more exciting than that?

How about this: pre-ordering the game through Steam nets you some very attractive pre-order bonuses. The first bonus is the Elite Soldier Pack, which doesn't seem to be more than a set of skins for your foot soldiers. The second bonus is a pack of three XCOM-themed items for use in Team Fortress 2, which is nice if not unexpected considering that you're pre-ordering through Steam. While those two packs aren't much to write home about, the third bonus is – a free copy of Civilization V which, despite what a handful of very loud dissenters say, is a really good game.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is something of a response to the fan outcry over XCOM, which is an incoming tactical FPS reboot of the series. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a tactical turn-based strategy game, much more similar to the XCOM games of years past, and it's safe to say that fan enthusiasm is running high. There appears to be good reason for that excitement too, as early reviews of the game are excellent. XCOM: Enemy Unknown currently boasts a 91 out of 100 on Metacritic, so if you want a game that stays true to the franchise, it looks like Enemy Unknown is it.

As for the other upcoming XCOM game, it still doesn't have a release date. XCOM has been in development since 2006, and though 2K was showing it off back in 2010, it's been delayed numerous times. If you want to play a brand new XCOM title, it looks like XCOM: Enemy Unknown is your only choice for the time being, though we doubt many die-hard series fans will be complaining about that.