One of the key features of the original "XCOM" title is that players automatically recover alien technology that allow them to upgrade their own weapons and construct a better version of their equipment. At the end of each mission, reverse-engineering one type of alien technology gets certain points, and is finished if the research percentage gets to a hundred percent.
Developers say that the loot system for stolen tech is one of the things they have tweaked to make a better "XCOM" sequel. Speaking to Gamespot, lead producer for "XCOM 2" Garth DeAngelis said that in the new game, there will be an added feature where players can manually steal and recover alien technology data by ransacking enemy corpses, and placing tech information in each of the squad members' backpacks.
"You'll be able to take them back to base and do some very, very cool stuff — such as customizing your weapons, and customizing the inherent attributes of your soldiers," he said.
In addition, it seems that "XCOM 2" centers heavily on player stats, progressing higher as each mission is finished. However, a skill feature that relies not on stats but rather on techniques and tactics on each mission is the "concealment phase." At the start of each mission, players are concealed from enemies. Based on how stealthy their approach is — capitalizing on repeated enemy patrol routes and taking cover when an alien enemy is near — the team will be able to finish the mission without the aliens detecting them.
However, players are encouraged check out cover zones first, since damage on the environment is also possible in "XCOM 2," much like in the original title. For example, taking cover behind vehicles and steel barriers will not be enough since the Advent's magnetic weapons can shoot down the surroundings, making mincemeat out of everything that has iron on them.
"XCOM 2" will be launched as a PC-exclusive in November.
