Xenonauts-2 is a “strategic planetary defense simulator” for Linux, Mac and Windows on Kickstarter. Which also happens to include a demo. And the crowdfunding campaign is already funded. In fact, the Kickstarter is well over double the $66,320 USD goal. So developer Goldhawk Interactive are now at $144,572 USD.
So gameplay puts players in charge of a clandestine military force. Since you are working to protect the planet from extraterrestrial invasion. And yes, this is the sequel to the acclaimed Xenonauts, successfully Kickstarted way back in 2012. Coming to Linux and Mac back in 2014.
Goldhawk are building a hugely complex strategy tactics game. So this will give you the player total control of your organisation. All the way from the command staff in your base down to the troops on the battlefield. Seeing this formula will be familiar to anyone who has played the classic X-Com games from the 90’s.
Xenonauts-2 will expand those foundations to create something deeper and more distinctive.
The action takes place in the modern day – but in an alternative timeline. Where decades of alien interference prevents the end of the Cold War. While leaving NATO and the Soviet Union teetering on the brink of a catastrophic nuclear war.
So, can you hold humanity together long enough to end the alien threat forever?
Linux support according to Kickstarter:
Xenonauts-2 will most likely natively support both Mac and Linux at release. But unfortunately we can’t offer a firm promise of this right now.
We’re keen to support both Mac and Linux. And theoretically we shouldn’t have any problem doing this. Because the Unity engine upon which we’re building Xenonauts-2 natively supports both. We plan to start experimenting with Mac and Linux builds shortly before our launch into Early Access. Hhopefully towards the end of the year. We just don’t want to take money for something we’re not yet completely sure we can deliver.
So that’s fair, Xenonauts-2 will may not have a day-one release. But that also means the developers are eager to issue a quality build. Which makes sense. That will minimize the support platform to focus on development. But here’s hoping we DO see Linux support sooner rather than later.
Playable Demo:
Check out the Alpha Demo, it’s for Windows only, but well worth playing on GOG and on HERE.
Goldhawk has been developing Xenonauts-2 for three years now and the game is in an advanced state. If you want to check out how things are progressing, download the free demo of a single tactical combat mission at the link above. Bear in mind this is still an alpha; expect it to improve a lot before release.
Xenonauts-2 is not a chronological sequel to the first Xenonauts. But rather an updated portrayal of similar events. The game is in development on Kickstarter for Windows PC and is expected to launch on Steam and GOG in late 2018. While a Linux and Mac release are confirmed, they may or may not be available on Early Access.