Negativity time!
I seriously wonder what's the point in creating this game.
So far it's mostly a complete copy of the old game with some (good) changes in the air combat department.
But the old X-com already has a copycal "spiritual succesor" (Extraterestials) a boatload of not so direct succesors (UFO series) a TON of free fan projects (too many to cite) and even a legit sequel (Enemy Unknown).
From my point of view the entire idea of making (another) X-Com remake is about as insane as selling ice on the north pole (with people living in the neighboring igloo giving it away for free).
Having played all other ones, and watched a few videos of Xenonauts, I can answer that!
- Extraterrestrials takes the game in a different direction
- UFO series takes the game in a different direction
- UFO:AI is close, but develops the original ideas differently. It's also open source, and has some quality control issues.
- Enemy Unknown is not even close in gameplay
- XCOM: Interceptor and XCOM: Apocalypse took the gameplay in a new direction, and not everyone was happy with it
Did I miss any?
Anyways, Xenonauts is the closest in feel and look to the original. It's an updated game with novel aliens and technologies, more modern approach to equipment, and a different setting. That's good enough in my books to exist. They are also seem to be taking the project very seriously.
EDIT: By modern equipment, I mean in terms of logical craft design and pistol/shotgun/assault rifle/HMG/sniper set up that is so common in military games nowadays
They also are taking a novel approach to the tech tree, most reminescent of UFO: Aftermath. That alone is enough to interest me.