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PayPalI've been having an internal debate with myself about covering this one, since I'm a huge fan of XCOM-like games but the developer of XENONAUTS 2 isn't yet fully committing to a Linux version.
We've had a lot of messages about it though, so in this case I'm covering it simply because people seem to want us to. We're here for what you want after all! The good news, is that the goal of £50K has been smashed with around £69K being pledged.
Here's what they say about Linux support on the Kickstarter FAQ:
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 (hopefully 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 yes, there's probably going to be Mac / Linux versions of Xenonauts-2. However if you can only play the game on Mac / Linux then it's probably best to hold off backing the project until we're able to tell you that for certain!
We spoke to the developer on Twitter, who seemed positive about it. Indicating a Linux release may be possible when it comes to Early Access. Who knows, perhaps Linux & Mac will be on of the stretch goals?
It really would be a huge shame if it didn't come to Linux and be properly supported, because it really does look quite good. They're planning a GOG and Steam release, with GOG hosting a pre-alpha demo.
We will be keeping a close eye on it, so if they do commit to a Linux version, we will be shouting it from the rooftops as usual. Find it on Kickstarter if you wish to see more,.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
TheRiddick Jun 21, 2018
If Xenonauts developer can move to Vulkan API with the Unity3D engine then it will probably make it a whole lot easier in the long run.
But what's more important, the developer said that they might bring a new Jagged Alliance after Xenonauts 2.
At least they have the correct graphical representation for it based on Unity.
Their screenshots of Xenonauts 2 remind me so much of Jagged Alliance 2.
I think it would not need too much effort to make a Jagged Alliance remake based on that.
I recommend the open and no-cost game OpenXcom or the game UFO: Alien Invasion. Both are excellent spiritual successors of the original XCOM game.
TheRiddick Jun 22, 2018
Basically this limited their ability to make a port, the original coder who worked on the engine at the time left the company so they kinda were at a dead end with it hence the legacy linux support.
Also, I know about the devs no longer updating the Linux port (read it here on GoL), that's a shame, but Unity3D will make supporting a Linux version all that easier.
Looking forward to kill those pesky aliens.
Quoting: theghostI would not back if the developer just "hopes to get Mac/Linux versions".
But what's more important, the developer said that they might bring a new Jagged Alliance after Xenonauts 2.
At least they have the correct graphical representation for it based on Unity.
Their screenshots of Xenonauts 2 remind me so much of Jagged Alliance 2.
I think it would not need too much effort to make a Jagged Alliance remake based on that.
I love JA2, I also liked a lot 7.62 High Caliber, which is a homage of sorts to JA. JA had a lot more tactical options than XCOM or Xenonauts, such as prone, crawling, moving while crouching, AP cost for changing the direction the unit is looking. Might look the same, but a JA sequel that follows up to JA 1 or 2 might not be an easy task.
TheRiddick Jun 22, 2018
3D will also allow for better details and perhaps unlocking of camera angles? dunno if that is going to be a thing or not.
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