X-COM Creator Working on 3DS

The old Costner-related adage is true. Nintendo built it, and they’re coming. Adding his name to an already-impressive lineup of talent, Julian Gollop recently confirmed that he’s developing turn-based strategy title for the Nintendo 3DS. Gollop created the cult hit X-COM: UFO Defense and its spiritual successor Laser Squad Nemesis.

“I am now working on a turn-based tactical RPG which will be a 3DS launch title. Thanks to Advance Wars, Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics it seems turn-based games are not totally dead – at least for Nintendo handhelds,” Gollop said.

He then mused on Nintendo’s most popular franchise.

“I would argue that Pokemon has a lot of parallels with X-COM in its game system, despite being classified as an RPG,” Gallop said. “The core of Pokemon is a turn-based tactical battle enriched by a sophisticated higher level meta-game that allows players to experiment with many game elements and combinations of forces – and Pokemon is the second most successful game franchise in the world. If done right, would an X-COM game with a turn-based combat system be successful? Absolutely!”

Some sluthery by TinyCartridge indicates that Gallop may be working on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Lead the Ghosts, given that his LinkedIn profile puts him working at Ubisoft, and the title certainly sounds like a turn-based action game.

Either way, more talent on the 3DS is a great thing. Let’s look forward to what springs forth out of the mind that brought us Sectoids and Ethereals.

[via Edge Online and TinyCartridge]