2K Games has announced the UK release date for X-Com: Enemy Unknown. The anticipated franchise refresh is set to shoot onto shelves this October.

With the original X-Com released in 1994, and the last sequel launched as far back as 2001, followers of the franchise have been twiddling their thumbs for what feels an eternity.

The much loved strategy game's return to current-gen hardware has already been delayed after the reboot was originally pegged for March.

Developer Firaxis did show off X-Com's combat gameplay and base design to keep fans' ethusiasm whetted, though.

Looks a little alien, to me

The delays even led indie developers to reach out on Kickstarter for help to build their own take of an X-Com style game.

X-Com: Enemy Unknown hits the UK on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on 12 October 2012. A PC version, which'll come with a variety of exclusive in-game items, will release simultaneously. Now that makes a positive change. ®