How many concepts from the original game do you think will return? I only just recently heard about this remake.
Hmm, there was an article written about it on a gaming magazine. This is what I remember.
-Firaxis Games are developing the game.
-There's still a map of the whole globe that takes place in real-time, while the combat is turn-based.
-Soldiers can permanently die, and they seem to be customizable, given that I saw a picture on that magazine where it showed a menu that listed an option for first name, last name, nickname, and various customization options, such as hair styles and whatnot.
-Research is definitely in.
-Still the remote tanks out there.
-You only have one major base (which you have a view of it from the side instead of top down), but you can put up listening posts and satellite coverage.
-At least, Sectoids, Mutons, and Cyberdisks are back (with new looks and functions). Also, a new alien was introduced: the Thin Man. It looks like an unusually elongated person that has the ability to jump very high, spit acid, and also blow up into acid chunks when dead.
-Time Units have been replaced with a system of move+action or move+move. Ammo is now a non-issue, but you still need to reload, and that takes an action.
-Cover is available, although I'm not sure if it was destructible or not.
-There's a 4-man mission limit at the beginning, but higher soldier limits are possible with upgrades.
-Rookies don't have predetermined stats: you have to level them up a bit before finding out their specializations.
-There seems to be an experience bonus if you can finish a mission while keeping everyone alive.
That's all I remember so far. Looks like it's gonna be a good game.