Cortex Command is a divisive game. Some consider it proof that alphafunding cannot work, and that the development of it highlights all the worst elements of the indie scene. I consider it to be a fine and positive example of passionate indie development. One day, over a decade ago, Daniel Tabar decided to make a game that he, personally, wanted to play. A strange blend of elements that has condensed into (in his own words) a blend of Liero, X-Com and Metal Slug. That game is Cortex Command, and it’s finally going to be released later this month.

While the game is likely going to be available in classic DRM-free format via the Humble Store, it has already been confirmed that if you bought the game previously – either via the Humble Bundle it was featured in, or direct from the developer – that you’ll be getting a Steam activation key, too. One feature that won’t quite make launch, but is due shortly afterwards is Steam Workshop support, providing a built-in infrastructure for distributing and downloading the hundreds (if not thousands) of mods the game has already spawned.

No matter your feelings on the game, it’s been a long time coming, and there’s undeniably a strong and dedicated fanbase behind it, already producing everything from small weapons mods to full total conversions, complete with their own campaign structures and stories. You can read more about the game on the official site here, and see the developer himself explaining the ins and outs of the dynamic campaign mode in the extensive gameplay video above. We’ll be picking apart the finished product when it releases sometime in the next week or two.

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   Now Approaching Completion, ‘Cortex Command’ Test Build 27 Releases Soon
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   Data Realms: ‘Cortex Command’ Should Be Coming Out In 2012
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   Humble Bundle Scammers Cause Steam Keys To Rise To $1 Minimum