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Notes -
They did foreshadow a "terror from the deep 2" sequel pretty hard with the ending cut scene, didn't they? But maybe they realized an asset swap cash-in like the first TFTD wasn't an option, and had to get creative.
Nah I agree with @SubstantialFrivolity. The plot of the first was fascinating -the humans are able to fight the aliens without getting immediately wiped out because the Ethereals (aliens) have noticed a dire threat, and are seeking to Uplift a race genetically, mechanically, and psionically, because their own genetic potential has failed to meet the threat. They think humanity is the last chance to defeat this unknown threat, so they've been training us by fighting us and allowing us to slowly receive their technology.
Then for the plot of XCOM 2,the aliens won and took over Earth, so they basically rehash the same plot again. You are a human commander fighting the aliens. And when the story ends, what do you know! The aliens say the exact same thing, "you shouldn't destroy us we are preparing you for a greater threat!."
It's just lazy writing in my opinion. They failed to execute on the great base they set up. (Not sure why I felt the need to spoiler tag, but they're great games if you haven't played them.)
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