Homeworld Review
An old gaming buddy of mine, Stooge_Baal, introduced me to Homeworld, and when I first played it I had some misgivings about the game.
1) It was a resource hog for the time it came out, which made my system drop out and glitch every now and then.
2) The missions were limited in terms of scope. The game itself was so immaginative and impressive that I think some attention was lacking in designing the missions. They're impressive, but could've been so much more.
3) I couldn't pilot a single ship. I was delegated strictly to the role of admiral/fleet-captain. I couldn't jump into the cockpit or bridge of one of these ships, and take a hands on approach to fighting.
Ergo my following thoughts; there are so many positives about this game that I can't help but give it five stars. However, if I were to make a mod or have the developers create an expansion for Homeworld, it would be to create a "realism" mode where players could fight over vast distances. I'm talking millions of kilometers here; AU size strategic ranges, with perhaps tactical distances being more akin to modern BVR engagement for today's jet fighters. I also would love to be able to have been able to pilot one of the ships, and/or man a gun turret while my AI controlled the rest of my assets.
Otherwise, in terms of graphics this game is visually striking. And I truly mean that. Vivendi did their homework when it came to developing this game, and it was created with love and passion for the science fiction space opera genre.
The music, story and backgrounds are blended supurbly. This is truly an impressive production, but, like I say, I had my own personal misgivings of what I wanted. Still, my personal tastes shouldn't detract from what surely is quality game design.
Like I say those are just my personal takes on what else I would have liked in this this game. I know it's been about ten years since this game first came out, and seeing as how the whole franchise seems to have been put permanently on hiatus, the possibility of this series being revived are slim and none. Too bad, because it deserves better.
Homeworld is the space-game other corporate driven studios would have loved to have produced, but, because of their own power structures dictating their creativity, can't. They're incapable of doing so, and when they tried tended to botch the effort.
If you haven't tried Homeworld, then do yourself a favor and buy a used copy. Every good science fiction fan owes it to themselves. The missions are somewhat linear, and lack what could have been a larger dynamicism, but the gameplay is respectable enough that you should be able to enjoy the story and wonderful graphics that rival today's top of the line space-sims.
Homeworld Feature
- Engage in 16 single-player missions, or play on-line with up to seven others.
- Choose unit types, fleet formations, and flight tactics for each combat group.
- Construct 54 ships ranging from light fighters to huge carriers.
- Completely customize your game, from fuel consumption to color schemes.
- Detailed weapons systems including ion cannons, guided missiles, and space mines.
Upon the discovery of an ancient galactic map inscribed with the words "our home," the people of Kharak began construction of a massive mother ship and fleet to traverse the galaxy and reach their long-rumored home world. Players construct, maintain, and control the Kharak fleet through 16 challenging single-player missions or against fellow humans on Sierra's WON.net online gaming service. During the solo campaign, you'll face literally hundreds of enemy vessels. All friendly and enemy ships, ranging from small, yet dangerously quick interceptors to the powerful, though expensive destroyers and heavy cruisers, are rendered with exquisite detail; further, expect plenty of impressive visual effects, from the glowing ship exhaust to fiery explosions. Adding to the pluses, Homeworld's thoughtful interface design eases the intense--and often complicated--resource gathering and combat situations. --Doug Radcliffe Item number 22528-45, Grading is cover/record: VG using Goldmine standards. 195?,tear ol Please see seller profile for abbreviation descriptions.
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Customer Reviews
Awesome game! - Raptor -
Homeworld is an epic story that was a first of its kind. It has amazing graphics for the time. If you are into older gaming or just enjoy an amazing storyline, then this game is for you. The tutorial is a bit lengthy, but brings you up to speed. I run this game on 32-bit Vista with no compatability problems. If you are just looking for a space RTS with amazing graphics, you probably want to go for Sins of Solar Empire, but that game has nothing in terms of plot development.
In Homeworld, your race has developed hyperdrive technology from an ancient wreck. You find out your race comes from another planet. The goal of the game is to return to that planet. Along the way you will meet a few friends and many enemies. Overall, its a fun game that takes between 10 to 20 hours to beat the story.
Although, the box looks like the original, its not. It does not include the manuals, just the cd. The manuals are on the cd, but if your looking for paper copies, you need to look elsewhere. If you're just looking for the game, this is it!
Original then, refreshing now, still one of the BEST - Wearbe - Wyoming
This game became an INSTANT classic in my massive PC game library when it first came out. Of the many times I have agonized over possibly selling some of my collection this game has NEVER been placed under the pricing label gun. In fact, it still holds its place at the top of the bookshelf in my honored top 10 all-time best games line up.
There are plenty of reviews here talking about the innovative, spherical 3D real-time strategy design so I'll just focus on the fun factor. This game was mind-blowingly fun back when it was first released. I spent hours and days and weeks marveling at how beautiful it was and how fluid and free it felt to play. I attached my camera to ships and squadrons and went for the looping, spinning, spiraling ride when we attacked the enemy formations. I played the game a number of different times trying different tactics. It was a revolutionary game on all fronts, including the FUN front.
Recently I reinstalled this game as I had just played a half dozen semi-decent, total-rehash-of-previously-done-subject-matter games and I needed a refreshing experience that I knew would provide me with the fun I was missing. I was expecting to be slightly shocked at grossly pixilated graphics (as I usually am when I revisit an old favorite like Outwars) but I was, once again, awed by the beauty of the game and doubly impressed at the story delivery vehicle of black and white semi-animated screens with the smooth narration and hauntingly beautiful music.
As a much more mature and experienced gamer, my appreciation for this game has only been compounded. If you don't have this game, stop reading NOW and go get it. You will not be sorry, I guarantee it. This game still stands strong as one of the best games available today.
Jul 01, 2010 07:27:08
