Homeworld is a space based RTS that was released in 1999 and the remastered version in 2015. This game was the top rated PC game the year of its release and the number four game on any platform that year as well. The biggest draw for me was the fact Homeworld is the first RTS with true 3D maneuvering. Full 3D makes this a true space game where you can act in any direction or orientation. I originally started playing through a download of the original game, but have since moved over to the remastered version through steam.
Why This Game?
Growing up I played RTS’s like Total Annihilation and Age of Empires. As I got older I started expanding the games I played and even looked at older games in the same period as ones I grew up with. As part of my search I wanted to play games that were the first at some area of game-play. Homeworld not only offered a chance to play the first 3D movement RTS, but has the same feel as other games I grew up with.
Homeworld also excels in another area I enjoy, the story. I have played a large number of RTS’s over the years and I can say not every one has a good story. As good as the Total Ware series may be the single player doesn’t have the most compelling story. Homeworld, Total Annihilation, and Age of Empires all excel in making the single player game-play more than just matches against the computer. Then Homeworld steps up above the others by not only having a story, but making the results of the previous mission effect the next.
The Story
In Homeworld you play as the Kushan’s starting from their home planet of Kharak. In the beginning you are operating a Mothership that the Kushans have built using technology from a crash discovered a century ago. The purpose of this craft is to lead an expedition to Hiigara. Hiigara is a planet the Kushans found maps to in the wreckage along with the hyperdrive technology for the mothership. As the game starts your home planet has the entire population wiped out by the opposing Taiidan Empire and the mission switches from exploration to survival.
As your fleet moves closer to Hiigara you face increased threats from the Taiidan Empire. Along the way you also find allies who can help you with knowledge and direct support. You also learn how there are multiple factions all descended from the people of Hiigara. You also learn that Hiigara is the capital of the Taiidan Empire. Upon your eventual victory over the Taiidan Empire over Hiigara itself the Kushan claim to Hiigara as their original homeworld is recognized.
Gameplay
Game Modes
Like most RTS games Homeworld features a single player campaign, computer versus, and multiplayer. One additional mode is extra missions that expand upon the single player game. The single player campaign is where I have spent most of my time. In the campaign you control the Kushan fleet on it’s way back to their homeworld. The most unique aspect of this campaign is the fact units from one mission carry to the next. This feature means that on replays you can adjust your strategy and build forces for not just the current task at hand, but future missions.
The extra missions add more campaign content that is in line with the single player campaign while not being part of the direct sequence. An example is going to find the source of pirates that have been attacking your fleet. These missions add depth to the world, and provide a one off game like a vs while still having objectives.
The computer versus and multiplayer both follow the standard RTS setup. You can choose your fleet faction, battle location, resources, etc. The computer versus can be a great space to try out different tactics. It is also a place to try out the other factions craft that you may end up facing in the campaign.
The Mothership
The center of the Kushan fleet is the Mothership. This ship functions as your base in the game. Once the mothership arrives in mission it is fixed in place. All of your construction will be done from the mothership. If lost in battle the mission is lost.
You will spend quite a bit of your time bouncing back to the mothership to manage the fleet. Construction and research are managed from the mothership. It is also important to keep an eye out for any attacks on the mothership.
Construction
Construction in Homeworld is broken down by craft class. The smallest class is fighters making up the quick attack assets. Next up is the corvette class, these are escort and salvage craft. The largest two classes are the frigate and capital. Rounding out the classes are resource and non-combat.
A good fleet makes use of a complementary mix. Part of that mix I find the most important is the salvage corvette. The salvage corvette is capable of capturing enemy craft, adding them to your fleet.
Resources
In order to conduct the research and construction you will need resources. Collecting the resources is done by the resource collector. Resources themselves can be found in the form of asteroids, or clouds of resources. Mined resources are brought back to the mothership, or to a nearby resource controller. A notable change to resources in the remastered collection is that all resources auto-collect at the end of a mission.
Research
In order to conduct research you need a research ship. The more research ships you have the faster research can be done. Up to six research ships can be built, and they will link together. Research will help to add new craft and improve existing craft and capabilities.
Movement
The thing that made Homeworld unique on it’s debut is the movement. You can move your ships in the plane they are in, but where it is unique is moving above and below the plane. This allows you to move units to defend or attack from multiple angles. This can take some time to get used to, but greatly opens up your options.
Your unit movement can be planned from either the main view, or the map view. For short moves or direct actions the normal camera is fine. I find the map view good for planning and executing large moves. The map also gives you a view of everything that is in your current sensor range.
Combat
Combat in 3D makes things interesting. Not only do you have to think in terms of above and below, but formations change as well. When you set units to guard they build up a sphere around the unit being protected. In open space you can use wall or line to array the craft. On the attack you can use formations like the claw to focus on enemies in its grip.
The nature of combat in 3D is one of the most enjoyable features of the game. You can work to lay traps above or below the plane your enemy is coming along. This is also a double edged sword as you have to keep your eyes peeled in all directions.
Hyperspace
Your arrival into most missions and exit from them is facilitated through hyperspace. To make the jump all of the small craft in your fleet will dock with the mothership while all larger craft align alongside. The layout of your fleet entering hyperspace will match its exit. This means when you arrive in a new mission you will have to wait on small craft to exit the mothership. You will also have to place your fleet back into any formation you prefer them in.
Final Thoughts
If you are a fan of classic 1990s RTS’s then I can strongly recommend this game. The graphics in the original are amazing for 1999 and even better in the remaster. The story is compelling as you fight for survival. The unique game-play and connected nature of the missions make this addictive and hard to set down. With the remastered edition available on steam, and frequently on sale I would suggest any RTS gamer pick up a copy.