A few years have handed because the launch of the newest Homeworld recreation set in area (Deserts of Kharak was roughly its personal factor). But, the sequence nonetheless has many followers, who’ve been demanding a brand new title and patiently ready to return to the celebs.
In the end, Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox publishing are bringing the sequence again to its spacefaring RTS roots, and I’ve performed a relatively intensive demo together with two full missions.
The very first thing I can inform you is that this time round Blackbird didn’t reinvent the wheel. The whole lot feels acquainted, from the visible model to the gameplay.
Whereas the graphics have been significantly boosted and reap the benefits of trendy tech like ray-tracing and extra, the a lot greater decision and visible high quality allow us to take pleasure in our spaceships in massively improved element.
But, like all the pieces else, the visuals really feel acquainted, because the builders have fastidiously recreated the artwork model of the unique video games, which is nice as a result of it contains a few of the most impressed mecha design in gaming. The franchise has at all times been identified for its candy, candy starships, and candy starships are precisely what we’re getting this time round as properly.
That being mentioned, what maybe takes essentially the most benefit of the 20+ years of technological advance is area itself, which is now way more stunning, denser, and stuffed with particulars to take pleasure in.
Whereas the controls really feel extra intuitive and snappy in comparison with the unique video games, additionally they made me really feel like I used to be taking part in an evolution of Homeworld, not a revolution, with all of the depth that I anticipated from a recreation of the franchise.
It isn’t by probability that I communicate of depth, as a result of your ships can transfer freely within the 3D area. Gamers who’re used to “boots on the bottom” RTS video games will seemingly want a while to adapt and relearn fundamental motion ideas, however I don’t suppose there’s a manner round this except the developer determined to dumb issues down, and fortunately they didn’t.
I discussed that area is now a lot denser, however it isn’t only a matter of visuals. These derelict obstacles and particles now supply hiding spots, stealthy routes, and canopy, including massively to the tactical depth of the gameplay.
A well-timed ambush is extraordinarily satisfying, and that is one thing that I can say about the entire of Homeworld 3 fight. RTS Area battles are again, they usually really feel superior.
As I mentioned above, Blackbird didn’t reinvent the wheel, and that is precisely how a developer taking over an outdated and beloved franchise ought to method a sequel. They used the hammer (gently) right here, the chisel there, added bits that made battles extra fascinating, however gave the followers precisely what they’ve needed for thus a few years with out flights of fancy.
Whereas the jury continues to be out on whether or not the storytelling and general marketing campaign can be worthy of Homeworld 3’s superb predecessors, the sport has the potential to be a shining instance of the way in which this sort of venture of franchise revival needs to be dealt with – with love, care, and respect.
For now, it is a blast from the previous, and that’s precisely the way in which it needs to be.
Homeworld 3 is coming to PC within the first half of 2023. For the time being, a selected launch date has not been introduced simply but.
