Homeworld 2

"HW2 : A Great Game; An Average Sequel"

Homeworld 2 is the sequel to a truly great game, a game which found the company of many High-Quality MODs and Total Conversions. The Graphics have improved, the Music remained suited and atmospheric and the units retain their personality; a feat which keeps HW2 from becoming obsolete.

GRAPHICS:
9/10
For the player who seeks realism and detail, HW2 truly excels, with every conceivable element textured to an absolute perfection. Although I can and will sing the Graphic's Praise's, Users without GeForce Cards will find this game slightly less spectacular due to the preference of the Software Engine to the nVidia Chipset; an unfortunate result of the Video Card's popularity.

MOVIES:
7/10
When I think about RTS games, with specific reference to Space-Combat, I think back to Imperium Galatica and IG2; old examples, but both highly detailed in the Movie/Cut-Scene department. Unlike IG's High-Detail approach, HW2 takes the same approach as it's prequel, Still Backdrops with perhaps a few moving regions, but overall a static scene.
This approach could have been implemented so much better, with the 'Story-Teller' theme being more convincing and dramatic, an unfortunate downfall within the HW2 Mission Transition Structure.

MUSIC:
9/10
Yet again, the Homeworld Team have provided us with High-Quality, suitable, atmospheric music which helps to set the scene and make lulls in the gameplay bearable. The Vaygr 'Imperium' Theme is a very well thought of piece of music, alongside the 'Progenitor Chorus' the game is set to entice players to play and play on to the game's completion, and beyond.

SOUND FX:
7/10
A true Space-Combat RTS Game would not be complete with the sound of Huge Guns firing Salvos of deadly Shells over huge distances, or the unique sound of Beams Charging and Discharging, slicing ships in two. Unfortunately, HW2 falls short on these aspects, with the Gun FX sounding unconvincing and relatively 'dull', although the 'Super-Weapon' Sound is a true masterpiece.
The Battle Chatter, as always causes even the most sane of players to bang their head against a wall, with the units relaying useless information constantly. This would be made better by making the voices more convincing, more 'urgent' when a ship is about to be destroyed etc.

STORY:
6/10
The thread which runs through the game, revealing it's secrets slowly, cautiously and discretely; the Storyline is the most important component of any game. The Original HW Story was original, exciting, full of twists, turns and deceptions; the makings of a successful story. Unfortunately, HW2 falls short on the promise to 'Make loose ends meet', giving only general information, rather than specific data on unexplained happenings within the first game (Ghostship etc.)

MODDING POTENTIAL:
6/10
The initial brief on this game claimed that HW2 would be 'Easier for MODders to manipulate and change', but it has become apparent that it is significantly harder to Modify. The addition of Alpha Layers, Shadow Layers, Highlights, 'Bump-Maps' and other Texturing requirements have left all but the elite of Modders in the dark; and the fact that Maya is required for the 3D Modeling aspect, limits the possible members in a any MOD Team. The .LUA File Format needs to be Uncompressed to be used, an extra complication in relation to the simplistic .Ship Format of the previous two games.
The only redeeming feature in the Modding Sense, is the fact that Modders with enough experience can manipulate and modify practically every aspect of the game and units, allowing them to create completely 'New Games', utilising the Homeworld 2 Engine.

OVERALL:
8/10
Although this game does not retain the quality of the first HW, or the Uniqueness of HW:C, it does redeem itself with the improved Graphics and the advantageous Ship Additions. The Vaygr are successful race, in the sense of Aesthetical appeal and the Story, but the Hiigarans are left unexplained and relatively 'rushed' in development.

This game is a good addition to any RTS Collection, a great choice for RTS Enthusiasts and an Essential Choice for Homeworld Fans.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/08/03