Homeworld 2

"A truimph for the RTS series, not to be missed!!"

“Long ago, you returned from exile. But fate will not be so kind. Your enemies thirst for victory. Your struggle has only just begun.”

The sequel to the 1999 PC Gamer’s Game of the Year is finally out. Like its predecessor, it takes place in 3D space. Also like its predecessor, you follow the Hiigarans through their many struggles. However, there are many, many differences between the old and the new.

Graphics: 10/10
Homeworld2’s graphics are top of the line. In fact, a new video card may be needed just to support them. The backgrounds are dominated by magnificent scenes of megalithic debris, giant nebulae, and scenes like the setting sun. Entire fleets can be viewed in from afar, or seen via the radar-like sensors manager. Or, if you prefer, you can zoom in and scrutinize each ship separately. In fact, the closer you zoom, the better, not the worse, each ship looks. Aside from just ship quality, many other graphical triumphs are present. Some perks, such as LOD lighting and hyperspace quality, are merely for looks, and provide no “tactical” value. However, other effects, such as damage effects, are integral for quick fleet assessment.

Sound: 10/10
The sound of Homeworld2 is phenomenal. First, and most surprising, to most players, is the music. Instead of being the usual annoying techno-rap that does nothing to compliment the game, Homeworld2 boasts a plethora of symphonic melodies. These pieces, instead of hampering the storyline, not to mention your ability to play, actually increase the suspense and overall involvement of the player. For example, you can always tell when certain enemies are present, because of the Egyptian-style song accompanying them. Aside from musical enhancements, Fleet Command informs you when battles begin, of the health of major units, and offers audio conformation whenever you issue commands.

Storyline: 9/10
Homeworld2’s storyline is told in two ways. The animatics are used to progress the story of the Hiigarans as they battle against their foe, the Vaygr. These animatics use a novel idea, and are displayed in black and white colors that help to make the situations seem more realistic. More importantly, however, is the fact that the storyline is simply superb in its complexities. The other portion of the storyline is told in in-game cut scenes. These cut scenes, though may sometimes pertain to the plot, usually provide tactical information from Fleet Command that is needed to complete the missions.

Gameplay: 9/10
No matter how good a game looks or sounds, whether a game is worth your money or your scorn really boils down to the gameplay. And Homeworld2 really deserves your cash. Everything about Homeworld2 is just plain fun. Both of the two sides, the Hiigarans and Vaygr, are radically different, and thus require radically different styles of play. Furthermore, no units are left out fray, as each unit has a role. For example, if you forget your strike craft, and your enemy will have them flying about your head, taking you down. However, be forewarned. Homeworld2 is not a game for the casual gamer. It is, at times, mind-bendingly hard. But its not impossible. With a little perseverance, it can be done. Homeworld2 has also added some nice touches that it predecessor lacked. Camera panning, an RTS staple, has been added. Furthermore, going to the build or research manager does not take you away from the action. Many other features, such as squadrons, have also been added, in order to cut down on tedious micromanaging.

Replayability: 6/10
Homeworld2 has a fairly decent replay value. Although the campaign has no difficulty settings, it can be fun to play through again, to test new strategies. In the skirmishes, versus CPU, there are five types of enemies, ranging from easy to expert. Online modes are also very entertaining, although there is only one type of mode, Deathmatch.(Although there are several variations) Mods are also available, but install at your own risk.

Overall: 9/10
Homeworld2 earns a terrific 8 out of 10. Its stunning graphics, and great music never fail to awe. Meanwhile, the gameplay is simply a marvel, a triumph for RTSes. It could have gotten a 9, but its average replay ability did not allow for this. Still, though, Homeworld2 is a great game, that should not be missed by any self-respecting RTS gamer.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/22/03