Homeworld Video Game Series

Main parts of the Homeworld series are classic space strategies. The main distinguishing feature of Homeworld is its three-dimensional nature - as the action takes place in interstellar space, our ships can move freely in three dimensions. In addition, the lack of major terrain obstacles means that the decisive factor in the course of clashes is the skillful management of fleet movements, and the creation of defensive points, characteristic of other real-time strategies, is much more difficult here. We obtain raw materials from asteroids and gas clouds occurring here and there. The heart of our fleet is the colonization mothership, which can also fly, which further distinguishes the Homeworld series from other strategy games. In most installments, the player has two sides of the conflict at his disposal - Kushan and Taiidan. Single-player campaigns consist of a series of missions, during which we have to complete a number of main and side objectives, usually related to the elimination of the enemy fleet. The basis of the multiplayer mode, in turn, are solo or team matches against other players.

The Homeworld series has been an inspiration for other space strategies since its inception, offering highly spectacular visuals. The scale and impressiveness of the clashes, as well as the picturesque representation of space (including a variety of planets or colorful clouds of dust and gases), combined with an elaborate storyline, made the gameplay similar to high-budget sci-fi movies, with which the series won the love of a large group of devoted fans.

Original Homeworld was released in 1999. The title presented a novel approach to depicting space battles, moving the gameplay into a full 3D environment and offering the player full control over camera placement. As such, the title was a milestone in the development of the genre, and due to its spectacular graphics and addictive gameplay mechanics, it became a permanent part of the history of video games. The sequel, Homeworld 2, was released four years later, in 2003. The title offered a much larger area of action, as well as strongly differentiated sides of the conflict. A more extensive system of ship expansion and customization was also implemented. The fundamentals of the mechanics remained unchanged, but numerous fixes and improvements were made.

The series then stalled until 2015, when a compilation hit store shelves. Homeworld Remastered Collection, containing refreshed versions of both earlier games. The title was based on a modified game engine Homeworld 2, expanded with more detailed textures and support for high resolutions (including 4K). In addition, for the purposes of the project, the soundtrack was composed anew and cinematic interludes were developed; the multiplayer mode of play was also standardized. At the same time, the developers decided not to fully transfer several mechanics present in the first part of the game, but which were not supported by the latest engine (including tactical formations, fuel consumption system and ballistic missile flight simulation). After its release, the series picked up steam anew.

In early 2016, thanks to Blackbird Interactive studio, the game Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak was released , which is a prequel to the entire series. Unlike previous installments, the action of the title didn't take place in space, but on the surface of the desert planet Kharak. In terms of mechanics, therefore, the title resembled classic real-time strategies, and during battles one of the key elements determining the course of the clash was the terrain. At the same time, however, several elements characteristic of the series were retained, most notably the lack of a stationary base.

The year 2022 brought the release of the game Homeworld Mobile, which is a spin-off prepared by Stratosphere Games studio with mobile devices in mind. The action of this title was set 100 years after the events of the first Homeworld, in a new, unknown galaxy. In terms of mechanics, the title was based on the solutions developed by the first two parts of the series. Nevertheless, due to the fact that it was available in a free-to-play model, it was introduced, among other things, microtransactions and virtual currency.

Meanwhile, the Blackbird Interactive studio was working on the full-fledged Homeworld 3. Just like Homeworld Mobile, the project drew handfuls from the legacy of its predecessors. In addition to the story campaign, there was a cooperative mode (enriched with roguelike solutions), as well as a PvP module waiting to be checked.