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The Homeworld Remastered Collection breathes new life into the beloved space RTS franchise, bringing back the epic fleet battles and captivating strategic gameplay that cemented its place in gaming history. More than a decade after Homeworld 2‘s release, this remastered collection offers a chance for veteran players to relive classic moments and for newcomers to experience a truly unique RTS.

A Unique Approach to Space Combat

The Homeworld Remastered Collection stands out for its innovative approach to space combat and fleet command. Unlike many RTS games confined to a 2D plane, Homeworld utilizes a full 3D battlefield. This opens up a wealth of tactical possibilities, creating new vulnerabilities and avenues of attack for opposing fleets to exploit.

alt text: Homeworld Remastered Collection gameplay screenshot showcasing space combat.

While the 3D movement might initially feel complex for newcomers, the intuitive controls are easy to grasp after a brief tutorial. The diverse unit roster, each with distinct stats and roles, further enhances the strategic depth. From nimble fighters to heavily armored battleships, mastering the interplay between different ship classes is key to victory.

The game features four main ship classes: Fighters, Corvettes, Frigates, and Capital Ships, in addition to the Mothership, which serves as the central command and production hub. Heavier ships boast powerful weaponry and defenses, but their sluggish movement makes them vulnerable to swift fighter attacks, particularly bombers. Fighters, in turn, are fragile and easily dispatched by even light corvette fire.

alt text: A screenshot from Homeworld Remastered Collection showcasing the different ship classes.

The inclusion of a ship-capturing mechanic allows players to quickly turn the tide of battle by assimilating enemy vessels into their own fleet. Success in Homeworld hinges on skillful fleet composition, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and precise micro-management to command your forces effectively.

alt text: Another screenshot from Homeworld Remastered Collection demonstrating the dynamic nature of space battles.

This core gameplay, originally designed in the early 2000s, remains remarkably engaging and challenging even by today’s standards. The depth and complexity of Homeworld‘s strategic gameplay set it apart from many modern RTS titles that have streamlined their mechanics over time.

A Stunning Visual Overhaul

Gearbox has done a remarkable job updating the visuals for the Homeworld Remastered Collection. Going beyond a simple texture upgrade and resolution increase, the remaster offers significant graphical enhancements.

alt text: Homeworld Remastered Collection screenshot highlighting the updated graphics and visual effects.

The already impressive ship designs have been given a striking makeover, with increased polygon counts adding significant detail. The vibrant space backdrops, which vary across the campaign, create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.

The game’s special effects, particularly explosions and weapon fire, truly shine. From the trails of fighters streaking across the battlefield to the devastating explosions of capital ships, the visual spectacle elevates the experience. Close-up views reveal impressive details like small fighters docking with support platforms and salvage corvettes grappling with larger vessels.

The user interface has also been redesigned, adopting a sleek, sci-fi aesthetic that complements the game’s overall style. Information is presented clearly and comprehensively, providing easy access to Mothership status, ship production queues, and research options. While some minor shortcomings exist, such as limited queue slots and the lack of batch building options, these don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

A Few Shortcomings

While the Homeworld Remastered Collection is a welcome return for the franchise, a few issues hold it back from perfection.

alt text: Homeworld Remastered Collection screenshot used to illustrate the discussion of the game's slower pace.

The game’s pacing feels noticeably slower compared to modern RTS titles. This deliberate pace allows for strategic adjustments during combat, but some campaign missions, such as defending against slow-moving asteroid fields, can become tedious.

Another point of contention for some veteran players is the replacement of the original Homeworld‘s formation system with that of Homeworld 2. This decision, likely driven by the use of Homeworld 2‘s engine for the remaster and the desire for unified multiplayer, sacrifices some of the nuances of the original game’s fleet control.

alt text: Image from Homeworld Remastered Collection related to the discussion about formation systems.

Perhaps the most significant disappointment is the absence of the acclaimed expansion, Homeworld: Cataclysm. The loss of this fan-favorite entry, attributed to lost source code, is a noticeable omission from the collection.

alt text: Image from Homeworld Remastered Collection related to the discussion of missing content.

Conclusion

Despite these shortcomings, the Homeworld Remastered Collection successfully revitalizes a classic RTS franchise. Its unique 3D space combat, stunning visual upgrades, and engaging strategic gameplay offer a compelling experience for both new and returning players. The absence of Cataclysm is unfortunate, but the core Homeworld experience remains a timeless classic. If you’re looking for a deep and immersive space RTS, the Homeworld Remastered Collection is definitely worth exploring.