Homeworld 2 Review (no fat)

Game Description

The second edition of the awesome space strategy game, Homeworld, takes off where it's predecessor left off. It's the return of the Hiigaran Exiles and the rough path that they have to tread in order to establish some normalcy in their lives. One was led to believe that their ordeals were over once they reached their home world of Hiigara, but fate had other plans. A powerful clan from the east is threatening their existence and the Hiigarans, led by the worthy Karan S'jet have to stick together, strategize and fight their way for their survival.

The game follows the course of the Mothership and crew through the recesses of the galaxy as the central figures quest for truth and strive to eradicate their enemies.

Featuring an intense story line, revised graphics engine and riveting gameplay, the game is a beautiful symphony in 3D that will invoke a feeling of awe in the mind of the player. Mac users may have missed out on the first edition as it was never released for this platform but Homeworld 2 more than makes up for that.

Homeworld 2 Story

Space used to be a quiet place. That is, until they discovered the existence of two powercores, devices that were of great value for enhanced space travel. The discovery triggered animosity amongst clans as they all wanted sole ownership of the powercores. The Hiigarans had access to one of the powercores which made them prone to enemy attacks. It's up to Karan S'jet and the crew to safely guide the mothership back to their homeworld, defend themselves against enemy clans, build their fleet and discover the truth behind their exile.

Homeworld 2 Gameplay

The gist of the game is pretty much the same as every other strategy game - gather, manage and utilize resources wisely, strategize to strengthen your fleet and defend your base, navigate through the vast expanses of space and accomplish your goals.

The game kicks off with a glance into the past, in the form of a narrative that briefs new players as to what's been going on. Animated cut scenes that feature great voice acting are used judiciously to move the plot along. These also bind unique missions together and provide seamless action.

An intuitive, uncluttered interface makes navigation and other tasks very easy to accomplish. Guiding a ship, commanding a fleet, setting formations etc. are a breeze. A significant enhancement is the way the camera behaves. Even in the full blown 360 degree vista and with all the complexities that the game packs, you can still get a clear view of everything. You also have the ability to pause your current activity, zoom off to another part of space, issue a few orders to your fleet that's operating in the region and then zip back to your current scenario and continue where you left off.

Homeworld 2 can be quite engaging as there's a number of things that a player gets to do. Resources are gathered from asteroids and dysfunctional spaceships, abandoned as casualties of war. Mining druids and special ships function as resource gathering mechanisms to ensure that you have enough raw materials to build and thrive on. As you grow, you'll have to successfully guide your entire fleet. Navigation is another major activity as Homeworld 2 is one of those rare games that are set on a complete 360 degree plane.

The battle element of the game is as engrossing as can be. There are plenty of new units to gain and control. The game is progressive as you get access to a whole lot of surprises as you find your way through space.

Homeworld 2 is a blend of strategy and resource management with a huge dose of battle action thrown in. Immensely playable and intuitive to the core.

Homeworld 2 Graphics & Sound

Spectacular is the word that defines the graphics that Homeworld 2 packs. Beautifully rendered backdrops with elements like nebulas, asteroids, and the like woven in gives you a vision of the wonders that the universe holds. The game also scores in the special effects department with brilliant use of lighting and incredibly realistic explosions.

To further enhance the gaming experience, the game has a background score that ranks among the best, incredibly realistic voice acting that carries the plot and cutting-edge sound effects that deliver.

Homeworld 2 Summary

Homeworld 2 is a complete gaming experience that brings the realms of outer space to your fingertips and takes you on a joy ride that's unique and enriching. The game excels in every aspect as the tight, intense plot is ably supported by state-of-the-art graphics and sound, incredible gameplay and flawless implementation.

Look no further if you seek a wholesome 3D sci-fi strategy game that gives you value for money…the multiplayer gameplay option only proves me right.

Homeworld 2 Cost

Homeworld 2 currently retails at $29.99US at the time of writing.