When I first heard that Blackbird Interactive had formed from some of Relic's founding talent, I did my best not to get my hopes up. Now that this game is out, I am pleasantly surprised.

Set before the events of Homeworld, you are a commander of a taskforce centered around a land carrier - which is also a land battleship, mobile refinery, engineering/repair craft, and factory all in one.

Of course, given that the Kharak is a gigantic desert wasteland, the smallest units are this size:

Coalition Light Assault Vehicle

And the carriers themselves:

Gaalsien Carrier

Despite this being a game set on land rather than space (HERESY!) this game not only feels like a true Homeworld game but also a unique game in it's own right.

I mean, in what other game do you fight with armies of crawlers and dune buggies against hovertanks on a gigantic Dune-like setting?

While the game wasn't flawless upon release, and there are some multiplayer balance issues, this is clearly a quality product that is most definitely not a Gearbox Cash Grab as many feared when they bought the IP.

Gameplay: 8/10
Setting, Worldbuilding: 9/10
Story, Plot: 7/10
Musical Score: 10/10

Ah, I almost didn't mention the music. It's been haunting my dreams for the last three days. Damn.

Please give this game a consideration.

 

As an old Homeworld player...land based Homeworld? No thanks. I'll pass.