Introduction

Welcome strategy fans and rejoice! We've got a preview of Sierra/Relic's hot new game Homeworld complete with exclusive screenshots and a juicy interview with the people of Relic Entertainment. In it they outline some never before revealed information about Homeworld, including which cards will run the game fastest, when it will be released, what types of multiplayer games will be available, and what types of units will appear in the game. We've also got some exclusive screenshots that are fresh off of the latest build! First off, let's go through the preview to give you a taste of what to expect in Homeworld.

We had the pleasure of seeing an early version of Relic Entertainment's Homeworld at the launch party of SierraSoft. Although it was being demonstrated there alongside the much hyped Halflife, the compelling looks of Homeworld allowed it to hold its own in the spotlight at the show. Soon after, Homeworld made an appearance at the E3 show in Atlanta and received a great deal of attention as one of the most innovative games there. Several months later, Homeworld is approaching completion and looks more refined and better than ever! About the only lowpoint we can find with the game so far is the boring name but that plays right into Relic's plans. Indeed, the Relic Entertainment website proclaims Homeworld to be "No Hype, All Game." - It looks like they're sticking to their claims. What kind of game is it? Well it's most neatly described as a 3D space combat RTS. No it's not Starcraft! Homeworld's combat engine is fully 3D and takes place in open space. This means you can actually move your ships in ANY axis and attack your enemies from any angle. You control fleets of fighters, frigates, space destroyers, and motherships in epic galactic battles. If the thought of that is not enough to excite any casual science fiction fan, then perhaps you take your pulse and make sure your heart is still beating.

The Plot thickens...

The story focuses on a race of peaceful people invaded by militaristic tyrants. These invaders banished the helpless race from their home planet to a remote edge of the galaxy. All historians and historical records were eliminated from these people, so hundreds of years later, they have no clue or recollection of where they came from. One object remains with them as a clue: a single crystal. This crystal transmits a faint signal, which is determined to be an astronomical heading. Since the crystal is of some religious importance to the exiles, they immediately heed the crystal's calling and build a huge mothership to carry millions toward the place the crystal is calling them, to what they hope is their Homeworld (ah so that's where the name comes from).