Homeworld 3 - Buyer's Guide

In Homeworld 3, command a fleet of spaceships in a struggle for dominance across the galaxy. With its sweeping 3D battlespace, the game’s beauty is matched only by its depth. Reclaim crumbling ruins, ambush foes, and exploit asteroid fields to emerge victorious. But beware: space phenomena like particle storms can turn even the cleverest tactics upside down. A gripping narrative unfolds as you navigate the mystery of the failing Hyperspace Gate Network, while cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes offer further challenges. Shape the game to your will with the built-in Unreal editor, and join a community that will keep you exploring the galaxy for hours to come.

Should I play Homeworld 3 in 2024?

The good

Some reviewers have noted that Homeworld 3 has good visuals and effects, which represent a high point for the game. There’s appreciation for the graphical fidelity and sound design, which aligns well with the previous entries in the series. Wargames mode has been mentioned as enjoyable due to roguelike reward mechanics, even if it is mired by issues. The music also appears to resonate well among longstanding fans, adding a layer of authenticity to the Homeworld feel.

The bad

The game faces significant criticism across several dimensions:

• Technical Issues: The game is plagued with bugs, crashes, pathfinding issues, and poor netcode.
• Gameplay: Many feel the strategic depth seen in previous entries is lacking, and the gameplay mechanics are undercooked.
• Story and Campaign: There’s a unanimous sentiment that the story is weak, overly dramatic, and not in line with what Homeworld fans expect.
• UI and Interface: Reviewers find the user interface clunky and confusing.
• Performance: Even on reasonably powerful PCs, the game struggles to maintain a stable frame rate during battles.

Verdict

Should you still buy or play Homeworld 3 in 2024? Based on the reviews, it seems like this installment falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessors. The game’s visual and auditory splendor can’t mask its numerous flaws, ranging from gameplay issues to a poorly received storyline.

If you’re a die-hard Homeworld fan, it might be worth picking up on sale to experience the visuals and hear the music, but don’t expect the rich, strategic experience that defined earlier games in the series. For everyone else, you might want to steer clear and invest your time and money in the Homeworld Remastered collection instead.

Save your credits, captains. 🛸🚀