TapTechNews reports on May 11 that the space strategy RTS game 'Homeworld 3' is set to launch on May 14. The standard edition on Steam in China is priced at 219 CNY (approximately USD 31.30), the deluxe edition is priced at 292 CNY (approximately USD 41.73), and the Fleet Command edition is available for 328.5 CNY (approximately USD 46.97). Both deluxe and Fleet Command editions offer early access to the game three days before the official release date.
The global media embargo for the game has now lifted, and IGN has awarded the game an 8/10 for both its single-player campaign and multiplayer modes. TapTechNews summarizes as follows:
The single-player campaign continues the series' epic space combat narratives. Players assume the role of Imogen S’jet, embarking on a quest to find the lost Hiigaran fleet and confront formidable enemies. However, the plot tends to rely somewhat heavily on traditional narrative tropes.
In the game, players command dozens of ships through spectacular asteroid belts and massive space stations. The gameplay features intense close-quarters battles across visually diverse maps filled with massive obstacles that players need to navigate. The ability to pause time and issue commands reduces the difficulty of fleet management, although the game’s allied AI can be disobedient, and the limited variety of ships and a somewhat dated upgrade tree are present, but overall, the game is satisfying.
The game offers traditional PvP modes as well as innovative new cooperative modes, incorporating Roguelite elements, creating a sandbox-like experience.
Similar to previous entries, the playable factions in multiplayer do not differ substantially in gameplay, but players can still employ specific tactics unique to each faction to secure victory.
The narrative of 'Homeworld 3' unfolds several decades after the 'Golden Age of prosperity' described in 'Homeworld 2'. The game claims to bring players 'back to the charm of the award-winning sci-fi real-time strategy series'. Players can 'take control in the dazzling 3D space, lead fleets in combat, and experience an award-winning, expansive storyline in a vast galaxy'.
TapTechNews includes the official game description as follows:
You have full command of the battle. Alien relics known as 'Megarocks' bring 3D terrain into traditional 'Homeworld' battlefields. Use remnants of ancient civilizations to trap enemies or hide your fleet. Although not everything is under your control, space phenomena like particle storms and asteroid belts pose challenges to experienced commanders. You can choose to charge head-on, cleverly flank your enemies, attack from above or below. 'Homeworld 3' features a fully simulated ballistic system making line of sight and cover key strategic elements. Your fleet will faithfully serve you through missions, and damages sustained will become medals of honor. Communication between fighter pilots and capital ship captains is crucial during battles. With advances in modern technology, the timeless artistic style of 'Homeworld' has been further enhanced, providing large-scale, destructive, and stunning visual effects amidst the stars. Ancient relics cast shadows of iconic warships as fleets engage in fierce combat, declaring victory with bursts of gunfire.