Still A Worthy Game
I'm more of a RPG, turn based fan. I don't like Diablo style games, first person shooters and real time games are usually a little too fast twitch for my fingers. But I got Homeworld 2 anyway--I've got an older machine, so I cast around for games that will still run on it--and have enjoyed it immensely. It is hard, there's no doubt about that. You can't possibly hope to just zerg the computer into submission by building waves of ships to overwhelm the AI. You've got limited resources, first of all, and the AI puts up a good fight.
The graphics in this game still hold up even years after its release. Unlike most 2 dimensional space-based games (Starfleet Command, many of the Star Wars games) you've got to think in 3 dimensions. There's nothing so satisfying as sending a squadren of fighters swooping down (or up) on a fleet of unsuspecting frigates. Due to some of the limitations on firing arcs on ships, this does become an important strategy.
No level is unbeatable, but you'll sweat it out trying to get through them. I've had to take a step back and try a different approach a couple of times, but eventually I got through. You will spend hours on each mission, but whose in a rush to play through such an enjoyable game?
My only complaint is that my ships sometimes get minds of their own. I'll give them an order to engage a particular enemy, and sometimes they'll see something shiny rolling across the floor and get distracted. It's annoying, but if you stay on them, they'll do what they are supposed to eventually.
For others who might be put off by the hectic pace of a real time game, be advised there is a pause button that allows you to stop action, issue orders and continue when you are good and ready.
So grab yourself a copy of Homeword 2 and give it a whirl. It's well worth the price, which is considerably lower than the initial release. I think you'll enjoy it.
JCT
March 2008