Homeworld: Cataclysm
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| Homeworld {{#if:{{{image|}}}|<tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">{{{image|}}} | |
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| Developer(s) | Barking Dog Studios {{#if:{{{publisher|}}}|<tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Publisher(s)<td>{{{publisher|}}} |
| Release date(s) | June 30, 2000 |
| Genre(s) | Space simulation, Strategy game
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| Mode(s) | Singleplayer and Multiplayer {{#if:{{{ratings|}}}|<tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Rating(s)<td>{{{ratings|}}} |
| Platform(s) | PC {{#if:{{{media|}}}|<tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Media<td>{{{media|}}} |
Homeworld: Cataclysm was originally developed in 2000 as an expansion set of the original Homeworld, but was later turned into a stand-alone game. It was produced by Sierra Entertainment, as was the original, but it was developed by Barking Dog Studios. The 'proper' sequel, Homeworld 2, is unrelated.
Cataclysm uses the same game engine as the original Homeworld, and is essentially another game's worth of the same kind of content - strategic three-dimensional space combat - with some tune-ups to the original, somewhat clumsy, interface.
Contents |
Gameplay
Notable Changes
Numerous small changes and fixes were added, such as the ability to toggle 8X time compression. This quickens the typically slow 'post battle' harvesting and building after a level is finished. Ship upgrades were added, improving armor and adding new abilities, and Command Ships and Carriers were given the ability to add external modules for ship research and larger fleet support. Fuel was completely eliminated from the game, so players didn't have to constantly monitor their corvettes and fighters for low fuel levels. In addition, the sensor display could be used to issue attack orders to friendly units—a very handy feature not included in the original.
Unlike the original Homeworld, the player's Command Ship is not only capable of movement, but also attack. Although slow and methodical in it's movement, the Command Ship is capable of delivering a frightening array of weaponry. Namely, it is capable of deploying an epic scale cannon in battle that can completely eradicate an enemy fleet at extreme range—capital ships and all. As such, the Command Ship is less of a liability and more of a knockout punch, especially late game.
The game is smaller in scale than its predecessor and streamlines the selection of ship types by reducing the number of different ships while enhancing the versatility of the remaining ones. Processors, for example, which seemed to be the modernized version of the Resource Controller from Homeworld, were greatly improved. They were given medium-strength weapons to defend from smaller craft, repair beams to heal damaged resource collectors, and four (rather than one) pads to dock with resource collectors. The game's resource collectors, smaller yet more versatile, perform the same functions that they did in the original Homeworld. However, these craft, when upgraded, are capable of capturing enemy vessels and repairing friendly vessels.
Story
The story is a new one, focusing on the struggles of the previously insignificant group of miners known as Kiith Somtaaw, a minor clan amongst the Kushan, as they unwittingly release a deadly menace known as The Beast on the galaxy and thereafter seek to contain it. The Turanic Raiders, Bentusi, and Imperialist and Republican Taiidan all appear as well, while the Protectors of the Gardens (Kadeshi) do not.
Some think the game was rather ill-received, mostly due to its shorter gameplay and somewhat unbalanced multiplayer battles. However, some players have commented that the balance issues can be resolved with practice and an increase in players' skills; there are highly respected players for both the Somtaaw and Beast races in multiplayer.
Although the events of the game are canon, they are not mentioned in the true sequel, Homeworld 2.
Exploits
Once the Leech vessel was developed, the player is given an opportunity to obtain nearly infinite resources from enemy craft. One particular level including a Taiidani research base provided the necessary conditions for a highly lucrative and safe use of the Leech craft. Since the enemy vessels remained stationary until activated, the stealthy Leeches could attach themselves to frigates located near enemy repair craft without disruption. As the Leeches would 'suck' resource points from these frigates, the nearby repair ships would persistently repair and restore the resource points to such frigates. This tactic provided unlimited resources midgame.
Reviews
References
External links
Official Site
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