Unleashing Epic Space Battles: Homeworld 3 Redefines Star Wars Trench Runs

Homeworld 3 is proving itself as a worthy successor to the beloved real-time space strategy series that revolutionized the genre in 1999, thanks to its innovative new features. This time, Homeworld 3 takes the iconic six-degrees-of-freedom strategy to the next level by introducing functional terrain. Players can now easily command their ships to seek cover behind asteroids, navigate through trenches in massive space wrecks, or take shelter behind the remains of enemy vessels that were recently destroyed.

In a recent interview with Game Rant, Andrew Oatway, the Lead Designer of Homeworld 3, discussed his approach to level design, keeping this unique cover system in mind. He particularly focused on creating levels for the multiplayer and singleplayer roguelike War Games mode, which offers endless replayability. Oatway believed it was crucial to design levels with realistic terrain features that could enhance strategic gameplay, allowing players to approach the mode's randomly generated mission objectives from various angles.

Homeworld 3's Cover System Is Both Cinematic and Strategically Meaningful

Homeworld and its sequel were revolutionary in terms of allowing players freedom of movement in open levels. However, they were lacking in environmental features that could have encouraged more strategic use of verticality. With Homeworld 3, this shortcoming has been vastly improved upon. The game now includes levels populated with massive space hulks, complete with tunnels and angled surfaces, which completely change the way players maneuver their fleets. As a result, Homeworld 3 offers strategy gamers possibly the closest experience to the unforgettable Star Wars trench run. Homeworld 3 is finally delivering on the promises that were hoped for with Homeworld 2, providing cool space terrain that players can now actually explore.

The inclusion of strike craft tunnels and trench runs now allows players to fulfill their Star Wars fantasies, creating a more immersive experience. The ability to set up ambushes and strategically maneuver with the AI, triggering the dopamine response, has greatly enhanced gameplay.

Additionally, navigating the cover system in Homeworld 3 is remarkably intuitive. By right-clicking on a surface, players can easily position their ships around a selected cover object, enabling swift repositioning during intense fleet maneuvers around various obstacles such as large panels or asteroids.

Homeworld 3's Terrain Completely Changes How Players Approach Mission Objectives

The developers of Homeworld 3 faced a few challenges with the terrain features in the War Games roguelike mode. They had to consider that players would be replaying these levels frequently, with different objectives each time. Oatway worked hard to create diverse terrain setpieces with multiple approaches, making each run in Game Rant's preview of the mode feel unique.

When placing potential objective locations or planning enemy ambushes, I ensure that they are near terrain. The enemy spawns close to terrain, and I give players hints beforehand. For example, I might say, "Enemies will come from this direction," without specifically mentioning the exact timing. I provide hints to indicate that certain areas will become combat zones or the path of an escort mission. This allows players to position themselves advantageously between these points.

We have focused on expanding the terrain in levels and aiming to create captivating sections within each level. Our goal has been to ensure that the gameplay is interesting and offers various approaches. We have constantly asked ourselves whether the visuals and overall feel align with the essence of Homeworld.

In some missions, players are tasked with intercepting a convoy of transports. The diverse terrain in Homeworld 3 has added an additional layer of strategic complexity to these objectives, surpassing other space strategy games from the past. Instead of directly targeting the transports, our team strategically positioned fleets at key physical chokepoints on the terrain. This allowed us to establish blockades along the convoy's path and flank them from multiple directions. Furthermore, with the game's realistic physics simulation, the terrain has facilitated some breathtaking cinematic moments. Frigates would emerge from behind cover, taking shots at the enemy before retreating to avoid incoming missile volleys. These encounters truly add to the immersive experience.

Based on our progress so far, it is evident that Homeworld 3 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the beloved classics.

Homeworld 3 is scheduled to release on PC in February 2024.