Homeworld is widely regarded as a space strategy classic, best-in-genre for many and a trend-setter for games to come over the next decade. After playing the game (and its sequel) for the first time in Homeworld Remastered Collection, it's easy to see why. I missed out on the titles around the time of release, but this remake lovingly preserves the original games while also offering remakes with modern design and visuals, keeping the iconic mystique and excellent gameplay intact.
Homeworld Remastered Collection includes Homeworld and Homeworld 2 in their original forms, which allowed me to experience the titles as they were in 1999 and 2003. This preservation is helpful to someone who never played before: by playing two games held in such high esteem for the first time, you not only get to appreciate how much better the remastered versions look and play now, but it becomes clear that Gearbox made specific efforts to keep the spirit of the franchise alive. The visual design, campaign narrative, music, and sounds all carry through from the originals to the remakes, allowing you to enjoy what made the games great in the first place, blended with modern sensibilities.
The skirmish (against computer opponents) and multiplayer mode for Homeworld Remastered Collection is a newly-created hybrid of Homeworld and Homeworld 2. It most closely resembles the latter (fighters and bombers units come in multiples instead of just individual ships like in Homeworld 2, etc), but unifying the games into one mode was a smart choice. It removes confusion and nuanced differences by opting for what is simply the best version of competitive play. You can customize the look of your fleet for the color palette and emblem of your choice, and take on as many opponents as you'd like. Online communities are often big and passionate parts of strategy games, and Homeworld Remastered gives you the tools to supplement the campaigns.
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Homeworld Remastered Collection is a success on multiple fronts. Those looking for fantastic strategy titles will be satisfied with the stunning visuals, a varied campaign that provides a narrative incentive to keep playing, and tight tactical combat and resource management. For those hoping to recapture the fun and joy they experienced with the originals more than a decade ago, rest assured that Gearbox has taken care to maintain the prestige of the series. In fact, the new caretakers of the franchise have only added to it.
