Previewed: September 23, 2003
Previewed by: John Carswell

Publisher
Russobit-M

Developer
3MapGames

Release Date: TBA
Genre: Simulation
Players: TBA
ESRB: Pending

View Screenshots (9 Images)

Thankfully, the genre does see a few glowing additions every year or so. It would appear that one of this year’s entries comes in the form 3MapGames’ and Russobit-M’s HomePlanet. Focused on dogfights rather than trading, HomePlanet is shaping up to be not only the next big combat-based space sim, but one that makes a number of tweaks and additions to the genre without losing touch with its “roots”.

HomePlanet is set in a universe where humans have spread across the Galaxy and, through the creation of a grand Confederation, have established something of a Pax Galaxian. The player takes on the role of a young cadet whose people, the Troiden, have maintained their independence from this Confederation thanks to their advanced technology. However, the Troiden’s technology, limited populace, and independence have made them the target of other rogue nations. War ensues and, after a crippling defeat, the Troiden people set off to find a new planet to call “Home”.

Firstly, the beta version that I played was not fully translated into English and the text was full of curious wording, making it virtually impossible for me to judge the story and its presentation. However, it is obvious that HomePlanet will be filled with radio chatter between friends and foes alike. In addition, HomePlanet’s cut scenes have a cinematic feel to them so I suspect that, while HomePlanet is a space combat sim through-and-through, its combat will not lack a meaningful context. Lastly, your actions during missions forge alliances and create enemies so expect anything but just another shallow shooter.

Nevertheless, dogfights are the core of HomePlanet’s gameplay and, judging from what I’ve played, its core burns bright. Any space sim fan will be familiar with the basics of HomePlanet’s gameplay. You’re given mission objectives (assault, escort, etc.) at the beginning of each level and you then do your best to carry them out while staying alive. You are accompanied by your "wingmen" who, at times, fall under your command. Naturally, combat is inevitable and the player will often find his or herself in situations that require quick adaptation and reflexes. However, what makes HomePlanet stand out from the pack is its Newtonian physics-based engine. Inertia (and the player’s ability to master its nuances) is the key to coming out of each mission alive.

Capable of switching in and out of “Inertial Mode” (letting you glide in one direction while pointing your guns in the other), and “sliding” in any direction, your craft is an incredibly nimble little machine that is part turret, and part fighter. This is the real magic behind Homeplanet, as the physics engine and control setup work so well together that combat tactics are limited only by one’s reflexes and willingness to experiment. An obvious example would be to run head-on into and enemy, sliding in a circular pattern to avoid incoming fire, then switching into Inertial Mode as the two ships pass, open fire on the passing enemy while then switching out of Inertial Mode and kicking in the after burners. In an instant, you’ve turned a heated trade of fire into a cakewalk as you track the hapless enemy craft.

It’s true that inertia has played a pivotal role in previous space sims (Mantis, Independence War). However, I’ve never seen it pulled off quite so effectively. Chances are that if you pilot you fighter like a WWII plane, you’ll find yourself dead the second things heat up. In addition, I can easily see space sim nuts finding countless hours of replay value perfecting new techniques and strategies. I only got to pilot a fighter but considering that HomePlanet features a number of ship classes, the possibilities for strategy tweaking should be vast.

Graphically, HomePlanet offers nothing revolutionary, but bases, planets, and backgrounds are attractive and the game moves along at a silky smooth framerate. Not that this matters much since most of your time will be spent fighting a red dot on your HUD. As for the HUD itself, it is functional although slightly flawed. Starting with the positives, target-leading works well and the radar system is both intuitive and well-designed. However, when it comes to sizing up the enemy, you are left with only a transparent model and some numbers on the bottom right of the screen. This is something of a pain since it makes it nearly impossible to keep track of your enemy’s shield levels while still holding them in your sights. Placing the information closer to the crosshair or switching to a graphical output that could be read without actually glancing over would have made things a great deal easier. It is by no means a major issue but still feels out of place in a game that otherwise shows such polish.

My only major concern revolves around HomePlanet’s controls when using a mouse. For whatever reason, the controls are similar to those found in an FPS; you stop turning the moment you stop moving your mouse. Obviously, this approach is extremely inadequate when trying to track a circling enemy since you have to repeatedly pick up the mouse to keep it from sliding off your desk. I hope that this issue will be addressed in the final version as the keyboard layout is nearly perfect otherwise. Thankfully, HomePlanet handles like dream with any half-decent stick so most gamers (or at least fans of this genre) need not worry.

Should everything go as planned, it would appear that space sim fans have something special heading their way. With its fantastic physics engine, a focus on intense combat, and high-quality graphics, HomePlanet is shaping up to be an excellent space shooter. Better still, there is already a multiplayer expansion pack in the works. 3MapsGames was kind enough to fill us in on these new features in a brief Q&A.

GCM:	Firstly, please tell us why you feel that Homeplanet is well suited for online play?
3MapsGames:	The main thing that makes HomePlanet interesting for multiplayer is the original gameplay, which separates this game from other ones. Plus the interesting plot, which makes the cooperative mode much more interesting. And, those people who like to measure with each other will be satisfied too - we have the deathmatch mode for them.

GCM:

What can you tell us about how the co-op mode will work? Will there be any restrictions placed on the player?

3MapsGames:

After the server has been created, users can join it, while the game had not been started. Before the mission starts, the places in the game are being assigned, and the mission starts then. In some missions, it can turn out that there are not enough place in the game for some players; these players have to wait for their turn. When mission is over, the places are being assigned in the game again, and all starts over. Talking about restrictions, probably the main character's presence will be the basic restriction. If the main character dies, the mission is failed.

GCM:	How will player-to-player communication be handled?
3MapsGames:	There will be the chat, as usual in multiplayer games, and also the system of communication which will be taken from singleplayer - to give orders: you choose the message (e.g. Attack my aim, Defend my aim, Move to point A, etc.), and then choose somebody who you want to address it to.

GCM:	Aside from co-op, what other multiplayer modes will be available?
3MapsGames:	Besides the cooperative mode, the deathmatch mode will be available. Also, we will offer a list of missions where the players will be able to play for different sides. For example, the convoying, or attack the linear ship.

GCM:	How will Homeplanet players looking to play online find one another?
3MapsGames:	There probably will be the master server (or some servers) where the players will find each other easily.

GCM:	Lastly, please tell us about the statistics tracking system that 3Map Games Studio and Russobit-M have put together.
3MapsGames:	The statistics tracking system is in the stage of development - and we cannot reveal any details.

GCM:	Thank you for your time! Would you care to leave our readers with any last thoughts or comments?
3MapsGames:	The work goes on, so wait for the latest news! Good luck!

For more information, visit the Silverback website. Meanwhile, check out our collection of screenshots in our Preview Gallery and look for our full review of this title when it releases.