The original Homeworld is an absolute classic RTS, the first 3D game in its genre. It had what were at the time great 3D ships and battle effects, and the game has cemented its place in the strategy genre's history.
It also is 15 years old, and has trouble running on modern hardware. Luckily for fans, Gearbox Software has been working on an HD version of Homeworld and Homeworld 2 that brings the franchise into the modern era of gaming. Now Gearbox has announced they're taking the project one step further.
Rather than just giving the games high-definition texture and resolution upgrades, the studio is making more extensive alterations and has changed the project from Homeworld HD to Homeworld Remastered, and given us a glimpse of some stellar concept box art and collector's edition goodies. Here is their description of the newly re-tooled project:
"Homeworld Remastered Collection includes updated high-res textures and models, new graphical effects, and support for HD, UHD, and 4K resolutions. Homeworld's original audio and video artists have also recreated cinematic scenes in beautiful high fidelity.
Homeworld Remastered Collection uses Homeworld and Homeworld 2's original source audio to create a stunning new mix of effects and music. On top of that, multiplayer for both games has been combined into one centralized mode that will allow you to interact with other players like never before. This collection also includes archival versions of Homeworld Classic and Homeworld 2 Classic, preserving the purest form of the original releases with compatibility for modern operating systems."
That's quite the project. They're upgrading or remaking nearly every aspect of the game to work with, and look great on, modern hardware and including compatible versions the original games.
Hats off to Gearbox for going the extra mile in bringing a true classic to avid fans and those who haven't been able to play the series. It's a great treatment of an IP that hasn't been touched in more than a decade, and that box art looks really appealing to boot.
Homeworld was released in 1999 by Sierra Entertainment and developed by Relic Entertainment to critical acclaim. The generally well-received sequel was produced by the same studios in 2003.
The Homeworld IP has changed hands several times after THQ purchased Relic and mentioned it would look into a third game, but nothing ever materialized. Following THQ's financial difficulties, the rights were sold to Gearbox in 2013.
Blackbird Interactive, a studio made up of original Homeworld developers, was working on a spiritual successor outside of the brand and later agreed a deal with Gearbox to tie the game into the Homeworld universe, creating the upcoming prequel Homeworld: Shipbreakers. Homeworld Remastered will be available for pre-order "soon", according to Gearbox.
Source: Kotaku
