Homeworld 3 [Official Thread]

[Flogger23m]

Question for the Classic controls. Does it actually play like Homeworld 2 now? The "Classic" controls and menu in the demo was very different and not intuitive.

 

[Space Lynx]

7800x3d preferably tested with a MERC310 7900 XT -60 uv?...

no, not at all, I was thinking the same GPU the Intel test setup has 4090 - so we can see if the x3d cache helps the game at 1080p or 1440p. which is what most users still use.

eh, forget it, some other site will cover it, tech spot probably eventually, so I will just wait for their article.

 

[W1zzard]

It would be nice to know if it benefits from x3d cache on the CPU side or not.

no plans for CPU testing, because Denuvo limits me to 5 activations per day

 

[A Computer Guy]

It’s good! Definitely take the tutorial to get used to the controls; HOWEVER! They DO provide (built in!) a homeworld 2 control mode plain as day ask you at the main menu.

I'm going to have to try those HW2 controls. Default mouse sensitivity seems a bit high with panning a bit too quick with the mouse.

it also runs really nice though I limit it it also has a built in benchmark ala tomb raider. I should start a score thread.

It works good with 4060 (low profile) and 5950x (on my Silverstone ML-09B) - Running 1440p with DLSS (Full resolution) on High Quality Level, VSync on my 60Hz 4k panel getting 60fps. Based on the built-in bench though framerates will likely dip heavy as I get into more intense stages with larger battles. Interestingly the auto-detect settings initially set high quality but later only set medium quality. I don't see any way to turn off upscaling.

(edit)

Ha ha I didn't realize it at first but I guess running full resolution is essentially no upscaling. I was expecting something like upscaling = off but I guess that's too intuitive.

 

[Solaris17]

I'm going to have to try those HW2 controls. Default mouse sensitivity seems a bit high with panning a bit too quick with the mouse.

It works good with 4060 (low profile) and 5950x (on my Silverstone ML-09B) - Running 1440p with DLSS (Full resolution) on High Quality Level, VSync on my 60Hz 4k panel getting 60fps. Based on the built-in bench though framerates will likely dip heavy as I get into more intense stages with larger battles. Interestingly the auto-detect settings initially set high quality but later only set medium quality. I don't see any way to turn off upscaling.

I don’t have upscaling on it lets you swap off dlss but even if you have dlss on you can scroll down and pick native rez. If that helps.

 

[A Computer Guy]

I don’t have upscaling on it lets you swap off dlss but even if you have dlss on you can scroll down and pick native rez. If that helps.

Ah yes that makes sense.

I'll try not to spoil anything but if you run the game at 50% speed the resource controller pilots sound kind of high when acknowledging your commands.

no, not at all, I was thinking the same GPU the Intel test setup has 4090 - so we can see if the x3d cache helps the game at 1080p or 1440p. which is what most users still use.
eh, forget it, some other site will cover it, tech spot probably eventually, so I will just wait for their article.

I was trying quite a few resolutions, DLSS settings, and graphics settings (low to highest) and it seems benching this game may be interesting. I'm probably just so GPU limited with the 4060LP most of the things I tried didn't matter and I kept getting similar results with fps except with obvious worst case fps on the highest settings.


I think I'm halfway though the single player campaign now and dipping into the 30's fps but still very playable. I did forget to check if there is any updated Nvidia drivers before playing the game but so far nothing that seems to be breaking gameplay other some minor bugs and annoyances with the camera and gameplay using the new controls. There is a mode where you can configure the game to use the older style HW2 controls or customize it. I went custom so I can get to some older key bindings like (D) for docking selected ships. There are some things I really like in this installment and some dislikes.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Scattered comments in the news section, bout time we get an official thread for this one.

System requirements.

View attachment 346810

The Collector's Edition launches today 11am PT/2pm ET/18:00 UTC.

Everyone else on May 13th 11am PT/2pm ET/18:00 UTC.

Preliminary analysis of the game.

Personal wants: Gearbox to release paid version .stl file for the mothership. I mean they have it for the injection molding of the collector's edition, might as well upload it on Printables/Thingverse/whatever for some fee....wouldn't hurt the sales you know.

LOL I just got around to watching that video. OMG the bombers cloak. The reviewer is so right. So tedious!
I had no idea in HW1 resource collectors could refuel fighters or could suck off armor.
Good video OP, describes the issues really well.

 

[PLAfiller]

I had no idea in HW1 resource collectors could refuel fighters or could suck off armor.

Me neither ...the dude knows his stuff definitely. I see playthrough videos have started trickling down the Tube now. Perhaps I will spoil myself in the weekend with a binge watch.

 

[A Computer Guy]

In game benchmark 5950x w. 4060 (low profile)

 

[PLAfiller]

In game benchmark 5950x w. 4060 (low profile)

I am so glad you are posting for this particular card RTX 4060 LOW profile -> the new king of low profile that pushed over the RTX A2000. Cause I just got a used A2000. Coming in today, so I get some idea what it can do on this title.

 

[Vayra86]

So lots of talk about graphics n stuff, but what does the game offer? Is it just campaign, or does it have solid skirmish and all like a proper RTS

 

[A Computer Guy]

So lots of talk about graphics n stuff, but what does the game offer? Is it just campaign, or does it have solid skirmish and all like a proper RTS

"proper RTS" cough...cough... I'm still just trying to enjoy the game for what it is at the moment but this installment might be another example (and somewhat ironically) "Why you can't go home again"

Question for the Classic controls. Does it actually play like Homeworld 2 now? The "Classic" controls and menu in the demo was very different and not intuitive.

One thing I'm finding is if you just want to move along the same plane you are on you are better off just using the V key (movement) but if you want to follow the surface of an object use the mouse right click. It's too janky trying to use the mouse right click for simple same plane movement because of the close proximity of larger structures. The shift key to add additional paths to a current navigation is nice but the older style waypoints from what I remember felt a bit easier to use.

 

[Panther_Seraphin]

Steam Reviews seem to be very mixed at the moment with quite a lot of dissapointment floating around......

I am a big HW fan. Have HW1, 2, Cataclysm on Disc and remaster with DoK as well. Does this installment keep up or is it an actual disappointment?

 

[A Computer Guy]

Steam Reviews seem to be very mixed at the moment with quite a lot of dissapointment floating around......

I am a big HW fan. Have HW1, 2, Cataclysm on Disc and remaster with DoK as well. Does this installment keep up or is it an actual disappointment?

At the moment I am reserving judgment but collecting a list of likes, don't likes, and wtf's. Like HW2 it's always easy to point out the flaws and not appreciate the things that worked. In the end I'm hoping with patches that it will have more that ends up working than doesn't. I suspect the choice of game engine may be the reason we don't see some things implemented.

• One think I like is the new build/research menu and queueing builds when your at your unit cap. A little more refinement and they could have easily turned it into build/research/launch menu.
• I like the grouping of tactical icons making selecting ships at a distance much easier and avoiding the sea of green and red effects.
• Also the ability to customize controls between the new style and old style has come in handy.
• They may have been influenced by Complex 2 Homeworld Mod sniper frigate with the ion cannon sniper mode - didn't get a chance to try it yet.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

I'm sure I'll pick it up someday, but I just want more Homeworld 1 style missions that are more like puzzles than the fast paced style of the second game, and everything I'm reading is the game is more like HW2 than 1.

I loved weird missions like the Deep Space array, and the radiation belts, and of course the Gardens of Kadesh...

 

[AusWolf]

I'm sure I'll pick it up someday, but I just want more Homeworld 1 style missions that are more like puzzles than the fast paced style of the second game, and everything I'm reading is the game is more like HW2 than 1.

I loved weird missions like the Deep Space array, and the radiation belts, and of course the Gardens of Kadesh...

Oh man, those missions were classic!

And I do agree, I want more space exploration, and less fast-paced action. This is why H1 is an evergreen that I'll play anytime, while H2 is just an okay game to be played once in my eyes.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Oh man, those missions were classic!

And I do agree, I want more space exploration, and less fast-paced action. This is why H1 is an evergreen that I'll play anytime, while H2 is just an okay game to be played once in my eyes.

The ambience of H1 was amazing.

 

[Panther_Seraphin]

HW2 had some good missions such as when you first come across the keeper, the protection of the mothership crews etc.

I didnt like the dreadnaught/sajuuk aspect in 2 however especially Sajuuk as it became so easy to be an "I Win" button on the last mission. Would have much rathered they reverese engineered aspects of the tech into Higaaran designs vs taking over those ships.

 

[ShiBDiB]

From what I've seen the consensus is it's a good strategy game but a subpar homeworld game.

 

[64K]

From what I've seen the consensus is it's a good strategy game but a subpar homeworld game.

Pretty much what I've seen as well. It's a good game but it had some big shoes to fill and it just didn't.

 

[AusWolf]

Pretty much what I've seen as well. It's a good game but it had some big shoes to fill and it just didn't.

This can also be said about Homeworld 2, imo. It's a good game, just not as good as the original.

 

[PLAfiller]

Can't wait to play it, but holding off for a sale. I did watch a game movie, so for me without actually playing it, would summary:

Good stuff:
- ship design, fleet design -> big fan of the new mothership in vertical position . Back to sharp edges as opposed to rounded stuff from HW2
- lack of strategic depth -> I am only guessing I might like this one as I said Starcraft was a big passion of mine.

Ugly stuff:
- the 2D hand drawn animation is gone. Straight up don't like the new in-between cut scenes. Not pulling ANY punches, doesn't "reach me" in any meaningful way.
- voice over, that coarse voice sending shivers down my spine from HW1, not the same. Or at least it didn't sound the same to me. I am very very disappointed with some aspects of the sound design
- female face models...look pretty rough. Not sure why, but something ain't right there
- story.....downright trainwreck in a cringe way....they could've picked anything anything! but this story-line. Last cut-scenes....I was eyeing the ceiling from cringe.

Anyhow, printed the Bentusi trade ship in one piece, no glue on my cheapo $140 printer. Obviously some post-processing is needed, but turned out pretty good IMO.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Can't wait to play it, but holding off for a sale. I did watch a game movie, so for me without actually playing it, would summary:

Good stuff:
- ship design, fleet design -> big fan of the new mothership in vertical position . Back to sharp edges as opposed to rounded stuff from HW2
- lack of strategic depth -> I am only guessing I might like this one as I said Starcraft was a big passion of mine.

Ugly stuff:
- the 2D hand drawn animation is gone. Straight up don't like the new in-between cut scenes. Not pulling ANY punches, doesn't "reach me" in any meaningful way.
- voice over, that coarse voice sending shivers down my spine from HW1, not the same. Or at least it didn't sound the same to me. I am very very disappointed with some aspects of the sound design
- female face models...look pretty rough. Not sure why, but something ain't right there
- story.....downright trainwreck in a cringe way....they could've picked anything anything! but this story-line. Last cut-scenes....I was eyeing the ceiling from cringe.

The lip syncing is pretty terrible in some cut-scenes too.

Anyhow, printed the Bentusi trade ship in one piece, no glue on my cheapo $140 printer. Obviously some post-processing is needed, but turned out pretty good IMO.

View attachment 347832View attachment 347833

That's awesome. Need an object for sense of scale. I can't tell if that is a super small print or a gigantic print.

 

[Panther_Seraphin]

Currently going through the campaign. Playing with the HW2 classic controls MUUUUCCCCHH better handling vs the controls we got in the warzone demo

Ill Go over these points at the very end in the TL DR
Is it a bad game? No
Is is a good continuation to the HW franchise? Maybe but we will have to see
Is this a good HW game? No

The Good

• Ship designs look good and the mothership is a really nice feel but I do miss the classic Bannans
• Performance. Rig in sig playing all settings Epic/maxed out. RT on, no frame generation and I havent felt one slowdown as of yet

The Mediocre

• High Level Gameplay is decent. There is definate homage to past missions from HW1 and 2 (looking at you Asteroid dodging/clearing) but no real step up or sideways from previous missions. If anything somehow the overall feel of the maps seems smaller than even HW1 which is a bit of a let down.
• Story is.....OK? Its definately got some of the feeling of HW but when people say it hasnt hooked them or is missing something I agree. Still waiting to complete the campaign before passing final judgement. I suspect some of this is down to the fact that Between HW1 Finding Higaara, HW2 fighting for Higaara, this just feels like the whole Higaaran empire is off doing its own thing while your on the opposite side of space doing yours. Think of the opposite to Cataclysm where as you were a small cog in a big machine, now you are so big the rest of the empire is "irrelevant"

The Bad

• Some of the big show pieces they showed off such as the megaliths etc have little to no relevance to the actual gameplay. You can pretty much ignore the tunnels etc and have no impact on the overall game.
• Pathfinding is very poor and these ships feel like they are more like submarines going through treacle vs space craft. When you get a bunch of ships getting stuck on a minor ridge or object it can take an order to do a complete 180 to be able to get them all to move in a fleet again. It also isnt uncommon for destoyers in particular to lose half their firepower to blue on blue incidents cause of the spacing/pathfinding.
• Feels very simplistic in terms of the old "Rock Paper Scissors" aspect. Everything counters everything as long as you have N+1 where as in previous games for example a handful of bombers were very serious threats to frigates and bigger if they werent dedicated anti strikecraft fit.
• Support Frigates are OP

TL DR Its a good game so far that if it wasnt labelled as HW would be a good starting point to a new space based IP. However HW has big shoes to fill and so far I dont think 3 has filled them well enough. For a franchise that pushed the RTS genre to new things back in 1998 both DoK and 3 have been very "safe" releases with lots left of potential improvement left behind.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Currently going through the campaign. Playing with the HW2 classic controls MUUUUCCCCHH better handling vs the controls we got in the warzone demo

Ill Go over these points at the very end in the TL DR
Is it a bad game? No
Is is a good continuation to the HW franchise? Maybe but we will have to see
Is this a good HW game? No

The Good

• Ship designs look good and the mothership is a really nice feel but I do miss the classic Bannans
• Performance. Rig in sig playing all settings Epic/maxed out. RT on, no frame generation and I havent felt one slowdown as of yet

The Mediocre

• High Level Gameplay is decent. There is definate homage to past missions from HW1 and 2 (looking at you Asteroid dodging/clearing) but no real step up or sideways from previous missions. If anything somehow the overall feel of the maps seems smaller than even HW1 which is a bit of a let down.
• Story is.....OK? Its definately got some of the feeling of HW but when people say it hasnt hooked them or is missing something I agree. Still waiting to complete the campaign before passing final judgement. I suspect some of this is down to the fact that Between HW1 Finding Higaara, HW2 fighting for Higaara, this just feels like the whole Higaaran empire is off doing its own thing while your on the opposite side of space doing yours. Think of the opposite to Cataclysm where as you were a small cog in a big machine, now you are so big the rest of the empire is "irrelevant"

One of the things I noticed compared to both HW1 and HW2 is the ship docking misses the bays. It's very unsatisfying seeing ships dock and clip though the mothership instead of entering the ship where they are supposed to go. It makes me think the engine can't handle the level of detail or it was just sloppy design/coding. I haven't had a chance to play or benchmark in about a week and I know there was patch recently.

I don't like that the harvesters have no defensive capability and the lack of subsystems to customize the capital ships this time around makes me sad. I'd really like to make support carriers vs. battle carriers by building out subsystem slots to fit the mission/role etc... Perhaps I was too spoiled by Homeworld 2 Complex mod. I hope that team can come back and do something for HW3.

The Bad

• Some of the big show pieces they showed off such as the megaliths etc have little to no relevance to the actual gameplay. You can pretty much ignore the tunnels etc and have no impact on the overall game.
• Pathfinding is very poor and these ships feel like they are more like submarines going through treacle vs space craft. When you get a bunch of ships getting stuck on a minor ridge or object it can take an order to do a complete 180 to be able to get them all to move in a fleet again. It also isnt uncommon for destoyers in particular to lose half their firepower to blue on blue incidents cause of the spacing/pathfinding.
• Feels very simplistic in terms of the old "Rock Paper Scissors" aspect. Everything counters everything as long as you have N+1 where as in previous games for example a handful of bombers were very serious threats to frigates and bigger if they werent dedicated anti strikecraft fit.
• Support Frigates are OP

TL DR Its a good game so far that if it wasnt labelled as HW would be a good starting point to a new space based IP. However HW has big shoes to fill and so far I dont think 3 has filled them well enough. For a franchise that pushed the RTS genre to new things back in 1998 both DoK and 3 have been very "safe" releases with lots left of potential improvement left behind.

I very much enjoyed DoK but the AI could have been better and the carrier physics got a little wacky over uneven terrain. It was the first game I got a chance to play in 4K.