Homeworld from Relic entertainment sets out to combine elements of space combat, real time strategy and action to create an immersive gaming experience (yes it's also going to be 3D accelerated to the max.).

Homeworld's epic backdrop begins in the far reaches of the universe (you could say 'in a galaxy far far away' but you might get a nastygram from the dark one's lawyer), where you take the role of the benign lords of a peaceful society located in the center of a lush spiral galaxy. For as long as anyone can remember, no one challenged your peaceful existence. But then came the conquerors (you know this means trouble). Invading your peaceful society with the sole purpose of overtaking your world, these insidious outsiders wiped out billions and relocated the survivors to a cold, lifeless planet on the edge of the galaxy. Then, hundreds of years later, all knowledge of your previous existence has been lost without a trace. Only vague myths remain, and a single mysterious artifact: a crystal. From the crystal a faint signal is extracted and deciphered into an astronomical heading. An immense mothership is built which will carry millions of people along this unknown path, towards what may be the Homeworld... Is this starting to sound like Battle Star Galactica or what?

To make sure you feel every blast in the midst of space battles that take place within the borders of this title, Relic has designed an innovative interface which gives you full control a la RTS (real-time strategy) but on all three axis. We're talking complete freedom within the game world; you can set your 'camera' at a distance and watch the battle as it takes place. Or if you prefer, you can stick it right on the back of a single one-man fighter and follow it's every maneuver. Basically it's going to be a case of whatever blows your dress up and tickles your fancy.

At the heart of the game is the mothership, which acts as the most essential piece in your war machine. From within, you manufacture and send out ships to gather resources from nearby asteroids rich in minerals and fossil fuels or clouds of gas floating through space. Once you've gathered your resources you can exploit them to construct more units, either made for war or for other purposes such as research. Research is critical to improve upon your units, better guns and amour equals more efficient killing machines to aid you in the battles. In fact, dotting your 'I's and crossing your 'T's with respect to R&D is essential if you're to progress and should blend in well with the rest of the armageddon-like action.