Title: Homefront
Developer: Kaos Studios
Publisher: THQ / Deep Silver
Released: March 15, 2011
Platforms Available: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC Game
Platform Reviewed: PC Game
Article Reading Time: 5 minutes
Revisiting a Forgotten Fictional Conflict
Homefront, a first-person shooter developed by Kaos Studios way back in 2011, offers a unique setting that piqued my interest. Set in a fictional future where North Korea invades the USA, you play as part of a rebel movement army. This intriguing premise set the stage for my mixed experience with the game, which I’ll delve into in detail.
A Brutal and Oppressive Atmosphere
Homefront doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutality of war. There are mass graves, executions, hanging bodies, and a constant feeling of oppression, all part of a brutal story that unfolds as you progress. The atmosphere is heavy, which is both a strength and a weakness. It pulls you in, but it can also feel overwhelming and graphic. The narrative is bleak and unrelenting, intending to show the horrifying consequences of an occupied America.
Standard Gameplay with Noticeable Flaws
Gameplay-wise, Homefront is standard for the genre. Nothing here sets it apart as a first-person shooter, and the mechanics feel dated compared to other games released around the same time. It has moments of excitement, like intense firefights and vehicle segments, but nothing special or worth pointing out. The NPC movement is noticeably buggy at times. Characters will glitch and walk into walls or each other, to the point where I had to restart a checkpoint once since the NPC was stuck and the cutscene did not start when it was supposed to. This is a glaring issue that made some moments feel unpolished and rushed. Furthermore, the AI behavior was often erratic, leading to frustration during stealth sections or coordinated attacks.
So So Graphics for Its Time
Graphics-wise, Homefront is functional for a 2011 game. The visuals could be more groundbreaking, but they do the job. The environments are adequately detailed and fitting to the story, even though I did not enjoy particular scenes personally. The game utilizes the Unreal Engine 3, which was quite popular then, but doesn’t push the engine to its limits. Some textures could be more varied, and the character models can look stiff, detracting from the immersive experience the game tries to create.
Multiplayer Mode and Its Shortcomings
One of the unique aspects of Homefront was its multiplayer mode, which, at the time of release, featured large-scale battles with up to 32 players. It included a Battle Points system, where players earned points through combat performance to purchase weapons, gear, and vehicles during a match. This system added a strategic element to the gameplay, allowing players to adapt their loadout based on their performance. However, this mode did not have the longevity or impact of other multiplayer shooters released during that era, such as Call of Duty or Battlefield.
The Legacy Worth of Sequel ?
Homefront was seen as it had potential, and its publisher, THQ, had even planned a sequel. Despite financial difficulties leading to THQ’s bankruptcy and the subsequent sale of Homefront’s rights, the game’s potential was not lost. The release of ‘Homefront: The Revolution’ in 2016, a spiritual successor with an open-world approach, was a testament to this potential. However, the sequel faced its own set of challenges, including technical issues and mixed reviews, which prevented it from fully realizing the original’s promise. We will review bit later.
Final Word on Homefront
Despite some intriguing ideas and moments, Homefront falls short of delivering a memorable experience. With dated mechanics, technical glitches, and an overwhelming atmosphere, it remains a game that could have been much more with a bit more care and polish. It might be worth a playthrough for those curious about its story but don’t expect a groundbreaking experience. In the end, Homefront should maybe stay forgotten.
Where to Buy Homefront
Steam (PC): Available for $1.99. Purchase it directly from Steam
