(IDG) -- Not since the announcement of Warcraft II have I been so excited about an upcoming real-time strategy game. Even the other editorial-type primates around the office here are salivating in anticipation of Homeworld's release.

Homeworld's developer, Relic Entertainment, must've sold its soul to the gods of game design because Homeworld not only has an amazing-looking 3D graphics engine, but also a great storyline. In a nutshell, you've just found out that your entire species was driven from its homeworld generations ago, left in exile with no knowledge of its cultural history. You're stranded light-years from home, desperation, hope, and technology the only things guiding you onward.

Homeworld isn't like other RTS games. You'll take command of 3D-modeled space ships ranging in size from small interceptors to giant motherships. But what really sets Homeworld apart from other strategy games is freedom of movement. No longer are players limited to one or two horizontal planes of movement: Homeworld gives players free movement in a 3D space setting. You'll need to attack from above and below, forcing enemies to defend their mothership from all sides.

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Gameplay is a breeze once you master the camera controls--a feat as simple as left- and right-clicking. With all other commands and menus a keyboard-stroke away, gamers should be able to jump in and start playing Homeworld in the first 15 minutes. And in 30 minutes, you'll be building corvettes, carriers, and other larger ships with the greatest of ease. These huge craft will be needed to dispose of anything standing in your way, be it multiplayer enemies over the Internet, pirates trying to steal your technology, or an advanced alien intelligence trying to enslave you.

Homeworld will be docking in stores across the galaxy in time for Christmas, but Relic has made it clear that if it needs to push the release date back to ensure quality, it won't hesitate. You can rest assured that Games.net will have a playable demo of Homeworld as soon as it's available, so keep your eyes on our Downloads Section (link below). Words and screenshots will never compare to actually seeing Homeworld in action.

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