What are the main differences between Project Earth and Homeworld?
User Interface:
The idea behind Project Earth's user interface was to make it as friendly as possible. 2D RTS games are very easy to get into, even novice players quickly understand the basics. We wanted to achieve the same for 3D RTS genre.
Everything happens on one screen: some elements are always visible (map and radar), some are semi-transparent and become fully visible only when invoked (Production). No need to switch between various modes makes it easy for the player to maintain full control over the game.
The player can do anything in the game by using just mouse, cursors and CTRL key. This setup is easy to remember and use. Of course the advanced players can still use optional keyboard shortcuts.
The player can freely roam through space and watch the action from any angle. This camera system uses standard 3D shooters setup, that originated in Magic Carpet Series.
Engine:
The graphics in Project Earth are not just better by using newer 3D cards or more detailed textures. We also added real-time effects, like particles, that dramatically enhance the visuals.
There is real physics behind almost everything. We have inertia, angular velocity, etc. However, this is only to increase gameplay experience, not to simulate the real world.
The environment is alive, with 3D stars, planets, comets passing by, etc. Also there are lots of small touches: radioactive objects cause visual communication problems, and the camera is affected by the power of explosion.
Storyline:
The storyline in Project Earth is an integral part of the gameplay.
Project Earth offers the player a spectacular, dramatic - but easy to follow - story, where human emotions mix with exploding planets. A good example is Alfred Bester's "Stars My Destination", the legendary space-opera book. The player can find real-life equivalents to most elements of the plot, which allows for deeper immersion and enhance the playability.
Is Project Earth a Homeworld "clone"?
Project Earth is not a Homeworld clone. Both fames are 3D space RTS, but this is where similarities end. However, we do realize that Project Earth will be compared to Homeworld, hence this chapter.
What about other 3d RTS games like O.R.B., Homeworld 2, Conquest: Frontier Wars, and Far Gate? How are they different?
Project Earth / O.R.B primary differences:
The mothership is the player's base, and even though it' slow, it can be moved. But since it's relocated directly by the player, the feeling of battlefield control is not lost.
Everything - map, radar, production, stats, battlezone info, etc. is accessible from the main screen. There are no sub-menus and no different gameplay modes. Project Earth is simpler and more action oriented than O.R.B. In other words, if O.R.B. is 'tS', Project Earth is 'RTS'.
Earth fleet, lead by psionics called Sundivers, is about to start a journey to the system which has a planet that can be colonized. Right before the hyperspace jump, a mysterious comet appears and heads directly for Earth. And that's just the setup for the first level.
Project Earth / Homeworld 2 primary differences:
It's hard to compare Project Earth to Homeworld 2, as the latter has just been announced with no release date at this time. There are few details of the game available.
Project Earth / Conquest: Frontier Wars primary differences
Project Earth / Far Gate primary differences
The answer is similar for both games, because even though they are space RTS, they are not full 3D: they have 3D units with 2D environment. In other words, the battlefield is "flat" just as in any standard 2D RTS, just the units are not sprites, but 3D objects. This does affect the graphics (3D allows for light effects or zooming), but not the gameplay, which in our opinion, is inferior to no-space RTS games.
It must be noted that Conquest: Frontier Wars have also parallel battlezones feature, with up to 16 levels running at the same time. We chose up to 3, because we believe this is the maximum that still allows the player to maintain full control over the game.
The gameplay in 3D is different to the gameplay in 2D, so games like Far gate or Conquest should be compared to 2D RTS games. However, we listed them here because they are also set in space, just as Project Earth is.
How much will Project Earth cost?
This game will retail at $29.99 USD.
Where can I buy Project Earth?
You can purchase Project Earth through the online store or at one of our retail partners including; Wal*Mart, Best Buy, CompUSA, Electronics Boutique, Gamestop, Software Etc., Future Shop, and many more.