HARDWARE: SHIPBREAKERS previews

Blackbird Interactive, a company set up by several of the founders of Relic, are working on a new game called Hardware: Shipbreakers. Many of the individuals involved worked on the original Homeworld and Homeworld 2 before they left Relic, and the new game has attracted a lot of attention due to its similar aesthetics. These include the excellent, moody electronic music and the phenomenal art style, inspired by the 1970s/1980s book covers by the likes of Chris Foss and Peter Elson.

Fortunately, the game is F2P, which means when it comes out it'll be free. Unfortunately, it is multiplayer-only. So far, it appears that there is no single-player campaign or skirmish mode, which has defused a lot of the initial excitement for the game. I'll probably give it a go anyway due to the pedigree of the creators and the fact that the game appears to be melding the ethos of the Homeworld series with the superb ground-based gameplay of its contemporary, the equally awesome Ground Control series.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed rumours are circulating that Blackbird have been in discussion with Gearbox about their recent acquisition of the Homeworld IP. Blackbird potentially working on a Homeworld 3 would be very interesting indeed.

Initial teaser trailer.
Preview Episode 1: The Prospector's Guide.
Preview Episode 2: The Baserunner.
Interview with the creators.