‘Homefront’ doesn’t deliver

Playing on the emotional and physical aspects of life in the U.S., “Homefront” was predicted to hit close to home for many gamers. However, what the product yields is a low rate first-person shooter that doesn’t bring new elements of video gaming to the table.

The most looked forward to aspect of the game was the fact it was set in America, a setting rarely explored in games.

The main plot consists of North Korea becoming a world super power, eventually invading the United States, then and taking control of the entire West Coast. Although all of this is true in “Homefront”, it isn’t as immersing as it could have been. Had background details been written into the script, it would have been better.

The lack of background information is especially lacking from the main character, Jacobs. We know that he was rescued by the resistance because he was a pilot, but beyond that, we don’t know anything about him.This utter lack of characterization goes against any of the expectations that I had for the game.   Another expectation for “Homefront” was that there would be emotional moments and in-depth character conversation and development, but again this too wasn’t fully expanded upon. “Homefront” did present new scenes, such as a refugee camp set in a high school baseball field. These were unlike anything seen before in gaming, but they could have been exponentially better had there been more character and story development.

The biggest let down of the game was the conclusion. The scene at the end had  great impact, but then it was game over. There was no conclusion or resolution. I’d played through the whole game with the idea that I was going to free America, but the end showed that the entire campaign was dedicated to setting up a battle that didn’t seem significant in the grand scheme of retaking the country.

If “Homefront” did have one redeeming feature, it was the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode was engaging and addicting. The game modes are team deathmatch and capture and hold, but each game mode is made exciting by the other features multiplayer has to offer. The player has the ability to adjust the customary features of their class setup, but where the new style comes into play is the bonus slots and the class abilities. “Homefront” class setups offers a slew of weapons and additions that can be selected then purchased in an actual match, including RPGs, air strikes, various drones and other unique items, and are purchased through an in game currency that is earned by capturing control points, getting kills, identifying enemies, etc.

Bottom Line:

Although the single player game was underdeveloped and seemingly rushed, it is worth a play through if only to experience an alternate world. If nothing else, the multiplayer mode introduces enough new aspects on old fashioned game modes to make it worth playing, but this game is not recommended if you’re looking for a counterpart to other high budget games.

Posted by MarkWatkins on Apr 7 2011. Filed under Leisure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.