I tell my interceptors, adept single-pilot fighters, to use their overcharge ability.

The next generator is well-covered by a gauntlet of turrets that will shred any ship that gets too close.

Between my pilots and the objective is a cluster of asteroids that should provide cover on their approach.

A screenshot showing the player completing objectives in Homeworld 3.

(Image credit: Gearbox Publishing)

This malicious nebula is turning once-thriving planets and space stations dark.

Once you get through the opening cinematics and into the first mission,Homeworld 3feels instantly familiar.

Even the backdrops of vivid nebula and glinting space dust evoke the earlier games.

A busy fight above an icy planet in Homeworld 3.

Its when the battles begin thatHomeworld 3really comes alive, though.

This strategy game glories in scale.

A welcome addition is the new tactical pause feature, which allows you to enjoy the spectacle unfold.

A screenshot showing multiple ships in Homeworld 3.

The pause doesn’t actually halt the game; instead, it slows the action to treacle speeds.

A destroyer, meanwhile, can easily face larger ships but struggles against smaller craft.

There are too many different ship types with too many strengths and weaknesses to track.

A screenshot showing various small space ships in Homeworld 3.

This strategy rarely fails me.

This makes the maps feel full and lived in, in a way many space strategy games dont attempt.

The new scenery isnt only for aesthetics though.

A battle happening in an asteroid field in Homeworld 3.

Your ships can hug terrain for cover and to stay out of sight of enemy ships and their sensors.

Homeworld 3has huge space boots to fill, continuing the path of one of the strategy genres best-regarded series.

When it comes to its artistic stylings, Blackbird Interactive has exceeded my hopes.

A large space station falling into pieces in Homeworld 3.

Its just not the stellar game or sequel I hoped for after waiting 20 years.

There is also unit selection assist, double-click delay, and a HUD contrast slider.

Should I play Homeworld 3?

The accessibility menu in Homeworld 3.

(Image credit: Gearbox Publishing)

It would make Admiral Adama proud.

I completed the campaign and replayed multiple missions, attempting different strategies.

I spent the rest of my time in the War Games roguelike mode.

A second screenshow showing the accessibility menu in Homeworld 3.

(Image credit: Gearbox Publishing)

On my machine, medium configs provided the best performance.

I used anAcerKG271 monitor, aSonyWH-1000XM4 headset, aRazerTaipan mouse, and a Trust Taro Wired Keyboard.

A dramatic space battle in Homeworld 3.