So, what's happened since Homeworld? Following their victory over the Taiidani, the Hiigarans have reestablished their foothold on the rung of the ladder that is the known galaxy. But, wouldn't you know it, all the different kiiths are having trouble coexisting with each other, and there is a lot of political tension. You represent one of the lesser kiithid of the Hiigaran Empire, a group of miners called the Somtaaw. Because your kiith did not play a major role in the recent battle against the Taiidani, it has lost a good deal of prestige, and now struggles for land rights and political influence on the Homeworld. The game begins with a Taiidani attack on Higaara, which prompts a distress call to all Higaaran ships within range. The Kuun-Lan, your mining ship, jumps in to lend a much-needed hand.

As Cataclysm progress, the Hiigarans learn of a more powerful antagonist, known to us only as "The Beast." Its origins, as is almost always the case with new enemies, are shrouded in mystery. All that we know from the onset is that it is some form of techno-organic being - and is seemingly invincible.

One Potato, Two Potato
While there are no significant changes to gameplay, there are enough modifications to warrant a greatly improved game. Barking Dog Studios wisely decided to stick with what was tried and true, and as such held off completely revamping, and possibly screwing up, the game. The most notable changes made to Cataclysm revolve around a more realistic implementation of the way in which research and ship upgrades are carried out. Other minor gameplay improvements have been implemented as well.

Engage warp speed...

Gamma squadron, attack!

Prepare to launch torpedoes

Instead of the old approach to building research ships and allowing more than one ship to tackle a particular objective, the player must now build different sections onto the command ship to deal with the many areas of research. The only disadvantage with this modification is that you can no longer fast track research by having multiple research vessels study the same technology, as was the case in Homeworld. Instead, I found myself waiting for the scientists to finish their research so I could get on with the game. I might add that this didn't affect the single player mode as much as it did multiplayer. After all, in the single player mode, new avenues for research only open up as you progress. This is not the case in multiplayer mode, where all the options are available from the outset, but extensive – well, it seems extensive - research is required to develop new technology.

Also improved is the realism involved in upgrading ships. Instead of having your fighter and corvette class ships automatically refitted the instant research is completed; ships must now dock with the command ship to be modified. Capital ships however, still have the ability to refit themselves on the go. Regardless of which vessel you are altering however, the upgrade takes time to apply - enough time to make it look like the Hiigarans are actually doing what I can only assume is "stuff." Realism aside, I found this to be a pain in the behind during multiplayer campaigns because I would keep having to dock my fighters. However, as I stated earlier, I didn't really notice it in single player mode because the increase in research options was gradual in order to fit in with the storyline. Some of the other features added to the game include the ability to assign repair priorities to different sections of the ships, which allow you to now choose what repairs the drones will perform and in what order; and the ability to compress time in single player games, allowing you to get tasks done faster by speeding up time.

Overall, this game is a lot of fun to play; don't be surprised if you find yourself unable to draw yourself away from the computer. It's not nearly as addictive as the Sims though. If it was, I'd be dead of lack of food/water by now. Really.