Homefront: The Revolution (Xbox One)

Homefront: The Revolution is an open world first-person shooter based on the original Homefront. Rather than a sequel it is a re-imagining of the concept. It is set in Philadelphia in 2029 based on alternate history timeline where the digital revolution took place in North Korea’s “Silicon River” in the 1970s rather than the “Silicon Valley” of Northern California, USA. Because of this North Korea quickly becomes one of the most powerful nations in the world selling its technology to every country. Its flagship company is APEX Corporation led by Joe Tae-Se. In 2025 the US economy collapses following years of building up a debt after participating in wars in the Middle East. The US is forced to default their debt to North Korea and Joe Tae-Se uses this as a pretext to invade the country, using an APEX technology backdoor to disable military equipment. The game takes place four years into the occupation where the people of the new Philadelphia live under the rule of the Korean People’s Army. The player’s character Ethan Brady is a new resistance member of one the local cells, but almost immediately ends up in a heavy KPA raid. He meets many characters and gets to provide assistance all around the city, helping out where he can.

The main objective is to assemble firepower to rescue the captured national resistance leader Benjamin Walker, who is due for a trial. The city’s eight districts can be explored in any direction right away with a day-and-night cycle and the main way to progress is by turning parts from red to yellow, by completing objectives such as freeing bases, returning radios, hacking and getting rid of propaganda. There are red zones focused entirely on combat against the military, but also yellow zones that play out more quietly. There it is often possible to blend in with the local crowd and operate through stealth and promoting subversion. It is possible to hide in dumpsters and craft distractions. By helping out the population, with liberation activities such as rescuing civilians, performing assassinations, removing speakers, hacking terminal (through a mini-game), blowing up fuel trucks, tuning radios etc. a Hearts & Minds rating can be influenced that eventually causes the people to riot against their oppressors, an evolution that is introduced gradually to the environment. Next to the main story missions that often further the plot, there are many optional side quests.

Next to regular movement, motorbikes can be used to get around. Brady can carry up to three weapons with a large amount of customization. Next to attachments such as new scopes or grips, weapons can be fully converted, for instance turning an assault rifle into a grenade thrower or a crossbow into a flamethrower. Modifications can be hot-swapped instantly. Additional options, weapons and perks are unlocked gradually and there are often hidden caches where additional equipment can be found. He stays in contact with other characters through a phone. RC cars can be used to carry explosives and to hack bombs. While there is a lot of combat, it is usually based on guerrilla-like actions, rather than large conflicts.

The Resistance mode is a cooperative multiplayer mode for up to four players. It is played separately from the main campaign with different systems for characters, progression, classes and perks. It was launched with six missions for various districts in Philadelphia.