Homefront

About Homefront

Homefront is a first-person shooter developed by Digital Extremes and published by Spike in 2011. Set in 2027 after a North Korean invasion of the United States, it follows civilians resisting occupation in suburban battlegrounds. The game blends infantry combat with vehicle-based missions in its single-player campaign, co-written by John Milius, and features a competitive multiplayer mode. Available on PS3, PC, and Xbox 360, it aims to deliver a gritty, cinematic war experience. Despite a polarizing reception, it remains a niche entry in the military shooter genre.

Gameplay

Homefront’s single-player missions alternate between close-quarters shooting and vehicle combat, often forcing players to scavenge weapons while evading patrols. Controls feel responsive but lack depth, with basic melee options and a rudimentary crafting system. Missions follow a repetitive pattern: stealthy takedowns, explosive set-pieces, or driving through firefights. The multiplayer mode includes team deathmatch and domination, emphasizing fast-paced gunplay over strategy. While the setting offers varied environments like malls and forests, gameplay leans on overused tropes without significant innovation.

What Players Think

Homefront holds a 71.5/100 on IGDB, with 205 ratings. Completion rates for achievements are low: 15.9% average, 3.1% for the rarest “Expert Of War.” Players often cite repetitive missions and dated visuals as drawbacks, but praise the over-the-top action sequences. Average playtime clocks in at around 15 hours for the campaign. Community sentiment is mixed, some enjoy the chaotic combat, while others dismiss it as a missed opportunity. Critics highlight unoriginal mechanics and a rushed multiplayer experience.

PlayPile's Take

Homefront is a mediocre shooter best suited for fans of over-the-top action who don’t mind outdated mechanics. With 47 achievements and a 15.9% average unlock rate, it offers decent replayability but little depth. At $19.99 (if available), it’s a low-risk pick for those craving simple, explosive fun. However, modern alternatives like Metro or Battlefield deliver more polished experiences. Worth a rental for nostalgia, but skip if you value innovation.

Storyline

The year is 2027. The world has suffered a decade-long energy crisis, and economies have crumbled. Reduced to a mere shadow of the super power it once was, the United States became the target of a North Korean takeover. American malls, suburbs and city streets are now battlegrounds as the civilian resistance fights for freedom.