The gameplay is similar to that of Call of Duty, but it is much better, more realistic, and more gory as well. In my words as in others, I believe this game deserves even more praise than Call of Duty, not just because of graphics, but also because of it's story, concept, gameplay, and music.
Plot. In 2013, a year has passed since Kim Jong-un succeeded his father Kim Jong-il who died of illness, and then he united both North and South Korea, thus giving rise to the Greater Korean Republic. As the years pass, the United States of America withdraws it's troops from the Middle East, to deal with domestic instability and unrest. However, when Korea launches a satellite, it causes an EMP that causes a power outage to the USA, thus beginning an invasion, and so the most powerful nation in the world has become the Occupied America. Meet Robert Jacobs, a former Marine pilot who is taken to a re-education camp, and on his way, he witnesses the cruelty of the KPA. Luckily, he is saved by Connor Morgan and Rianna, members of the Montrose Colorado Resistance. Together, they fight to reach San Francisco, to turn the tide of the war and put an end to Korean Occupation.
If you want to take a break from Campaign Mode, you can play with friends, family and people from around the world in Multiplayer Mode online. In Multiplayer, you can play in various maps of the campaign mode, which is cool as well. Also, when you can obtain 3-Star or 5-Star rank, making you a high target of your opponents. So you gotta know when to shoot, and when not to. You can also play in teams, or free-for-all if you like.
Concept. Homefront takes place in the distant future where America was occupied by the tyrannical forces of the Greater Korean Republic. America is subjected to the whims and inhuman cruelty of the KPA (Korean Peoples Army), and the US Military has been scattered. However, resistance groups were formed in order to aid the US Military, to fight against the occupational forces and free the country that was once known as "Land of the free, and the home of the brave". John Milius wrote the story, and he is known as said earlier for writing Red Dawn and Apocalypse Now.
Development. Originally developers wanted a Chinese invasion, but later they changed it to a unified Korea for two particular and strong reasons: One, a possible backlash by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the reality of the economic interdependence between the United States and China that made the Chinese "not that scary" said Tae Kim, a former CIA field agent and consultant of the game's backstory. However, developers did a great job in making a great game despite all the controversial content.
Controversy. In Japan Homefront removed all North Korea and Kim Jong-un references in the game and replaced it with "Northern Leader" and "A Certain Country to the North". Also, the game was banned from all types of sales in South Korea. San Francisco residents were angered after THQ's promotional balloon stunt at GDC caused 10,000 balloons to fall into the San Francisco Bay.
1st Impressions. Some scenes were emotionally disturbing in the game, like in the beginning, where Jacobs witnesses the horror of civilians being killed, especially what got me angered is seeing how KPA troops murdered a man and woman in the presence of their son. Also, my favorite character in the game is Connor Morgan, he is like the hero and de-facto leader of the squad that carries out the missions in the game, also his hot headed temper is memorable, especially when he unleashes his wrath against the KPA.
Memories. Some memories from the movie Red Dawn began to resurface, as it was written by John Milius. Before this game was made, I saw the war propaganda 1984 film, Red Dawn, starring Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey. I really liked the movie, and the game reminds me of it a lot. I mean, in the movie and Homefront, the most powerful nation in the world is invaded by foreign powers. Re-education camps are both in Homefront and Red Dawn. Now come to think of it, a remake of Red Dawn is being made, and this time, Russia does not invade but China.
Rantings. My rant for this game is the short campaign. It has seven chapters, and to tell the truth, it needed more than just seven. I mean, Call of Duty has a long campaign, but this one is short and repetitive, just like the new Medal of Honor. Also, what bothers me is that the ammo in some weapons run out rather quickly, and it's tough to find some ammo. I mean you have to replace gun or find some random ammo? Come on, developers could have done better!
Good Aspects. What makes the replay value of the game most moderate, is the Multiplayer Mode. I would play it, but unfortunately the PlayStation Network is still down because of some probable Microsoft superfan hacker. The storyline is good, but it should have been longer than just seven chapters.
Overall. I really like this game, and even if Campaign is short, it deserves more praise than Call of Duty. This game gets a 8 out of 10.