Cataclysm picks up 15 years after the Kushan people returned to Hiigara (the Homeworld). During this time there has been some political unrest, with the Sleepers (those who were in stasis on the Mother Ship) finding themselves lost and without power. The Mother Ship itself now orbits high above Hiigara, functioning as an orbital space station and shipyard. The Taidanii Empire has all but fallen, with a new Taidanii Republic emerging from the ruins.

It's always a good sign when the manual of a game gives a good background story, as well as set the scene for the game about to commence. And Cataclysm's manual does just that. Containing a good background story, which details events that occurred after the end of the original Homeworld, the manual also covers the history of the main Kith in the game, which you play, the Somtaaw. Cataclysm's first mission shows the Somtaaw mining vessel Kuun-Lan out at the edges of Hiigaran space when it receives a distress call from the fleets around the Homeworld. Taidanii Imperialist forces have attempted a direct assault on Hiigara and the defence forces are barely holding. The Kuun-Lan is ordered to travel to Hiigara and help turn the tide of the battle.

As the mission begins, the little changes and tweaks in the graphics engine become apparent. All the ships look slightly more detailed, and the Kuun-Lan itself has several moving parts on it. The Homeworld engine was breathtaking a year ago, and it hasn't aged a bit. Take a squad of Acolytes into battle and watch as their cannons fold into position as they prepare to fire. Marvel at the impressive explosions. Even with details turned down, Cataclysm would rank among the most impressive graphics displays this year. But pretty graphics do not a good game make, as many developers have found out over the years. Barking Dog Studios have done an outstanding job on the story, which focuses on a new enemy that could threaten all life in the galaxy, an enemy that is feared even by the Bentusi race, an enemy called the Beast. The story is played out through a mix of in game cut scenes and comic-style movies, which is similar in style to those done in Homeworld. An excellent soundtrack backs the story, with the music providing an epic feel to the game. Also the voice acting is, in general, well done, with each unit having a distinctive sound.