VU Games sends word that Relic's Homeworld 2 has shipped to North American retailers. Here's the entirety of the short press release:

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 16, 2003)- Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) announced today that Homeworld(r)2, the sequel to 1999's award-winning, space-based real-time strategy game, Homeworld, has shipped to retailers nationwide.

Homeworld 2, the sequel to one of 1999's highly acclaimed real-time strategy games, returns players to the helm of the most powerful space armada in the universe as they battle to keep their home. The highly-anticipated follow up title includes multiplayer competition for up to six players, in addition to an engrossing single-player saga.

Developed by Relic Entertainment, Homeworld 2 features a brand new game engine capable of creating startling space effects like dust gas clouds, wispy nebulae, and ghostly derelict hulks of space ships rendered with spectacular Hollywood-style special effects. Homeworld 2 is also packaged with tools for players to easily create custom content, including multiplayer maps.

"The original Homeworld was a groundbreaking title in the real-time strategy genre," said Luc Vanhal, President & COO of VU Games. "We feel that Homeworld 2 beautifully combines the captivating nature of the original title, while offering a host of improvements that our audience can enjoy. We're proud to offer this game as a continuation of the esteemed Homeworld franchise."

Homeworld 2 is being developed for the PC for a suggested retail price of $49.99 with a "Teen" rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. For more information, log on to http://www.homeworld2.com.