Dune II

RTS game inspired by Frank Herbert’s work

Dune II is a strategy game from Westwood Studios and Virgin Games. This real-time strategy (RTS) is built on the 1984 adaptation of Dune, Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel. In the game, you choose a House and try to establish your base in the desolate world of Arrakis. Of course, to be the last House standing, you’ll have to conquer your enemies as well.

As a game released way back in 1992, Dune II has severely dated audio and video quality, as well as a lot of gameplay restrictions. It feels similar to Sid Meier’s Civilization II.

Build your empire on Arrakis

Dune II was also known as The Building of a Dynasty or Battle for Arrakis depending on the region where the game was released. This game was noted as establishing a lot of gameplay elements that would define the RTS subgenre for the years to come. Aside from that, the game itself is based on a modern classic, which is Frank Herbert’s Dune series of novels.

As for the game, it has the barebones RTS elements. You find a location, set up your base, gather resources, and ultimately build an army to conquer your enemies. In true Dune fashion, the game revolves around finding and securing supplies of the spice. Also, there are only three Houses available — Atreides, Harkonnen, and the non-canon Ordos — most likely due to technical limitations at the time.

Since the game was originally released in 1992 for the Windows MS-DOS system, expect very old graphics and sound effects. Similarly, the game has a limited user interface, which adds to the already challenging learning curve.  Lastly, the AI is very limited in its abilities as an in-game opponent. They can’t flank, attack from different directions, and rebuild their own defenses.

Worth revisiting, for the right players

Since the Dune franchise has started enjoying renewed interest thanks to Denis Villeneuve’s films, it would be a great time for RTS enthusiasts and hardcore Dune fans to check out the Dune II game. Its premise and storyline fits well with the general idea of the novels and the films. More importantly, it’s budding ideas and unrefined mechanics have influenced the entire RTS subgenre, making it worth a visit.