Dune: The Battle for Arrakis
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Westwood Studios' real-time strategy classic Dune II received a major overhaul when ported to the Sega Genesis. While the basic concept remains the same, the game features all-new graphics, streamlined controls, changes to the tech tree as well as completely new levels.
As in the original game, the player controls the troops of one of three noble Houses, called by the Emperor to mine the Spice Melange on the planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. A series of consecutive battles must be won by mining spice, constructing a base and building units to attack the enemy.
The rather complex menu-based controls of the original game have been replaced by a context-sensitive cursor system, where a unit reacts according to what is below the cursor - either moving to a destination or attacking an enemy unit, for example.
The tech tree has been simplified: Among other changes, concrete slabs are only available in the 2x2 size, there is only one type of vehicle factory and the advanced units do not require an IX research center anymore.
Finally, the progression of levels in the console version is strictly linear, as there is no choice of the next map to be played as in the original version.
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Critics
Average score: 85% (based on 19 ratings)
Players
Average score: 3.9 out of 5 (based on 27 ratings with 1 reviews)
Real Time Strategy Starts Here
The Good
When I first heard that they had made a sequel to Dune, I was not at all bothered. The first game was a dreadful interactive movie/game that was instantly forgettable.
However, with the follow up, Dune 2: Battle For Arrakis Westwood Studios hit on a formula that has served them very well indeed.
You have to choose which of the three 'houses' you wish to play as, The Harkonnen, Ordos or Atreides. I was always Harkonnen, they seemed ok to me.
After this you are given a mission, the first being simple enough. Get 1000 credits. You have to build up a base of operation from which you can harvest the most precious mineral in the universe, Spice. Only found on the planet Dune, the three 'Houses' are battling it out for it.
As the game progresses you get to build more complex buildings and units. Inevitably the game becomes a war game. But it is in real time, and that is the clincher. Although it was difficult to play at first with a joypad, you soon get used to it.
With the ability to play as either of the three Houses, you can choose whether you want to do good or evil. Atreides being the good guys, Harkonnen being the evildoers. Each has their own unique buildings & units & have their individual missions with varying levels of difficulty.
This was a great game, and back in 1993-4 it was a breath of fresh air.
The Bad
It could be very hard on the Mega Drive / Genesis as the cursor was quite slow at times.
The Bottom Line
If you are a RTS fan, find this title and give it a shot.
Genesis · by Liam Dowds (39) · 2003
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Terok Nor.
Additional contributors: MAT, kubicz, Bart Smith.
Game added September 13, 2009. Last modified December 24, 2023.