We have seen dozens of games grace us with the Dune title… But how many can you safely say is worth its weight in gold?? (Or spice for that matter? - Ed)
The more enlightened of us have read the Dune series by Frank Herbert and many out there have seen the movie and then the TV series, each with their own levels of excellence. There have been many games, some good, some woeful, which pits us in the Dune world of Arrakis against the likes of the Harkonnen and the mighty Sandworms.
Some of my favourites were,
Dune II from Westwood, the top down strategy, that undoubtedly led us to Command & Conquer.
Emperor - Battle for Dune, from EA Games and Westwood. A superb game, with lots of reference to the Frank Herbert’s world.
My idea however came in response to the really, unfortunately, poor games that were created, which lacked potential or the proper backing or limelight to make them worthwhile. Recently playing Star Wars Galaxies online I thought why not Dune. Running over the sand hills of Tatooine, I pictured sandworms, legions of the finest Sardukar and hordes of Fremin using the Weirding Modules on their prey. The limits are endless.
Being a MMPORG, straight away that opens dozens of routes to the player. I consider myself a SW Galaxies veteran and the possibilities are endless in that game, but the developers have chosen to release new ideas slowly, so as to keep the players interested, which is understandable. Although, this tactic opens up its own problems, some lose interest if the Developers take too long to introduce something fresh. Which I can say from my own experiences SW Galaxies suffered on a few occasions!!
This Dune MMPORG has equal calibre. Although it would have a smaller fan-base to that of Star Wars, it is an amazing storyline and the universe it is set in is so dense with rich plot lines, stories, battles and intrigue. Tons to keep the player interested.
Can you imagine, training up the ranks to become a lethal Feydakin warrior and fight along side Paul Atreides in the Battle for Dune. Ride Sandworms, sabotage spice harvesters and slaughter your enemies. Or, fight as the Harkonnen, the Sardukar or delegate in the Guild of Navigators.
Anyone else with similar take on it?