Last updated on October 26th, 2024 at 09:12 am
Dune, the 1992 adventure strategy video game, is a masterpiece that blends adventure, economic, and military strategy.
Based on Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel of the same name, the game follows the story of Paul Atreides, son of Duke Leto Atreides and Lady Jessica, who is given the fief of the desert planet Arrakis by the emperor.
The ultimate goal of the game is to drive the Harkonnen from Planet Dune while managing spice extraction, military, and ecology through the native Fremen tribes.
The game is a mix between RTS and adventure gaming, with dialog between characters and a linear plotline that gives the game more depth than most strategy games. The player is also required to do some miniquests involving talking to characters and traveling to locations, which adds a small adventure game element.
One of the most remarkable features of the game is the balance between military and spice mining power. The player must balance both to be successful in completing the game. If there is too much focus on spice mining, Harkonnen troops can ambush a sietch, capturing all troops inside. They can only be rescued if the sietch is liberated.
The game is as much resource managing as military conquest, and balancing both is the key to success. Dune consists of two interwoven gameplay layers: an adventure layer reminiscent of dungeon crawler games, and a top-down strategy layer more reminiscent of 4X games. The player may switch between these two layers at will, to carry out completely different sets of activities required to win the game.
The game is full of great little details like a party system, a desert map full of hidden secrets, multiple ways to use your resources to advance the campaign, and in the CD version at least, really beautiful rendered flight sequences while traveling between locations.
The audio track, created by Stéphane Picq and Philip Ulrich, was released by Cryo (formerly Exxos) on the album Dune: Spice Opera. The tracks were composed by Stéphane Picq and Philippe Ulrich.
The game loosely follows the book and the 1984 movie by David Lynch, with only a few characters removed from the movie, such as Shadout Mapes, Piter De Vries, Reverend Mother Ramallo, and Glossu Rabban. Some characters’ roles have changed, however, such as Harah who follows Paul about in the earlier stages of the game.
Dune is a classic game that fully deserves to be remembered fondly, as a bold success, and arguably the best of the Dune games full stop when it comes to replicating the feel and spirit of the original. It’s not an unknown game by any means, but it’s hard not to feel sorry for the overshadowed 1992 Dune.
The game is a must-play for fans of the Dune universe and anyone who loves a good strategy game
Dune – Manual
You are Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto, and you have just arrived on the desert planet of Dune with your family. Authorized by the Emperor, your mission is to extract the galaxy’s most valuable substance: spice. Previously, only your family’s sworn enemies, the Harkonnens, were allowed to harvest it, controlling one-third of the planet. As Paul, you must rally the Fremen—who are enslaved by the Harkonnens—to join your cause in overthrowing their oppressors.
Dune is a tactical game where not all elements are revealed upfront; you will need to strategize to evade Harkonnen threats and liberate the Fremen. An ancient prophecy speaks of a Mahdi, “The One Who Will Lead Us to Paradise,” and Lisan al-Gaib, “The Voice from Another World,” a prophet destined to free them from bondage.
## Game Controls
Dune utilizes a mouse-driven interface, eliminating the need for keyboard commands. You can navigate using your mouse or the arrow keys.
## Main Screen Overview
The main screen presents Paul’s perspective. Key components include:
Command Bar: Located at the bottom, displaying available actions.
Movement Arrows: Positioned on the right, indicating possible directions (North, South, East, West).
Map Access: A red circle inside the palace grants access to a map of rooms and characters.
Command Paddle: Displays available commands; highlighted options are actionable.
Storybook Icon: On the left, this icon provides a narrative divided into four sections—politics, Paul on Dune, spice, and the Fremen—with basic information accessible by turning pages.
Time Indicators: Display current time and day; icons indicate day or night.
Character Windows: Show companions who can follow you (up to two).
## Additional Commands
Pause (P): Access pause features via mirrors in palace rooms for loading/saving or restarting.
Auto-Save: Automatically saves upon entering new locations.
Map Navigation: View known Sietchs (Fremen caves) and troop activities. Troop chiefs are represented by characters on the map.
## Globe of Dune
The globe provides a comprehensive view of Dune:
Navigation: Rotate and zoom into regions using arrow keys or mouse clicks.
Control Overview: Displays spice production levels and ally counts. Your influence is shown in red (your control) versus blue (Harkonnen control).
## Main Characters
Engage with key figures in your journey:
Duke Leto: Your father and family leader, offering guidance.
Lady Jessica: Your mother with formidable powers who interprets your visions.
Duncan Idaho: Loyal friend and spice production supervisor.
Thufir Hawat: Family strategist.
Gurney Halleck: Military instructor.
Emperor Shaddam IV: The powerful ruler of the feudal empire.
Stilgar: Chief of the Fremen whom you must ally with before gaining their support.
Kynes: The ecologist aiming to transform Dune into a more hospitable environment.
## The Fremen
The indigenous people of Dune are fierce and independent. They reside in sietchs and seek liberation from Harkonnen oppression.
## Transportation
Initially, your only mode of transport is an ornithopter—a winged vehicle resembling a helicopter. Selecting it opens a map for navigation.
## The Palace
Your adventure begins within your family’s palace. Explore its halls or venture out into Dune with caution against Harkonnen traps.
## The Spice
Spice is the universe’s most coveted resource. You must extract enough to avoid attracting the Emperor’s Sardaukar troops. Utilize Fremen laborers for extraction.
## Motivation
Fremen will only assist if they feel motivated; declining motivation affects spice production.
## Equipment and Resources
Abandoned sietchs may contain valuable extraction equipment and weapons.
## Sandworms
The Shai-Hulud—massive sandworms—pose constant danger during spice harvesting but can be controlled strategically.
## Conflict and Strategy
After aligning with Stilgar, train an army to confront Harkonnen forces. Training is crucial for success.
## Espionage
Post-training, select troops for reconnaissance missions to locate Harkonnen fortresses near sietchs.
The game culminates when Paul and the Fremen successfully seize control of Harkonnen strongholds across Dune!
