- publisher: Westwood
- developer: Electronic Arts
In the year 10190, empires seed the universe and statesmanship long ago, the fussy art of managing countries guides the destiny of whole galaxies. Houses are the basic political unit, aristocratic or simply autocratic ruling bodies that run their empires through tithes or terror, ballots or belligerence.
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Planets, of course, are the currency. But no planet is as valuable to these vying Houses as the dust-choked planet of Arrakis, also known as Dune. Home to a coveted spice called Melange, Arrakis is the virtual center of the universe. The House that controls Dune controls the spice Melange, which prolongs human life by centuries, enhances mental powers and makes interstellar space travel possible by folding the fabric of the universe. The House that controls Dune, controls all.
The Houses ready for battle a battle of weaponry and wits, diplomacy and deceit. Who will ascend to the throne of Emperor? What House will control Dune? What House will hold the key to the universe?
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The planet looks dead: endless dunes rolling toward the horizon under a ruthless sun, the air choked with dust, no water in sight. But the planet Arrakis hides a treasure that has enthralled the powers of the universe: Melange, a spice that appears only on the planet also known as Dune. Melange is used and celebrated across the universe: Guild Navigators use it to fold space-time for interstellar travel, Muad'Dib credits it for giving him his legendary prophetic powers. The drug is addictive in both large and small doses and the demand for it explains why a decagram costs up to 620,000 solaris.
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Thus Arrakis resides at the center of an epic struggle between the universe's many Houses. Each of the Houses among them, the noble Atreides, the loathsome Harkonnen and the scheming, secretive Ix wants Arrakis for itself. The House that controls Arrakis controls the spice Melange. And the House that controls the spice has the universe in its hands.
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Command one of 3 unique sides
Select your best hope the noble Atreides, the evil Harkonnen or the insidious Ordos to seize the Imperial Throne. Prove you can lead. Prove you can reign.
Build alliances with 5 distinct subgroups
Ally with any of 5 powerful subgroups to gain access to bizarre new technologies and units.
Explore strange distant worlds
Will you do battle on the oceanic paradise of Caladan, the industrial wasteland of Geidi Prime, or the icy planet of Sigma Draconis? The battle for Dune has many paths.
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Make large-scale strategic advances
Plot out your course to victory on the planetary campaign map. Evaluate your battleplan and decide which individual territories to invade or retreat from.
Choose your ground-level tactics
After entering hostile territory, use your wits and weaponry to achieve your objectives. Manage your resources wisely and build up a lethal ground and air assault.
Control diverse units
From the towering Kobra cannon to the hulking Minotaurus tank, you'll have no shortage of unique units from each side. Many units have dual modes for attack or defense choose which mode fits your tactics.
Experience the epic Dune universe in 3D
Plunge into one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time finally in 3D. Take part in Dune's political intrigue, social upheaval and all-out warfare. Even ride the legendary Sandworms!
Wage war online
Take on human opponents on our free service Westwood Online or set up a quick skirmish for instant action against the computer. Team up with a friend to attack different territories in a cooperative campaign to rule the universe.
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Structures:
Barracks: This majestic facility trains the Duke?s troops. Barracks can be upgraded to produce engineers.
Gunner turrets: are commonly employed as perimeter defense sentries. Within each turret resides a light cannon manned by a trained gunner.
Palace: The sprawling Palace generates the Hawk Strike. This weapon combines subsonic pulses with holographic projections to produce a demoralizing effect on enemy troops. All affected units flee in terror, desperate to escape.
Hangar: Well-fortified hangars produce all aerial crafts necessary for extended recon and strike missions.
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Units:
Trike: The vehicle of choice for deep recon into enemy territory and rapid hit-and-run raids. Frequent Trike patrols perform a vital role in the Atreides ground battleplan.
Minotaurus: Hulking and slow, the Minotaurus' massive armor and four huge cannons make it ideal for dismantling entire troops of infantry, particularly from medium to long range.
Ornithopter: The Ornithopter's high speed and incredible agility more than compensate for its light armor and limited missile payload. It is best employed against armored targets.
Sniper: With the longest range of any infantry unit, the Sniper cuts down isolated enemy infantry with ease. Overwhelming enemy numbers however quickly reduce its effectiveness.
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