Let the battle for Dune’s spice begin. Photo Credit: Shiro Games
If there’s one thing that has caught the public’s imagination in recent months its Denis Villeneuve’s second Dune movie. The rhetoric, image, and discourse around the series has changed thanks to the Canadian director’s efforts on the big screen. Many may not know, however, that Frank Herbert’s magnum opus has been a source of inspiration for a number of other adaptations that have sated the hunger of fans. Among the best and most faithful is “Dune: Spice Wars” by developer Shiro Games.
Arrakis’ return to the world of strategy gaming has been a long time coming. The 1992 Sega-cd and floppy disk game “Dune” is often credited with inventing the genre that has since gone on to include “Command & Conquer” and “Age of Empires”. Before gamers were fighting for Tiberium they were leading Fremen against the depredations of House Harkonnen. That is but one of many reasons “Spice Wars” is such a compelling prospect.
Since hitting Steam as an Early Access title, the game has given players the opportunity to control a faction, fight for control of spice on the sands of Arrakis, and duke it out with their rivals. Its initial roster that included the Atreides, Harkonnens, and Fremen has since been significantly expanded. To date, the game currently includes Houses Corrino and Ecaz, not as paid DLC, but as free updates.
The title has benefited massively from its developers care with a ton of new modes and features added since its initial release. That includes a tutorial, Kanly Duel, and dedicated campaigns among others. Where previously you had to learn on the fly and likely endure one beating after another, the game now gives players a chance to learn the rules in a stress-free environment.
The game is full of flavor to get you in the mood to dominate your foes and master the spice trade. Players are treated to a beautiful artistic design that keeps the series’ identity while being unique among the many other adaptations out there. Add a soothing soundtrack that fits the desert setting and well-appointed voice acting to the heap and you have a good time waiting to be had.
RTS games have made a helluva comeback in recent years. The drought that plagued the genre just a few years ago is over. With games like “Spice Wars” receiving such care, fans will be eating well for some time to come.
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor