Dune: Spice Wars will force players to battle against the many dangers of Arrakis, including opposing factions and terrifying giant sandworms.
A new Dune: Spice Wars trailer shows off the upcoming real-time strategy game’s unique interpretation of Arrakis. The epic sci-fi game is being developed by Shiro Games, the developers of the RTS game Northgard inspired by Norse mythology. Continuing the history of strategy games based on the classic novel by Frank Herbert, the RTS gameplay of Dune: Spice Wars will also include 4X elements to create the most complete experience of the genre.
Dune is a hugely influential work of science fiction, with the novel and its sequels having a major impact on areas of entertainment including literature, film, and gaming. The Star Wars movie draws heavily from the desert world of Arrakis, and Dune: Spice Wars will be the latest installment to be turned into a strategy game for the franchise. Dune 2 is considered by many to be the first mainstream RTS game, allowing players to survive and thrive on Arrakis using only their wits. As a modern interpretation of the world of Arrakis, Dune: Spice Wars will combine RTS mechanics with 4X gameplay that will allow players to expand, mine, destroy, and explore entire deserts.
The brand new Dune: Spice Wars trailer, posted to YouTube by publisher Funcom, shows off a unique blend of RTS and 4X gaming. At the beginning of the game, players will struggle to survive in the harsh Arrakis desert, but the exploitation of resources can gradually build a foothold. Gathering or conquering villages can expand the player’s empire even further, providing the opportunity to harvest even more ingredients. Enemy factions could be defeated through both combat and diplomacy, but the giant sandworms of Arrakis would not be so easily dealt with.
There is no word yet on the specific release date of Dune: Spice Wars.
For fans of the classic real-time strategy game Dune, Dune: Spice Wars looks to be a fascinating new interpretation of Arrakis. It looks like Dune: Spice Wars is based on both the novel and the movie, taking elements from all the details of the past while also giving a fresh dimension to the franchise. Characters like Vladimir Harkonnen and Leto Atreides seem to draw inspiration from Denis Villeneuve’s recent live-action adaptation, while Arrakis himself seems to adhere closely to Herbert’s original depictions of the planet.
As an in-depth RTS experience set in the desert hills of Arrakis, Dune: Spice Wars strives to be a worthy successor to classic titles like 1992’s Dune 2. However, there’s the biological element. Survival and distinct 4X will ensure that Shiro Games’ latest project is a unique experience. Players will be able to overthrow their enemies and dominate the spice trade, but Dune: Spice Wars warns that no human can truly conquer Arrakis and its giant sandworms.
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