Dune 2: The Building of a Dynasty

In the annals of real-time strategy (RTS) gaming, few titles can claim as much significance and influence as "Dune 2: The Building of a Dynasty." With its 1992 release, Westwood Studios did not just iterate on existing mechanics – they set a blueprint that would dictate the trajectory of RTS games for decades.

Gameplay Mechanics:

1. Base Construction: The strategic placement of the base on rocky terrains provided players with challenging decisions about resource consumption and defense.
2. Micromanagement: Managing units and resources became an integral part of the game, something that would later be adopted by almost every RTS that followed.
3. Mission Structure: The build-gather-attack-repeat cycle offered players a rewarding gameplay loop. The increasing complexity of missions, interwoven with a rich plot, gave depth to the experience.

Factions and Units:

1. Each faction brought its unique units and superweapons. The Harkonnens had their powerful Devastator nuclear tanks, the Atreides had their stealthy Fremen warriors and acoustic tanks, while the Ordos had the peculiar Deviator tank.
2. The imbalance between factions, particularly the underpowered Ordos, perhaps unintentionally, added an extra layer of challenge.

In this game it is proposed to choose one of three Houses, between which the battle for Arrakis will take place - a sandy planet, on which a huge amount of spice:

• Atreides - an ambitious race, has a blue color. Unique units: sonic tank, shooting sound.
• Ordos prefer terrorism and sabotage. A unique unit: a rocket launcher that disperses psychic gas, which will allow to take control of the enemy.
• Harkonnen - animals who prefer to act roughly. Unique units: devastator - a huge tank that explodes when destroyed.

Aircrafts:

1. The introduction of uncontrollable aircraft added unpredictability and challenge to gameplay. While attack aircraft were arguably underutilized due to their autonomous and often futile attacks, transport aircraft added strategic depth, especially with their tank repair capabilities.

Environmental Challenges: The sandworms of Arrakis were a game-changer. More than just an environmental obstacle, they presented a persistent threat to resource gathering and military maneuvers, making players constantly reconsider their strategies.

Plot and Presentation:

1. The narrative was richly woven, with the battle for the precious spice on Arrakis taking center stage. The introduction of in-engine cutscenes was innovative for its time, offering players a cinematic experience that would later become a hallmark of the Command and Conquer series.

Conclusion: "Dune 2: The Building of a Dynasty" was not merely an RTS game; it was a foundational piece in the genre's development. Its innovative mechanics, challenging gameplay, and compelling narrative set a standard that many subsequent titles tried to emulate. Even today, its legacy can be felt in modern RTS games, a testament to its groundbreaking design and lasting appeal.