t's a no-brainer. Take what might be the most popular science-fiction tale of our life and turn it into an interactive adventure. No-brainer perhaps, but until now it was an unrealized no-brainer. The realization, however, is here. Titled Frank Herbert's Dune , this action-adventure game by Dreamcatcher puts gamers smack-dab in the center of the sandiest universe in science fiction.
The year is 10191; the place is Arrakis—a planet better known as Dune. As readers may know, Dune holds the universe's most precious resource, Spice. Hence, the ruler who controls Dune controls the universe, and there is no end to those who wish to control Dune. The recent war between House Atreides and House Harkonnen has all but wiped out House Atreides. The only survivors are Jessica, the duke's concubine, and Paul, his son and heir to the throne. Players assume the identity of Paul Atreides as he teams with the Fremen in an effort to overthrow the Harkonnen.
Gamers play in a third-person perspective as they guide Paul through a series of five missions that include sabotage, direct conflict and reconnaissance. The game is part action (there are people to kill and guards to sneak by) and part adventure (there are puzzles to solve and an engaging plot). Although action is a significant part of the game, it is more stealth than in-your-face gunplay. As with most games of this ilk, there is no multiplayer.
An alien world made real
Make no mistake, Frank Herbert's Dune is no match for great science-fiction adventures such as Legend Entertainment's Mission Critical. That doesn't, however, mean that Dune isn't good. The game manages not only to tell an interesting story, but to involve gamers in its telling. Unfortunately, an awkward interface and less-than-stellar graphics detract from what is otherwise a pleasant trip through Frank Herbert's world.
The missions feel right. Whether sabotaging a factory or locating hiding places for Spice stockpiles, the game has an enjoyable mix of action, stealth, character interaction and puzzle-solving. Players sneak through palace halls, blast enemy guards and talk with fascinating characters. Dreamcatcher has done a good job of integrating typical action-game elements with the Dune universe. For example, water—which is the second most valuable resource on Dune—is used to replenish Paul's lost health. A nice touch.
Not so nice is the game's interface. Although the actual in-adventure interface is simple click-and-move stuff, other menus require navigation through unnecessary sub-menus, and delay. For example, detailed information on inventory items is available only through a slow-moving, animated menu.
Neither will the graphics set the bar for future games. Oh, Dune looks fine. The tan, whirling sand and majestic palace capture well the feeling of Arrakis. But the visuals lack the crispness, the clarity, the downright beauty of games like Etherlords or even Deus Ex.
But interface and graphic foibles aside, Frank Herbert's Dune is an amazing jaunt through the universe. A strong story, clever adventure and tense action combine to make this a game that can be enjoyed by gamers and Dune fans alike.
I liked the game—it was like crawling inside the miniseries.
— Mark
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