A new gameplay trailer for Dune: Spice Wars shows off the upcoming real-time strategy game's unique interpretation of Arrakis. The epic sci-fi title is being created by Shiro Games, the developer of the Norse mythology-inspired RTS title Northgard. Following a history of strategy games based on Frank Herbert's iconic novel, the RTS gameplay of Dune: Spice Wars will also include 4X elements to create a wholly original experience.
Frank Herbert' Dune is an extremely influential piece of science fiction, with the novel and its sequels having a massive impact on spheres of entertainment including literature, film and video games. The original Star Wars film took many notable cues from the desert world of Arrakis, and Dune: Spice Wars will be the latest in a lineage of strategy game adaptations of the franchise. 1992's Dune 2 is widely considered to be the first mainstream RTS game, allowing players to survive and thrive on Arrakis using only their wits. As a modern interpretation of Arrakis' world, Dune: Spice Wars will combine RTS mechanics with 4X gameplay that allows players to expand, exploit, exterminate, and explore across the deadly desert.
A brand-new Dune: Spice Wars gameplay trailer, posted to YouTube by publisher Funcom, shows off the title's unique blend of RTS and 4X gameplay. The start of the game will see players struggling to survive the harsh desert of Arrakis, but mining coveted resources like spice can gradually establish a foothold. Rallying or conquering local villages can expand the player's empire even further, creating opportunities for even more spice harvesting. Rival factions can be defeated through both combat and cunning, but Arrakis' massive sandworms will not be dealt with so easily.
For fans of the classic Dune real-time strategy games, Dune: Spice Wars looks to be a fascinating new interpretation of Arrakis. It appears that Dune: Spice Wars is based on both the novel and movies, taking elements from all past interpretations while also putting a fresh new spin on the concept. Characters like Vladimir Harkonnen and Leto Atreides seem to take inspiration from Denis Villeneuve's recent live-action adaptation, while Arrakis itself seems to adhere closely to Herbert's original descriptions of the planet.
As an in-depth RTS experience set on the desert hills of Arrakis, Dune: Spice Wars strives to be a worthy successor to classic titles like 1992's Dune 2. However, distinct survival and 4X elements will ensure that Shiro Games' latest project is a uniquely epic experience. Players will be able to topple their enemies and dominate the spice trade, but Dune: Spice Wars warns that no human can truly conquer Arrakis and its colossal sandworms.
Dune: Spice Wars will release in 2022 on PC.
Source: Funcom/YouTube