DESCRIPTION

According to many gamers, real-time strategy was born in 1992 with the release of Westwood Studio's Dune, a somewhat unassuming game based on the works of author Frank Herbert. From this humble beginning, the genre has grown to be one of the most popular on the home computer. Eight years later, Westwood Studios returns to Herbert's distant-future universe for more real-time strategy in Emperor: Battle for Dune.

The environments and units in Emperor: Battle for Dune are rendered in full 3D. Players choose to lead one of three Houses, Atreides, Harkonnen, or Ordos, and may form alliances with smaller sub-houses to bolster their power. Each House has unique strengths and liabilities. Battle takes place on five different planets. The movement of armies and basic strategies are decided on an encompassing 2D world map, then players join the fight on the battlefield to lead their troops to victory. Resource management, building and unit production, and well considered timing will all be important as players battle to control the all-important Melange "spice" found only on the desolate world of Dune. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide