Dune II was the first true playable version of a real-time strategy game. It was developed by Westwood studios and released by Virgin games. Loosely based on the film Dune by David Lynch, it picked up the “2” from its predecessor: Dune, an adventure game.

You can play as one of the three houses (more if you install a mod to the game): Atreides, Ordos and Harkonnen. Each are offered the entire planet as a prize to be won through conquest. Naturally, this does not go as planned and as you progress you will receive heavier retaliation and the two other armies along with the custodial Sardaukar in the final mission.

The game is quite well balanced, the AI is reasonable – save for the lack of imagination when it comes to attacking approaches. The game play isn’t too bad if you incorporate keyboard shortcuts, otherwise you’ll have excessive mouse traversing just to move your units about.

This is the planet Arrakis, known by those who know it as "Dune". The planet is made up entirely of sand and rock. A great tournament has been initiated by the Emperor of Dune. Only one house will prevail, successfully harvesting the Spice Melange and destroying any opposing forces.

Pictured left are Fremen soldiers, native inhabitants of the planet Arrakis. No further general Dune II introduction available at the current time.