|
Because I AM the Kwisatz Haderach! (Or games based upon Frank Herbert's DUNE)
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Dune... Arrakis... Desert Planet.
Many (including myself) consider it to be the greatest modern science-fiction novel of all time. Many others loathe it and wouldn't be caught dead with a copy. Just about everybody agrees that the follow up novels did it no favors. However, if you're a Geek of any kind, you have probably heard of Dune, and love it or hate it, its influence has been profoundly felt by gamers, ironically sometimes with more financial success than the various attempts to turn the novel, or its sequels, into films or television series.
Strangely, everything attached to Dune seems to carry a lot of controversy with it. Perhaps its the uniqueness of the setting, or the complexity of the first novel, or the poor public reaction to the attempts to follow it up. Gaming has been no stranger to this controversy.
Most recently, Fantasy Flight announced its intention to re-release Avalon Hill classic, but re-themed to the universe of "Twilight Imperium" for a game called Rex: Final Days of an Empire Supposedly the Dune license was "unobtainable"; detractors claim that this isn't the case and that FFG simply "didn't try hard enough." I leave that matter to others to debate (and will take no stand on the subject.) However, it is worth pointing out that, from about 2000 on, the number of Dune licensed projects in development seems to have dropped off significantly.
Here is my list attempting to chronicle all of the gaming projects that have managed to see the light of day, including a few also-rans. If you have experience of these games, or know of any others, then please by all means feel free to add your own entries and comments.
Here's hoping that one day we'll see that ideal movie (or movies), and that the Dune name will live on again in the gaming world.
For my part, as a game designer, this is probably the biggest dream project I could imagine: being permitted to write a game (or really, anything) in the Dune universe
-
1.
Board Game: Dune
[Average Rating:7.63 Overall Rank:91]
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Released in 1979, this was the first officially licensed DUNE game of any kind (so far as I am aware.) At the time, it was controversial, with a dedicated number of players who considered it to be one of the great Avalon Hill "Classics", with an almost equally large number who considered the subject frivolous or simply disliked the game. This trend continues to the present day: there are those who consider this to be one of the great classic board games, and those who believe that it is a waste of time (and money.)
The game is diceless, and uses a card based engine, with a "combat wheel" mechanic, as well as an auction phase, variable player powers, and a unique initiative system based upon the path of the sand storms that frequently ravage the surface of Arrakis. Considerable diplomacy and skullduggery is often involved in a typical session.
The object of the game is to capture a certain number of strongholds on the Planet Arrakis and hence to be recognized as the undisputed liege lord of Dune. The number of strongholds required to win varies considerably from game to game, and is based upon the number of players involved, and whether the players are winning as individuals, or as part of an alliance. The base game can accommodate up to six players - the Atreides, The Bene-Gesserit Sisterhood, the Corrino, the Fremen, the Guild, and the Harkonnen. A later expansion added three more factions - the Bene-Tleilax, the Ix, and the Landsraad.
The game has been through several editions, but what is likely the final edition in its incarnation as Dune was published in 1999 by Descartes. A reprint of the game mechanics, with a new theme, "Rex" is due to be released by Fantasy Flight Games shortly.
There were several expansions for Dune, including two boxed sets (Spice Harvest and The Duel) along with numerous magazine based expansions, and a number of fan "add-ons." Some of these are (like everything else connected to this particular game) quite controversial, whilst others are considered "essential for play" by dedicated fans.
The most ambitious of the expansions, Grand Dune, envisions using nine factions, and all expansions. Apparently it's quite an epic experience. I wouldn't mind trying it one day, though I suspect it'd take more than one session.
I initially learned about this particular game around 2001, when I was starting to rediscover serious boardgaming. I had the chance to buy a copy in shrink, but a friend dissuaded me, telling me I'd "hate" it. "Too complex, too dry, not your kind of game," he said. I gave up until another look at the game convinced me that perhaps my friend had been wrong in this case, and I'm glad I did. After ordering a copy from PnP Productions, I have discovered that the game is nowhere near as complex, or as dry, as those who dislike it say it is. In fact, I think it's one of the most interesting, dynamic, cutthroat experiences I've ever had as a board gamer, and I feel lucky to have the chance to play it every now and again. The theme and the mechanics mesh together beautifully - and I'm just not sure I can play "Rex" having now played the original.
Incidentally, this is considered to be a top priority grail by many gamers. Prices for a good copy, particularly of the "Sand Worm" cover, can go quite high when interest is hot.
-
-
2.
Board Game: Dune
[Average Rating:5.82 Overall Rank:4861]
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
An interesting entry in this list, this version of "Dune" was released in 1984 and is based almost entirely upon the film. Often confused for the game above (which is now considered a "grail game" by many collectors), it is often regarded as one of the worst games based upon the license. More than one gamer has purchased a copy of this blind, only to discover that it is NOT the Avalon Hill game discussed above.
The entry for the game says the following:
"Based on the movie, this version of Dune features photos of the stars on pawns divided into teams of three. Each character has its own strength and guile values. Players can move around the outer desert spaces to harvest monetary units of spice or can move around the inner castle spaces to build up strength. Players can use spice to buy random equipment cards, spice harvesters, or extra boosts of guile when under attack. Players can also invest in the craps-like commodity markets that pay off on certain dice rolls. The artwork is slick, the rules are relatively simple compared to AH's version, and games go fairly quickly since all fights are to the death."
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Released in 1997, this was a collectible card game by Last Unicorn Games, the designers of "The Legend of the Five Rings." It was partly based upon the engine of the latter. The player represents one of the Houses Minor, attempting to become a Major House and earn control of a portion of the Landsraad (the grand parliament like legislature that forms part of the government of the Imperium.)
This looked interesting, but it attracted very little attention, and was often criticized as being "too dry" (pun unintended, but... amusing.) I owned three starter decks for the game, but could never get my college gaming group to get interested in playing it. Simply not their cup of tea. As such, I can't comment much on gameplay, since I didn't have much of an opportunity to do so. But loved the idea!
-
-
4.
Board Game: Dune
[Average Rating:9.50 Unranked]
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
A card-drafting game with some dice rolling mechanics, designed by BGG's own Lloyd Krasner as part of his line of "Warp Spawn Games."
“Atredies vs Harkonnen for control of Dune. Each house starts with 5 Nobles. Victory: If you ever have 5+ more Spice Tokens than your opponent, you win. If you kill all opposing Nobles you win.”
The players attempt to gain control of Dune through card play. Each turn the player who controls Dune gains one Spice Token. House Atredies and House Harkonnen each have Special Abilities which provide die roll bonuses in various game phases."
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Designed by Felbrig Herriot, and initially released on the web in 2009, this is one of the "Express" type games that boils the essentials of a longer board game down into a quick format, playable in an hour or less, usually involving copious amounts of dice rolling. In this case, the game is based upon the Avalon Hill classic mentioned at the beginning of this list.
At the time that I began to consider picking up the "big version" I decided to try this one first, again ordering a copy through P&P productions, which offers a gorgeous steam punk art version of the game. (Yes, I know it's actually analog/pulp sci-fi, but the Victorian theme is heavily ingrained in the Dune universe, and the art works beautifully.) I enjoyed it enough to decide to make the investment in the larger game, though having played both I certainly don't seem to play this version as much anymore!
In regards to the "steampunk" version, I very much regret that the artist did not finish a steampunk edition of the full game, as I'd be very happy to acquire a copy of the Avalon Hill version in that particular style.
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Another web published game, this time an area movement/action point game for 1-3 players, released in 2009. The players represent Fremen leaders, who are attempting to direct their followers safely home to the Sietch without being eaten by a giant sandworm who has inconveniently surfaced across your path.
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
One of the "holy grails" of RPG collecting.
Produced in 2000, this was initially released in a limited print run of around 1,000 copies, with plans for several expansion books. The initial responses to preview material were quite positive, and several folks enthusiastically pre-ordered the game (yours truly included.) Then, in a move that only Wizards of the Coast would think wise, it was immediately pulled from the production lines so that it could be converted from the "Icon" system for OGL/D20. Not long thereafter, Wizards announced that the game was discontinued, much to the disgust and dismay of many.
The copies that were not pulped were primarily distributed at a handful of conventions in the summer of 2000. Copies can be acquired, but they aren't cheap, and most of those who own the game won't give it up willingly.
-
-
8.
Video Game: Dune
[Average Rating:6.88 Overall Rank:1718]
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
A classic video game, released for home computer in 1992. Described by the VGG entry as follows:
"Dune is a 1992 video game, based upon Frank Herbert's science fiction novel of the same name. Developed by Cryo Interactive and published by Virgin Interactive, is the first of the Dune computer games. Dune blended adventure with economic and military strategy, and is considered by many the most immersive Dune computer game. Loosely following the story of the novel, the game casts the player as Paul Atreides, with the ultimate goal of driving the Harkonnen from Planet Dune, while managing spice extraction, military, and later, ecology through the native Fremen tribes. As the player progresses, his troops are equipped with weapons from "crysknives" to atomics, tap into Paul's latent psychic powers, and get acquainted with such characters from the book as Chani and Liet-Kynes. Available for the Amiga and IBM compatibles, it was one of the first floppy games to be converted to CD format, which included footage of the David Lynch movie, voice-acting for all speaking roles, and highly improved, 3D-rendered travelling and location screens. This version (a mix of the Amiga graphics and the extras of the PC-CD version) was also released on Sega's Mega-CD console. Also worthy of mention is the audio track created by Stéphane Picq and Philip Ulrich, released by Cryo (formerly Exxos) on the now extremely rare album Dune: Spice Opera."
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Better known than its predecessor, it has been argued that this was the first true RTS (Real Time Strategy) game released.The player controls one of three factions: the Atreides, Harkonnen, or Ordos (primarily referenced in the "Dune Encyclopedia") for control of Arrakis. Still has enthusiastic fans today.
Interestingly enough, this particular game was released for Amiga, PC, and Sega Genesis. I played the Amiga and PC versions, and while the Amiga version had vastly superior graphics, both were loads of fun. One of the few RTS games I can say I consistently enjoyed, because it felt like more than an exercise in simple mouse clicking.
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Essentially a remake of the above, released in 1998. It featured video cut scenes with actors such as John Rhys-Davies, and an altered story line, along with new characters. A very good game, it's often confused with the previous title, but the two are different experiences, despite common elements.
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
The sequel to Dune 2000, released in 2001. Not as commercially successful as Dune 2000 or Dune 2, and apparently somewhat of a disappointment to fans. Never got the chance to play it, so can't comment either way. The description on VGG reads:
"Emperor is set shortly after Dune 2000. Emperor Corrino has been killed by his concubine, Lady Elara, and the Landsraad has been thrown into chaos.
The Spacing Guild has presented the three remaining Houses (the same as those in the previous games: House Atreides, House Harkonnen and House Ordos) with a unique challenge: a war of assassins on the planet Arrakis. Whichever House wins the war will become the new leader of the Landsraad, and its leader the new Padishah Emperor, Emperor of the Known Universe.
Eventually, it becomes clear during the campaign that the Tleilaxu are scouring Arrakis with hidden motives, with various probes spotted collecting flesh samples from dead sandworms. After the last battle with any one of the opponent Houses on their home planet, the Spacing Guild (Guild of Navigators) leaves the victorious House stranded on the enemies' conquered homeworld, attempting to control Arrakis with House Tleilaxu by genetically engineering an Emperor Worm with immense psychic powers empowered by Lady Elara. They also release a mind influencing drug in all the remaining forces water supply on Arrakis to make them slaves under the Guild. It then becomes clear that a last ditch attempt must be made back on Arrakis to destroy the Emperor Worm before he awakes by using the Smugglers Guild to get back to Arrakis. Eventually the player destroys the Emperor Worm, and the Guild's plan is foiled. The victorious house then regains control of Arrakis and the spice melange and proclaims their side's leader Emperor of Dune."
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
A rather obscure game,circa 2001. Released primarily for Playstation 2, but also available for PC. It was based on the Sci-Fi channel Mini-Series of the same name.
"As Paul, the son of the Duke Atreides's concubine and heir to the throne, the player must earn the trust and respect from the natives of the desert planet Dune, the Fremen, to ultimately become their prophesied messiah and free them from the desolate conditions of the planet. Done that, there still is the evil Baron Harkonnen to overcome; he, with covert backup from the Emperor, had slaughtered the Atreides family."
-
-
Alex Bagosy
United States
Ladera Ranch
California
-
Worthy of one other mention is the failed attempt to create a Dune MMO. Developed beginning in the late 1990s, it progressed as far as screen shots and mapping,with some very nice views of Arrakis and the Landsraad. The project lapsed into activity, and was abruptly canceled shortly thereafter, around 2004-2005. The reasons for the project's cancellation were never really clear: the independent developers alluded to the fact that they could not solicit the attention of the major distributors, though they apparently did have the permission of the Herbert Estate to use the license.
This was one of several Dune projects (including movies, a new television series, and comic book tie ins, among others) canceled during the last decade as the Dune license became more and more difficult to acquire.
-
-
Maurice Tousignant
Canada
Windsor
Ontario
-
A The Burning Wheel (Revised Edition) supplement that is an homage to Frank Hebert's Dune.
It is an homage to Frank Herbert's Dune with most things slightly tweaked to avoid infringing: salt is melange, the Mahdi-Emperor is Paul, the Sisterhood is the Bene Gesserit, and the Syndicate is the Guild. The supplement adds rules for Vehicles, Propaganda, and Ancestry. The Burning Wheel core books are required and the The Burning Wheel: Monster Burner is recommended for maximum benefit.
-
-
Craig Stahl
United States
Wisconsin
-
Just thought I would add the expansions
-
-
16.
Board Game: Dune: The Duel
[Average Rating:5.65 Unranked]
[Average Rating:5.65 Unranked]
Craig Stahl
United States
Wisconsin
-
-
-
Shemp Fill-in: Chan?
United States
Fountain Valley
California
Which way did I go?
Pick a card.
-
No matter how you feel about the novel (I like it, but I wouldn't necessarily say it was the greatest modern sci-fi novel ever), you have to acknowledge the influence it had on science fiction (and even other genres) that came later.
This game, while not really based on the novel, makes references to a "Desert Planet" and "Space Spice" - sci-fi tropes first introduced by Herbert's Dune.
-
-
 -
The "little-death" that the gom jabbar will evolve from.
(Yes, this means the BGG mods will evolve into the Bene Gesserit)
-
-
Andrea Angiolino
Italy
Rome
European Union
-
How to make a wargame if you have the moulds for one kind of miniatures only (human space troops)?
Use giant sand worms as enemies... they just stay under the sand, and are flat coardboard counters when they appear at the surface.
-
-
Peter Schott
Germany
Nürnberg
Franconia
Please fondle my bum.
-
Not the game, but this animal (a dungeon pet called wormie) was inspired by the novel. The spice must flow!
-
-
|
|
|
. It's been many a year but a few things I remember...
Coldwater
Michigan
Thunder Bay
Ontario
Kwisatz Haderach, (original line: nic-nac paddy-whack)
Give a dog a bone!
This old man came rolling home.
Appologies to those who now have the song in their head.
Dublin
Ohio
Kwisatz Haderach, (original line: nic-nac paddy-whack)
Give a dog a bone!
This old man came rolling home.
You and me both, Doug.
Ladera Ranch
California
I am both excited and dismayed at the coming FFG reprint with the TI3 theme. I am dismayed the license was unobtainable, but am excited to see how people new to the game react to it in today's gaming climate. I guess that will be the true test of whether Dune is a classic that stands the test of time.
Couldn't agree with you more. I am still mystified by those who think that the game is "too complex" or "too fiddly." I can understand folks not liking it for other reasons (those who don't like conflict will HATE the game), but the standard reasons often cited for rating it poorly just don't make a lot of sense to me.
I will probably play the TI3 game, to see how it goes, but I just don't think it will be the same.
Ladera Ranch
California
Right then, carry on!