Emperor: Battle for Dune

 PC
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Gamezilla!
    72
    For those looking to move beyond standard RTS gameplay, this is not the place to look. While E: BD has no glaring problems, it also has no standout features to separate it from every other RTS game out there.
  2. Yahoo!
    50
    Good points aside, E:BD is a tired game based on a limited concept that was beaten to death in 1998.
  3. All Game Guide
    50
    Easily playable but just as easily forgettable.
  5. Adrenaline Vault
    50
    This is not a bad game, but Westwood's real-time strategy titles are beginning to suffer the curse of Lara Croft -- they're getting old. There's nothing new here except for the gorgeous visuals.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best PC Game of 2001
41
#41 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
32
#32 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 95
  3. Negative: 5 out of 95
  1. M_Alex
    Mar 26, 2011
    10
    I consider this one to be THE RTS game. Apart from the fact that the story and cutscenes are very nice, particularly for a person, who's a fanI consider this one to be THE RTS game. Apart from the fact that the story and cutscenes are very nice, particularly for a person, who's a fan of the Dune universe, the gameplay experience is top-notch. The unit balance is fantastic, particularly due to the fact that it allows for differenc strategies (for example you never attack the Harkonnen with infantry units, while it is perfectly possible to win a mid-game level only with selected infantry and air support against another house). This does not mean that you just have to rush the enemy base with a massive army, as this issue has also been very well balanced out. Moreover, Emperor has some additional elements, that are not that common, as the possibility of choosing allies, which gives you some pretty good unique units later on.
    The sound is very good, and the music is good enough for me to own a soundtrack. It is true that the graphics aged a bit, but that's not a problem with such top quality gameplay as this title offers.    … Full Review »
  2. Beonid
    Jan 8, 2011
    10
    Still great fun after almost a decade. The graphics are a little dated now, but still perfectly acceptable. Gameplay is amazing - the balanceStill great fun after almost a decade. The graphics are a little dated now, but still perfectly acceptable. Gameplay is amazing - the balance between the three factions is perfect - an example to all other RTS games. I still listen to the soundtrack while doing other stuff, because it's so good.… Full Review »
  3. ErraticCommunist
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    A severely underrated game way ahead of its time... only now people start to realize how truly great Emperor was.
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