Emperor: Battle for Dune

 PC
Emperor: Battle for Dune Image
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79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

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  • Summary: Based on the universe created in the Frank Herbert novels and in David Lynch's 1984 movie, this long-awaited sequel to the early '90s game "Dune II" -- the granddaddy of the real-time strategy genre -- puts you in command of a military faction fighting for control of the desert planetBased on the universe created in the Frank Herbert novels and in David Lynch's 1984 movie, this long-awaited sequel to the early '90s game "Dune II" -- the granddaddy of the real-time strategy genre -- puts you in command of a military faction fighting for control of the desert planet Arrakis and its critical resources.… Expand
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Emperor: Battle for Dune Movie 11

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Happy Puppy
    95
    It is with out a doubt the best real-time strategy game on the market today. The multifaceted game play and shear volume of missions should keep you battling for spice until your eyes turn blue.
  2. ActionTrip
    89
    An extremely fun game setting new standards in 3D technology and good Westwood-like gameplay.
  3. Gamers' Temple
    88
    Those familiar with Westwood's prior strategy games will be very familiar with the game's controls.
  4. IGN
    80
    Dune nuts'll dig it, and strategy gamers will dig it too. And if you're a Dune nut who likes strategy games...you get the idea...Overall, while I think Emperor is a lot of fun, "Red Alert 2" offers a lot more fun for a much lower system investment.
  5. GamePro
    80
    A limited camera, slightly wonky unit A.I., and a few absent unit-handling features seem like a retreat from ground already covered by other, older 2D RTS games.
  6. Electric Playground
    75
    Problems aside, the game is still a joy to behold.
  7. 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.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Macca
    Oct 11, 2002
    10
    Great, Great game. Each race(house) is so unequally different. e.g. if you wish to play a hit and run game and use units to their fullest Great, Great game. Each race(house) is so unequally different. e.g. if you wish to play a hit and run game and use units to their fullest potential, then play as the Ordos, but if you prefer stronger units at the cost of speed then play as the Artidus. There are so many different ways in which you can win one game. I love it due to its complexity.… Expand
  2. 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.
  4. 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.    … Expand
  5. JoeY.
    Jan 16, 2002
    9
    This game is amazing compared to all the other Dune games. For the fans of dune series this game is must have.
  6. TrevorP.
    Jul 1, 2005
    8
    In the skermish game they should have given you the option of turning your side red. That is the only colour you can't be!
  7. wishanem
    Feb 18, 2015
    7
    Emperor was a much better sequel to Dune II (the originator of most RTS mechanics) than Dune 2000 was, but still flawed. Generally I'dEmperor was a much better sequel to Dune II (the originator of most RTS mechanics) than Dune 2000 was, but still flawed. Generally I'd recommend Dune II over Emperor to people interested in the history of videogames, and Emperor to people who loved Dune II as well as the books and who are looking for another window into that world.… Expand
  8. Tony
    Nov 10, 2001
    1
    Couldn't get it to work on my system. AMD 800 with Asus MB, Asus Video. Contacted Tech support over a week ago and haven't heard a Couldn't get it to work on my system. AMD 800 with Asus MB, Asus Video. Contacted Tech support over a week ago and haven't heard a word. Brought the game back for a refund.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

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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

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