Emperor: Battle for Dune PC
  • Publisher: EA Games
  • Release Date: Jun 12, 2001
Emperor: Battle for Dune Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

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

User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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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 planet Arrakis and its critical resources.… Expand

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. Game Revolution
    83
    The universe feels fully fleshed out and not just slapped together for a game. You understand the houses, the units, the motivations, and the raison d' etre. And of course, harvesting finally feels right.
  3. GameSpot
    83
    In borrowing conventions from earlier games, Westwood managed to make its latest project interesting enough and enjoyable enough to be worthwhile for virtually anyone who's ever liked another game of its type.
  4. 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.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. M_Alex
    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 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
  2. TrevorP.
    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!
  3. [Anonymous]
    5
    Not the greatest game I have tried.
  4. Tony
    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 word. Brought the game back for a refund.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

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