Dune 2000

Published by Sold Out Software
Developed by Westwood Studios
Platform: PC CD-ROM
Released - Out Now
Price : £4.99

Almost all RTS games, as we know them today have their roots in Dune II. Dune II shaped the RTS genre more so than any other title. Of course that was a long time ago now and to commemorate this hugely important game, Westwood Studios decided to re-release the game, albeit in a polished form as Dune 2000.

Dune II is a classic, there is no doubt about that but what left a bitter taste in the mouth of people who bought Dune 2000 was the fact that hardly anything had been altered, with the exception of the additional cutscenes. Compared to RTS games that were around in 1999 it looked old and a complete rip-off, especially as it cost £34.99. Westwood Studios had released the classic Red Alert in 1996 and in all honesty Red Alert was a far superior game to Dune 2000. Of course at the low price of £4.99 it doesn't seem a rip-off and RTS completists owe it to themselves to own what is essentially a touched up version of the game that really gave birth to the RTS genre.

Whilst mission briefings are given in text, nothing much else is. The cutscenes are not subtitled and the unit confirmations are not shown in text either. It's possible to enjoy the missions but the cutscenes carry the story and without them being subtitled deaf gamers do not have access to the story.

Recommendation: Recommended as long you haven't played Dune II, otherwise avoid.

Suitability for deaf gamers: OK. Cutscenes are not subtitled, unit confirmations and verbal warnings are not shown in text.

Overall Game Rating: 2.5/5