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Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it is gone past me I will turn to see fear's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

The Spice Melange is found on only one planet in the galaxy, Arrakis. Desert Planet. Dune. A mind altering substance of unique properties, the importance of the Spice has not always been fully appreciated. Refined in different ways, and taken in different dosages, the Spice can change people. It allows for the lightning-fast mental calculations of the Mentats, the psychic ability of the Bene Gesserit, and, most importantly, the space-folding powers of the Guild. Without the Spice, interstellar travel, trade, and rule is effectively impossible. He who controls the Spice, controls the universe.

The book Dune by Frank Herbert was a landmark in the genre of science fiction. Years later, the computer game Dune 2 was revolutionary as few are; it was the first real time strategy game ever, creating a whole new genre of video games all by itself. Now, in 1998, Westwood Studios has remade Dune 2. With newer graphics, some gameplay refinements, and multiplayer support, Dune 2000 is a notable title, but not one that even attempts to outdo its mighty predecessor.

So how do you judge a remake? Most of the good stuff that Dune 2000 has, the original Dune 2 had as well. On the other hand, it also repairs some of the flaws and adds online multiplayer. So, it is better than just a colorized version of It's A Wonderful Life. Many of you will feel that Dune 2000 doesn't live up to some of the modern standards of real time strategy games, but that's like criticizing Forbidden Planet for its 1950's special effects.

This game is a remake, not a sequel, of a ground breaking classic, so let's take a close look at what it has, and what it lacks, from a respectful standpoint.

Dune 2

Graphics are the most obvious update; they are solid, but uninspiring. There's a reason for those low system requirements, and it's because Dune 2000 obviously uses the Command and Conquer engine. Which is rather out of date now when compared to Starcraft and Total Annihilation. However, they are better than the original, and are definitely more influenced by the visually stunning David Lynch film.

The sound is also updated and also taken from the movie. Some of the sound effects, like the 'wormsign' lightning, seem as if they are simply sampled from the film. The music is a bit over-triumphant and tends to repeat itself over time, but then what game doesn't eventually make you tire of the music? Dune 2000's music ranks in above Starcraft, but below Total Annihilation.

There is new FMV between the single player missions. The acting is a bit hammy, but definitely fun. One actor of note is John Rhys-Davies starring as the Atreides mentat. You may remember him from the television show Sliders or as Indiana Jones' big fat friend. Unlike Starcraft, the FMV follows each mission. It is both an excellent break and a satisfying reward.

Like the original, Dune 2000 also has three sides. You can play as House Ordos, House Harkonnen, or House Atreides. While there is only mild unit variation between the sides, the balance is well done, and each house possesses unique special abilities. However, no matter which house you choose, the single player missions in Dune 2000 get quite difficult. You certainly won't breeze through them without losing like you did in Starcraft.

On the other hand, Dune 2000 doesn't have the variety of units and structures that most RTS games have. With only a dozen or so to choose from, some of the complexity of Total Annihilation (about 150 units at last count) is lacking.

Perhaps the single most important reason that Westwood Studios made Dune 2000 is that Dune 2 fans have been clamoring for net-play for years. "Give us a patch, anything!" Well no more worries; free, seamless online play is supported by Westwood's servers. It will only take you a few minutes to get your password, but you probably already have one from playing C&C.

Easily the best part of Dune 2000 is the plot. With the novel providing a firm foundation, Dune 2000 has the best background story of any real time strategy game out there. Because the story came before the game, resource management (the harvesting of spice) makes perfect sense. Most RTS games have to make up a story to support the resource idea (ie. vespine gas), instead of the other way around. The fully fleshed universe and plot makes you really feel like you're part of an important story, making the whole experience much more immersive.

For fans of the Dune books, movie, or original game, I definitely recommend this title. It has the feel of the classic sci-fi story, and the game is genuinely fun. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, go buy another RTS game instead; you won't get nearly as much from Dune 2000. Or even better, go pick up a copy of the book and have a good long read. Not everything in life has to be a video game. You won't be disappointed.