My gaming history began before i even got to kindergarten. I don't really remember any of it anyway; just a few memories of playing the games with my aunt. However, when i'm in standard 5(Darjah 5); me and my little brother, Chik found a way to access games inside my father desktop. And that is where we had found our new adventures =). Among all games, 2 were stunningly spectacular; Dune 2 and Raptor Jet. However, its Dune 2 that sparks my addictions towards gaming or cyber-sport as it is called today.
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Dune II This game is the pinnacle of modern real-time strategy, RTS developed by Westwood Studios. It is the mother of Command & Conquer series also by Westwood and Warcraft by Blizzard.
The graphics were great at the time. The gameplay was revolutionary as it is the first game that units can be control by mouse, the invention of 'fog-of-war', technology tree and different factions that can be played (according to wiki).
The game was adapted from Frank Herbert's novels with the same title, Dune.
The factions are House of Atreides, Ordos and Harkonnen. I especially prefer Harkonnen cause of its colour; red represent courage and strength. The Devastor tank, special unit to Harkonnen was the biggest and strongest unit in the game; in accordance of the image of being the House that represent strength. This tanks were my most favourite unit aside from the quads and the heavy troopers. The Atreides has the Sonic tank while Ordos with their Deviator. Since most of the tanks were expensive and slow moving; my most common units were the 'cheaper-faster-than-tank-and-stronger-than-trooper' Quads.
I don't really remember about the storyline, i only remember the spice and its silo. The game revolved around you trying to monopolize the spice trade at Arrakis (the name of the planet). The spice were collected using Harvester units.
The spice were represented by the red dots on the screen. The gameplay is similar to all RTS games. You construct your Base; powered it with Power Plant; harvesting resources (spice); built units and sent them to destroy the enemy base. The missions get tougher at each level and it unlocked more powerful units as you go along the storyline. I don't remember if it has Skirmish option. One of the aspect of the game that is nostalgic to me is watching my Quads being devoured by the gigantic Sandworms. Hoho, sandworms were almost impossible to destroy. However it could be avoided since it has its specific route. You just has to avoid from being there when it came =).
This is a great game with stunning visuals and spectacular gameplay. For those who had the chance of playing this game during your childhood, then your are as lucky as I am =).
Westwood then remake the game under the name of Dune 2000; in which i had no chance of playing and also come out with the sequel Emporer : Battle for Dune. I salute the game's developer , Westwood Studios for designing such a great game.
