Dune: Awakening is the Spice of life and exactly what I’ve been waiting years to play

by

Dune is an extensive and ancient franchise, which emerged slightly before the Star Wars epoch. It’s a series recognized by canon that boasts a fervent fanbase equally passionate about its universe as any other science fiction enthusiast.

In “Dune: Awakening,” the narrative departs from the familiar plotline and delves into a different path by crafting an alternative timeline. Imagine a scenario where Paul Atreides never came to be; how might the universe of Dune and its conflicts transform in such a case?

Funcom is making a bold, cosmic leap by safeguarding the unique elements of Dune, taking a new path that offers greater creative flexibility with the intellectual property. This fresh direction results in a more earthbound narrative, focusing on a protagonist who rises from humble beginnings.

In the game Dune: Awakening, you’ll continue to witness the familiar strife between rival factions, where you’ll make a choice about who you’ll support for the future. It’s within this setting that you’ll fight for dominance and power.

In Dune: Awakening, you’ll observe ongoing political conflict among opposing groups, and it’s up to you to pick your allegiance for the coming times. This is the world where you’ll engage in struggles for supremacy and control.

Without giving any story spoilers, let’s dive in.

Building and vehicles — Done right

Initially, let’s discuss construction. It’s common knowledge among survival enthusiasts that Funcom has a rich history with Conan Exiles. They’ve built upon the adored construction system from there, enhancing it further.

The essential building blocks of squares and triangles remain the foundation, yet the overall structure has been refined to a level that other survival games might find worth emulating. Designing a construction using futuristic holographic tech is an exhilarating experience.

Instead of constructing structures piece by piece with each click, you have the ability to pre-plan and create an entire base from scratch without spending resources. This planning stage allows for a more organized approach, making it possible for me to design and build a majestic archway on my own.

In addition, I came across numerous extraordinary structures that surpassed those of Conan, showcasing unique designs. These weren’t ordinary physical constructions; rather, they allowed for the creation of upside-down marvels and limitless creativity, without the concern of fortifying them against raids.

You can also build one heck of a garage for your vehicles!

During this testing phase, we could solely construct the sandbike. On its own, crafting and navigating with it offers an incredibly rewarding sensation when it comes to moving vehicles. Traversing vast expanses of desert dunes was like receiving a surge of dopamine, which is exactly what makes a game enjoyable.

The act of making grooves along the terrain initially filled me with a profound sense of wonder upon my arrival. Over time, I never lost interest in traversing the expansive chart we had access to. Every moment spent navigating the landscape using the vehicle brought me pleasure from start to finish.

Among the vehicles I managed to acquire was the MK3 Buggy, a model that could be found rather than built. In the game Dune: Awakening, non-player characters (NPCs) might hold vehicle components or even complete vehicles.

Although I’m unsure about the frequency at which these items will appear, I managed to locate a pair of bikes and a large buggy within a research laboratory. Extracting them from an undergound bunker could seem challenging, but with the help of the vehicle extraction tool, it turned out to be surprisingly simple.

Among the many appealing aspects of Dune, I particularly enjoy the vehicle backup device. With a brief check-up, you can store it conveniently on your person or in your inventory. This tool offers the unique opportunity for me to assert ownership over a buggy by scanning it and exiting the facility with it securely fastened to my waist.

Let’s wish that all other vehicles, including the Ornithopter, enjoy an equally smooth ride traversing these expansive terrains. By the way…

Map and Exploration — The Sands will consume

We received permission to examine only the initial layout of the map. More specifically, not only were we confined to exploring this initial section, but we could only investigate a quarter of it.

In the vast expanse of Hagga Basin, my exploratory territory was confined to a mere third of its grandeur. Over an immersive span of thirty hours, I ventured through these limited zones, and let me attest – this game is nothing short of enormous.

In this region, there existed a common beginner’s area, referred to as Hagga Basin South. It was here that I familiarized myself with my environment and the resources available to me. This place provided an ideal setting for mastering the basics of Dune: Awakening.

As an explorer within the game, I found myself in a relatively safe region where adversaries were primarily unshielded, and the sandworms posed less danger. It took me approximately 6 hours of gaming to traverse this zone, though individual playtimes may differ. During my journey, I took some time to delve into the intricacies of the building system and thoroughly examine the surroundings.

The region encompassed several small enemy outposts, a trading hub, and a scientific research facility. Although these research facilities are not abundant, they become visible on the map after exploring the surroundings. Containing automobile components, scarce minerals, and various treasures, they are worth seeking out.

Beyond the safety of the starting point, the situation became perilous. The ground turned a blood-red hue, and jagged rock formations sprang up from beneath, mirroring the unforgiving landscape I ventured into. Navigating through treacherous sand dunes, sandworms, quicksand traps, and adversaries even more formidable in hostile settlements was essential for survival.

Dunes of drums are frightening, especially if you’re not paying close attention to your navigation tools. Encountering one in the heart of a desert could lead to disaster. They attract sand-predators towards your position, giving you just about 10 to 15 seconds to flee once detected.

The whole locale seemed hostile, transforming into a sinister entity that appeared menacing and intent on causing harm. If I provoked too many at a time, areas inhabited by adversaries could easily overwhelm a lone individual like myself.

Every region showcases its own special characteristics, such as exclusive foes, resource spots, and narrative development. The arrangement is intricate, with merchants scattered across both territories and emissaries from the Houses appearing in the second zone. Additionally, you can acquire tasks or assignments, along with solari (Dune’s currency) and various other goods, within these areas.

Delving into unexplored territories is rewarding since they often yield Intel points. These points serve as keys to open blueprint designs for player-made crafting. Among the unlockable blueprints are vehicles, weapons, and assorted tools. Additionally, some locations offer advanced blueprints that surpass regular items. These special areas may also contain rare components necessary for crafting a diverse range of items like unique sands or blueprints.

The development of the plot and setting are so skillfully integrated that the pace seems flawlessly balanced, leaving me excited to explore further, uncovering what lies ahead on the initial map and beyond.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating exploring uncharted territories in this upcoming game, specifically Arrakeen and Harkonnen’s social centers, along with the vast Deep Desert. What sets this end-game map apart is its PvP focus, with the Coriolis Storm rejuvenating the desert every week. The struggle for control over spice zones, a valuable resource that grows more important as the game progresses, will be intense among factions.

Combat and abilities

Currently, it’s the essential feature that binds great Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP) games. We could call it the grease that keeps a well-functioning system running smoothly. To put it simply, combat, on average, feels quite satisfying so far.

In the initial stages, melee combat is presented. It was showcased during the beta phase and even used against opponents with shields. Essentially, dodging and maneuvering around an adversary forms the core strategy for most melee combat situations.

In a one-on-one fight scenario, engaging in close combat feels awfully routine for me. Granted, I can’t comment on the complexity of future cooperative encounters or multiplayer melee battles, but when it comes to tackling a solitary adversary, it seems more like an automatic response than a strategic challenge.

Enemies engaged in close combat are likely to sport protective barriers that can only be breached by deliberate, slower strikes, substituting for the usual “heavy” attacks found in many games. To execute this deliberate strike, simply hold down the attack button and watch as you perform a controlled stab with your knife or other sharp weapon.

To land that strike effectively, players should alternate between attacking their enemies. They can achieve this by using swift, brief strikes. Over time, this technique develops into a repetitive sequence, making it so simple and consistent that it requires minimal focus from the player.

As an analyst, I would break down the instructions as follows:

To engage an enemy in the initial zone, follow these steps:

1. Click thrice to initiate a staggering effect. This will momentarily weaken your opponent, giving you an advantage.
2. Next, hold down your click to slow down your attack speed. This will make each hit more impactful and allow you to deal damage more effectively.
3. Repeat this process until the enemy is defeated.

Please note that these instructions are only applicable for single enemies in the opening area. For more complex situations, additional strategies may be required.

As you explore territories controlled by your adversaries, you’ll encounter a blend of melee and ranged combatants, some of whom are also protected by shields and armed with miniguns. Engaging in battle with a group requires a tactical approach, carefully choosing which opponents to confront first.

It’s unlikely that you can eliminate all ranged adversaries without getting overpowered by close-combat attacks shielded by armor. Similarly, dealing with melee opponents without incurring gunfire will be challenging. Instead, luring enemies behind cover and skillfully using your abilities will significantly increase your chances of winning.

In individual encounters, ranged combat might seem straightforward due to its simplicity. However, by incorporating a mix of weapons like pistols, rifles, shotguns, and more along with special abilities, you can experience an impressive range of strategies when dealing with groups or clusters.

In a typical battle scenario, you may need to sacrifice your initial skills to deal with imminent dangers, either neutralizing them or turning the tide completely. Subsequently, a utility item will be used to secure the victory. The diverse ways these abilities can be employed and acquired also offer numerous tactical options during combat.

As soon as the game launches, it’s clear that a ‘meta’, or dominant strategy, will emerge. However, each class possesses unique abilities that enable them to seamlessly fill different roles. At character creation, four distinct classes, or disciplines, are on offer.

  • Trooper – Focused on ranged weapon damage, explosive delivery, gravity devices that orient to attract or redirect attacks, and movement abilities like the Shigawire Claw.
  • Mentat – A technology discipline that can rely on a placeable turret, deployable shield, poison attacks, or other tech devices like hologram copies.
  • Bene Gesserit – Powered by the voice, you can command enemies to halt their movements, direct them toward you, appear behind them, or even reach unimaginable foot speeds to close the gap on your opponents.
  • Swordmaster – A melee-oriented class that adheres to counter-play and precision.
  • Planetologist (Can not be learned during character creation) – Has only one ability, while the rest of the discipline offers passive traits and techniques. The one trick it possesses grants a suspensor pad for quick vertical navigation.

Regarding the application of combat in Player versus Player (PvP) scenarios, it’s clear where such interactions might theoretically occur. However, within the Hagga Basin, I couldn’t locate any adventurous souls willing to delve into the narrow, restricted PvP zones.

As a tech-loving explorer, I’ve found that most maps in the Hagga Basin, including mine, are primarily Player versus Environment (PvE) territories. However, there are designated wreck zones within these areas marked for Player versus Player (PvP) action. These PvP zones are rich in resources, so joining forces with others to strategically attack them can be a lucrative endeavor.

In this previously mentioned context, the primary Player vs Player (PvP) zone is the expansive Deep Desert. This is where players can showcase their diverse skills and strategies as they engage in combat with fellow players. The Deep Desert presents three possibilities: attack, defend, or retreat. Players venturing into the Deep Desert will encounter opportunities for spice collection, each choice they make influencing the outcome of these encounters.

Overall, Dune: Awakening is turning out to be exactly what I wanted

Now that my beta experience is over, it’s clear that this game is one I’ve been eagerly looking forward to since its release. With more than 700 hours invested in Conan Exiles, I can hardly wait until June 10th!

I’m particularly excited about the ongoing dedication and affection Funcom shows towards this game, having experienced its earlier stages as well. I must admit that their efforts have elevated it to a realm beyond anything I’ve seen before when compared to its past.

Although the initial game seems outstanding, it’s the dedication and ongoing development from the creators that makes me confident this game’s potential will surpass its current impressive standards. Given the intellectual property is Dune, I eagerly anticipate they’ll seize numerous chances and thrilling prospects that lie ahead.

In my opinion, for Funcom to make this game successful, they should focus on three key aspects. Initially, they need to perfect the endgame experience. As of now, it appears to center around the Deep Desert and intricate political maneuvering within households.

During weekly Landsraad sessions, decisions regarding the House disputes will be handled by the Landsraad Board, which embodies the collective political sentiment of the Great Houses. As outlined in the game’s description:

Each member on the board has unique demands that can be fulfilled to win their support during the Landsraad Voting Session prior to each term.

A group taking over the Landsraad Council has the power to choose a law that will be enforced across all realms during the coming week, influencing the overall conditions while their term is active.

To put it simply, each House aims to win control of the Landsraad Board by fulfilling specific tasks assigned before a voting meeting begins. This struggle provides an ongoing battlefield for players, adding excitement and engagement to their experience on this planet.

This implies that PvP (Player versus Player) interaction will require ongoing nurturing and development. The motivation for combat must be sustained, offering both penalties and rewards for engaging in it. By consistently adding layers to the reasons for fighting, we can keep PvP players eager to revisit the game repeatedly.

In the future, we’ll keep expanding the map for PvE content, but I’m eager to see if they could introduce something akin to a raid system. This way, players wouldn’t only solo most of the content, but instead, would collaborate on a grander scale. The excitement of jointly tackling bosses and battles in the Dune universe through this optional social feature sounds exhilarating.

Should you have further queries regarding the content I presented, feel free to ask in the comments section below. I’ll be more than happy to respond to all your questions! Additionally, I’ll also monitor comments on my social media platforms. Rest assured, no matter where you are, I’ll be there to help you out!

The game “Dune: Awakening” is set to launch on June 10, but early access will be available from June 5. You can play it on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or PlayStation 5.

Read More

2025-04-28 17:11