Dune: Awakening Review

Set against the iconic backdrop of Arrakis, Dune: Awakening is Funcom's ambitious open-world survival MMO that delves deep into its genre while honoring the beloved IP it draws from. Players take on the role of a Bene Gesserit agent thrust into an alternate timeline where Paul Atreides never existed. Their mission? To locate the elusive Fremen and navigate a perilous landscape marked by fierce sandstorms, lethal sandworms, and the ongoing battle for spice control. In this persistent online world, survival hinges on mastering the harsh desert mechanics, crafting equipment and bases, forming alliances with various factions, and engaging in large-scale PvE and PvP conflicts as part of an evolving narrative.

As a continuation of a well-established franchise, Dune: Awakening carries the weight of expectations that a traditional survival game may not face. While delivering a solid survival MMO experience is crucial, any flaws in how the game represents the Dune universe are likely to stand out, especially given the dedicated fanbase that has developed over the past sixty years. Fortunately, Dune: Awakening excels in this regard, providing a richly immersive world alongside a satisfying survival gameplay experience that respects the source material without straying too far from established norms.

One of the game's standout features is its ability to create an immersive and captivating atmosphere. While Dune enthusiasts are likely to appreciate the game more than newcomers, even those unfamiliar with the books, films, or TV series will find the world of Arrakis inviting and engaging.

Exploration of Dune: Awakening’s vast desert is rewarding, not only for the tangible rewards players can uncover but also for the overall sensation of being in such a richly detailed environment. The game is infused with classic sci-fi motifs and imagery, complemented by a soundtrack that enhances the experience. However, players new to the Dune lore may find the storytelling a bit convoluted, as it heavily relies on established lore that requires some background knowledge to fully appreciate.

The world comes alive through the dynamic environment rather than through NPC interactions. The true stars of Dune: Awakening are the menacing sandworms and the unpredictable Coriolis storms that sweep across the landscape. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating—and terrifying—as witnessing a sandworm erupt from the ground, its roar a chilling reminder to seek shelter from the open sands. The same can be said for the Coriolis storms, which add an element of danger to exploration.

What truly sets these hazards apart is the significant consequence of succumbing to them. Being devoured by a sandworm or perishing in a Coriolis storm results in the permanent loss of gear, while other forms of death allow players a chance to recover their equipment. The stunning visuals of these threats are enough to instill fear, but the knowledge of their deadly potential makes encountering them all the more harrowing.

As players progress, they can align themselves with factions within Dune: Awakening, further immersing themselves in the Dune lore. Choosing to side with the Atreides or Harkonnen influences the quests, blueprints, and base components available to players. The Landsraad system also allows guilds and players to vote on server-wide decrees, weapon blueprints, and buffs based on faction performance. Ultimately, these gameplay elements converge to enhance the immersive experience that Dune: Awakening offers.

Trivia:

• The Dune franchise, originally created by Frank Herbert, has inspired numerous adaptations, including films, TV series, and even video games since its debut in 1965.
• The sandworms of Arrakis, known as "Shai-Hulud," are not only a source of fear but are also integral to the production of spice, the most valuable substance in the universe.
• In the Dune lore, the Bene Gesserit are a secretive sisterhood with advanced mental and physical abilities, trained to manipulate politics and power.
• The term "Coriolis" refers to the Coriolis effect, a phenomenon that affects weather patterns on Earth, which is creatively adapted in the game to influence the storms on Arrakis.