With the release of HBO’sDune, lovers of the novel and the newest remake are looking for games that bring alive the aesthetic of the story. Over the years a lot of games have been madeas an homage to the fan-favorite novellikeDune 2000(1998),Emperor: Battle for Dune(2001),Frank Herbert’s Dune(2001), and more.
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However, a lot of newer releases embody the philosophy and aesthetic of the novel/movieDune, without “saying it out loud”. These games were inspired by the novel’s various aspects, or just evoke the story’s main lure.
10Planescape: Torment
A lot of people mentionPlanetscape: Tormentwhen recommending games that give the same vibes asDune. While the game isn’t directly and openly inspired by the novel or movie, it’s a great experience for people who want to relive the same aesthetic without the precise details of the story.
The game follows the same cerebral approach and evokes the mood of the novel’s setting, so it’s a great choice for people who loved the aesthetic of the movie. The role-playing video game also brings back elements similar toDungeons and Dragons.
9Homeworld: Deserts Of Kharak
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharakhas a similar theme asDune, but lacks depth in the story. In theHomeworldfranchise,Deserts of Kharakis the only one set in a desert-like ground environment, which might bring back the feeling ofDune’s setting.
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The entire series is amazing, has smooth gameplay, and has jaw-dropping music. But this particular game of the franchise brings backDune-like elements, which might be similar to players from the novel or movie.
8The Warhammer Universe
TheWarhammer40kuniverse is somewhat inspired byDune, alongside movies likeAlienandStarship Troopers. For fans of all three, this might be the perfect game to try. It relies on brute force and is a verycombat-heavy game, but brings more abstract elements of prophecies and immortality.
Fans of theDunenovel or movie recommend this game for people who want to stay in theDuneuniverse but miss an additional “spice palette” that is heavy combat and excitement.
7Knights of the Old Republic 2
WhileKnights of the Old Republic 2is more in the wheelhouse ofDunefans, the game makes more sense if players start with the first part. It’s set in theStar Warsuniversebut implements a lot ofDune-like themes in the gameplay. This is due to the writer, Chris Avellone, and his fondness for deeper themes being put into video games.
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The second game has a more philosophical and thoughtful theme which makes it really interesting to play. In many aspects, it does heavily bring back the tropes ofDune, which is a pleasant surprise for fans. Although, it does have other elements which may not be whatDunefans are looking for, like aliens, andStar Wars-like setting.
6Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
AnotherStar Wars-themedvideo game,Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderis a masterpiece of the franchise.Dunefans seem to love it even more thanStar Warsfanatics becausethe story seems to be highly influenced by the novel.
TheFallen Orderprotagonist (Cal Kestiss) goes through a similar journey and character development asDune’s Paul Atreides. He’s not born of nobility, but he possesses superhuman abilities, has a strong character, and has a tendency to lean towards extremism. The game goes beyond the borders of the sci-fi genre and introduces a uniquepolitical, philosophical, and social theme akin toDune.
5Final Fantasy 15
The 15th installment to theFinal Fantasyfranchiseis one of the most beloved ones to date. One of the main reasons is the fact that it’s heavily inspired by the novelDune. The classically-inspired game brings back elements of nobility, war, and the nuanced nature of friendship.
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Fans ofDuneandFinal Fantasywill surely see all thehidden detailshinting at the novel, and due to the story being closely related toDune’s, the game is incredibly well-written and exciting. Needless to say, developers did an excellent job bringing the two worlds together.
4Elder Scrolls
Elder Scrolls' third installment:Morrowindtook a lot of inspiration fromDune. The game takes place in alarge open-world environmentand uses a lot of philosophical themes to deepen the story and setting. The only huge difference between the two is the fact thatElder Scrollsis more fantasy-oriented and uses a lot of elements from the genre.
However, the setting and the main storyline are very similar to those ofDune. Despite thefantasy settingof the game, it has an unconventional feel to it, as it brought back a lot of unique elements and tropes from the novel, using them to its advantage.
3Anthem
Anthemis a diamond in the rough andoften underratedbecause it seems like just a mech-focused EA game. But the sci-fi game represents an unusual aspect ofDune, as it focuses on the viewpoint of the nameless footsoldiers.
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The gameplay revolves aroundclose-quarter combatas players make their way through the tech-driven futuristic setting. People who enjoyedDunewill recognize a lot of familiar tropes and elements.
2Mass Effect
TheMass Effectseriesmay not be known for itsDune-like aesthetic, but the trilogy brings plenty of elements to the surface which were inspired by the novel and its main story. From war, political conflicts, and character developments, this great sci-fi universe serves everything dear to aDunefan’s heart.
The narrative systembrings back elements from the novel, and some scenes are very similar to those experienced through reading the novel or watching the movie. And although there are no entire missions that draw directly from the narrative ofDune, the entire experience will be familiar for fans as they lead a team through a science-fiction war. Though, the Tresher Maw definitely gives off a big Shai-Hulud vibe.
1Destiny
Much likeAnthem,Destiny’s gameplay places players in a world all too familiar forDunefans. With various monsters seemingly drawn right out of the sandy environment ofDune, and the combat system of the game which is much like the war scenes described in the novel.
Destiny’s design and cinematic approach is perhaps the most impressive one to ever tip its hat to the masterpiece that isDune. The epic scenes and the great story is a perfect homage to Frank Herbert’s novel, and now, will bring back familiar aspects to those who enjoyed the movie.Fans have also theorized these connectionsbetween the two franchises and some of the earlyDunegames.
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