Westwood boasted the 3D graphics in Dune 2000. While the graphics aren't bad, I wouldn't call them good. Sure, everything looks nice, but you can't tell what anything is. The only way to tell a tree from a person is the color scheme. Westwood did a fair job with the graphics; however, they're not good enough. From the shape and color, you can tell what the unit is, but that's the only way. The lack of detail really takes a lot away from an otherwise good game. On a plus side, the sound was good. All the gunfire and explosions sounded real, even if they didn't look real. I guess the best way to describe the graphics is to say go back and rent an original copy of the movie Dune (one that has been watched a hundred times). Check out the quality of that VHS and now you understand.

Westwood should have a patent on their RTS gameplay. It's solid. Every other real-time strategy game has tried to emulate this gameplay, but they just can't cut it. Basically, he who controls the spice, controls the world. So, harvest all the spice you can, manage your resources, build up a base, turn out some units, defend your home, and take over the world. Simple, right? Actually it is. The more resources you have, the more buildings you can make. The more buildings you make, the more units you can turn out. The more units you have, the better your chances of survival. Every unit has its own unique abilities. Buildings can be upgraded, repaired, and destroyed. With many things to build and units to choose from, the game is full of character. You can go head-to-head with the computer or link up via link cable to play a friend. This game is good, if you look past poor graphics and sluggish mechanics.

I found the game to be difficult from two reasons. First, the graphics. Second, the mechanics. A real time strategy game is just too fast paced to be played with a control pad. If you are going to effectively play this one, I recommend that you get the mouse to play this one. It's near impossible otherwise.

The game itself is challenging, but not difficult. It's definitely doable. If you are a fan of the Command and Conquer series, this should be no problem for you. It takes a quick hand and a fast mind to stay on top of things, but overall, it's not too bad.

Okay, you just can't play this without a mouse. It is very, very difficult using the control pad (and awkward too). The game is just too fast for that. Using a mouse for control and a link cable to beat your friend, it's a great game, with a great engine, with a great story, with less than great graphics. You want this game - I recommend a mouse, a link cable, and a lot of patience.