Difference between revisions of "Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty"
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{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|December 1, 1992}} <!-- Rough estimation based on ambiguous November/December sources. Need to verify. --> | {{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|December 1, 1992}} <!-- Rough estimation based on ambiguous November/December sources. Need to verify. --> | ||
|taxonomy= | |taxonomy= | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization|}} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer }} | ||
Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
|steam appid = | |steam appid = | ||
|gogcom id = | |gogcom id = | ||
+ | |hltb = 2937 | ||
+ | |lutris = dune-ii-the-building-of-a-dynasty | ||
|strategywiki = Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty | |strategywiki = Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty | ||
− | |mobygames = | + | |mobygames = 241 |
|wikipedia = Dune II | |wikipedia = Dune II | ||
|winehq = | |winehq = | ||
Line 30: | Line 32: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | + | {{Introduction | |
− | {{ | + | |introduction = |
+ | |||
+ | |release history = | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = | ||
+ | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{ii}} Released as '''Dune II: Battle for Arrakis''' in Europe. |
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{mm}} [https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page Dune Wiki] - The Duniverse |
+ | {{mm}} [https://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/ Dune2K.com (a.k.a. FED2K)] - A major Dune fansite with an active community | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://cnc-comm.com/dune-2 Dune II section on C&C Communications Center] | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
Line 44: | Line 53: | ||
===Version differences=== | ===Version differences=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The European version has a different title screen subtitle with its EU name and lacks the into voice over. These are minor aesthetic changes and can be changed back with [ | + | {{ii}} The European version has a different title screen subtitle with its EU name and lacks the into voice over. These are minor aesthetic changes and can be changed back with [https://www.moddb.com/mods/subtitle-restoration-patch/downloads/subtitle-restoration-patch this] unofficial patch. Another similar patch that preserves the European title screen can be found [http://nyerguds.arsaneus-design.com/dune/dune2fun/the_battle_for_arrakis_voc.zip here]. Yet another minor graphical difference is that the pause menu is not centered in the EU version; a hack to fix it can be found [https://forum.dune2k.com/topic/20177-dune-2-v107-eu-text-centering here]. The European version also has additional languages. There are also some minor version specific bugs for each though these are ironed out by the 107 patch fix below. |
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
Line 85: | Line 94: | ||
| [http://dunelegacy.sourceforge.net/website/index.html Dune Legacy] || In active development, supports 64-bit and Mac OS X. Includes an optional upscaler to smooth out graphics. Introduces multiple difficulty levels for campaign mode and bot AIs for MP. Supports LAN and internet multiplayer with record/replay. Includes a map and scenario editor. || Direct3D | | [http://dunelegacy.sourceforge.net/website/index.html Dune Legacy] || In active development, supports 64-bit and Mac OS X. Includes an optional upscaler to smooth out graphics. Introduces multiple difficulty levels for campaign mode and bot AIs for MP. Supports LAN and internet multiplayer with record/replay. Includes a map and scenario editor. || Direct3D | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | [ | + | | [https://github.com/OpenDUNE/OpenDUNE OpenDUNE] || Reverse-engineered source port of Dune II, upon which Dune Dynasty is based on. It's goal is to keep it as close to the original as possible and thus has significantly less features and modernizations than the other ports. OpenDUNE can read original file formats (e.g. save games). || OpenGL |
+ | |- | ||
+ | | [https://github.com/gameflorist/dunedynasty Dune Dynasty] || An enhancement of the OpenDune project. Offers C&C-style controls, borderless fullscreen and proper MIDI support with custom SoundFonts for music playback. Supports external music packs and custom campaigns. Contains a jukebox and cutscene viewer. Includes a random map generator for local "skirmish" mode. Supports LAN and internet multiplayer. || Direct3D, OpenGL | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [https://dune2themaker.fundynamic.com Dune II - The Maker] || Its main goals are to give it the same look and feel (experience) as Dune 2 while at the same time enhancing its graphics and Quality of life with modern controls and features. || OpenGL | | [https://dune2themaker.fundynamic.com Dune II - The Maker] || Its main goals are to give it the same look and feel (experience) as Dune 2 while at the same time enhancing its graphics and Quality of life with modern controls and features. || OpenGL | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | More detailed lists of unfinished ports, as well as fan-made campaigns, can be found at: [ | + | More detailed lists of unfinished ports, as well as fan-made campaigns, can be found at: [https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Dune_II_fangames Dune II fangames], [https://forum.dune2k.com/topic/19052-where-can-i-download-custom-maps/ Custom maps] and [https://forum.dune2k.com/topic/20346-list-of-dune-ii-clones-and-remakes/ Dune II clones and remakes] |
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
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|antialiasing = n/a | |antialiasing = n/a | ||
|antialiasing notes = | |antialiasing notes = | ||
+ | |upscaling = unknown | ||
+ | |upscaling tech = | ||
+ | |upscaling notes = | ||
|vsync = false | |vsync = false | ||
|vsync notes = | |vsync notes = | ||
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|eax support = | |eax support = | ||
|eax support notes = | |eax support notes = | ||
+ | |royalty free audio = always on | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
|red book cd audio = | |red book cd audio = | ||
|red book cd audio notes = | |red book cd audio notes = | ||
Line 254: | Line 270: | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
− | |language = | + | |language = Italian |
|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = false | |audio = false | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |notes = Found in rare European versions only. Replaces | + | |notes = Found in rare European versions only. Replaces French language in typical EU release. |
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
− | |language = | + | |language = Russian |
|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
− | |audio = | + | |audio = true |
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |notes = | + | |notes = Only available in Russian retail release. There are no official patches for this version leaving it at version 1. Unofficial patches to port newer patches can be found [https://www.old-games.ru/forum/threads/obnovlenie-lokalizacii-djuny-2-ot-anykey-entertainment-do-versii-1-07.34477/ here]. |
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
− | |language = | + | |language = Spanish |
|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
− | |audio = | + | |audio = false |
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |notes = | + | |notes = Found in rare European versions only. Replaces German language in typical EU release. |
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|local play modes = | |local play modes = | ||
|local play notes = | |local play notes = | ||
− | |lan play = | + | |lan play = hackable |
|lan play players = 6 | |lan play players = 6 | ||
|lan play modes = | |lan play modes = | ||
− | |lan play notes = Use [http://dunelegacy.sourceforge.net/website/index.html Dune Legacy] | + | |lan play notes = Use [http://dunelegacy.sourceforge.net/website/index.html Dune Legacy] or [https://github.com/gameflorist/dunedynasty Dune Dynasty] |
− | |online play = | + | |online play = hackable |
|online play players = 6 | |online play players = 6 | ||
|online play modes = | |online play modes = | ||
− | |online play notes = Use [http://dunelegacy.sourceforge.net/website/index.html Dune Legacy] | + | |online play notes = Use [http://dunelegacy.sourceforge.net/website/index.html Dune Legacy] or [https://github.com/gameflorist/dunedynasty Dune Dynasty] |
|asynchronous = | |asynchronous = | ||
|asynchronous notes = | |asynchronous notes = | ||
Line 318: | Line 334: | ||
===Windows sound crash=== | ===Windows sound crash=== | ||
Although Dune can run on older versions of Windows (without restarting in MS-DOS mode), sound corruption usually occurs followed by an eventual crash. This is due to some of the sound files being damaged and causing memory leaks. | Although Dune can run on older versions of Windows (without restarting in MS-DOS mode), sound corruption usually occurs followed by an eventual crash. This is due to some of the sound files being damaged and causing memory leaks. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Replace the sound files|ref=<ref>https://forums.cncnet.org/topic/934-dune-ii-windows-soundspeech-fix/</ref>|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Replace the sound files|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forums.cncnet.org/topic/934-dune-ii-windows-soundspeech-fix/|title=forums.cncnet.org|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
Download [https://forums.cncnet.org/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=39073 this] and replace the files. | Download [https://forums.cncnet.org/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=39073 this] and replace the files. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|windows 32-bit exe = | |windows 32-bit exe = | ||
|windows 64-bit exe = | |windows 64-bit exe = | ||
+ | |windows arm app = unknown | ||
|windows exe notes = | |windows exe notes = | ||
− | |macos 32-bit app | + | |macos intel 32-bit app = |
− | |macos 64-bit app | + | |macos intel 64-bit app = |
+ | |macos arm app = | ||
|macos app notes = | |macos app notes = | ||
|linux 32-bit executable= | |linux 32-bit executable= | ||
|linux 64-bit executable= | |linux 64-bit executable= | ||
+ | |linux arm app = unknown | ||
|linux executable notes = | |linux executable notes = | ||
}} | }} |
Latest revision as of 18:55, 8 August 2023
Developers | |
---|---|
Westwood Studios | |
Publishers | |
Virgin Interactive | |
Release dates | |
DOS | December 1, 1992 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase |
Modes | Singleplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Top-down view |
Controls | Point and select |
Genres | RTS |
Themes | Sci-fi |
Series | Dune |
Dune | |
---|---|
Dune | 1992 |
Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty | 1992 |
Dune 2000 | 1998 |
Emperor: Battle for Dune | 2001 |
Frank Herbert's Dune | 2001 |
OpenRA (unofficial) | 2010 |
Dune: Spice Wars | 2023 |
Dune: Imperium | 2024 |
Dune: Awakening | TBA |
Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty is a singleplayer top-down view RTS game in the Dune series.
General information
- Released as Dune II: Battle for Arrakis in Europe.
- Dune Wiki - The Duniverse
- Dune2K.com (a.k.a. FED2K) - A major Dune fansite with an active community
- Dune II section on C&C Communications Center
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | Manual-based copy protection |
- Although a Dune II "demo" is available it is not actively playable; the executable more or less plays the missions out it's self without your intervention much like a pre-release demonstration video.
Version differences
- The European version has a different title screen subtitle with its EU name and lacks the into voice over. These are minor aesthetic changes and can be changed back with this unofficial patch. Another similar patch that preserves the European title screen can be found here. Yet another minor graphical difference is that the pause menu is not centered in the EU version; a hack to fix it can be found here. The European version also has additional languages. There are also some minor version specific bugs for each though these are ironed out by the 107 patch fix below.
Essential improvements
Patches
1.07 patch
- Download link
- Official patch which corrects issues with the Starport building. The European versions come pre-updated, making this unnecessary for it.
Sound fix
- Download link
- Official patch which enables the use of multiple sound devices simultaneously (i.e. MT-32 music with SoundBlaster digital and FM audio). A separate version for the European release can be found here.
1.07 patch fix
- Download link
- Changelog
- Unofficial patch which corrects issues introduced and unfixed by the 1.07 patch. Includes the sound fix above, though still requires patch 1.07 to be applied first.
Gravis Drivers
- Thread & download link
- Unofficial patch that adds support for the Gravis Ultrasound to Dune II. Note that there are two versions of this driver available, one for real machines and another for DOSBox. Select the correct version for your setup.
Miscellaneous
- EMCPatch adds some game improvements: buildings no longer decay for no reason, carryalls always bring repaired units from the repair facility back where they picked them up (you no longer need to surround the repair facility with walls for this), and missile turrets get always out-ranged by rocket launchers (previously, they had to be positioned at certain angles to get out of turrets' range). It requires WWPak to install, a version for SuperDune (and derivatives) can be found here.
- REP-HI-FIX adds missing animation frames to the repair facility and Hi-Tech factory. Like the fix above it requires WWPak to install. A separate version with a faster heavy factory "production ended" animation can be found here.
- Dune2Retro is a mod of the unpatched version of the game that adds fixes for the glitches but keeps the original balancing and other gameplay features. Also includes SuperDune2 (See below in fangames for details).
Dune II Mouse Helper
- Enables more modern mouse controls: ordering units with the right mouse button, scrolling with the mouse wheel and building and placing structures with the middle mouse button.
- Requires the original DOS game running in DOSBox under Windows.
Source ports
- Full-featured ports which enable playing the game on modern systems (Windows/Linux). Support high-resolutions and widescreen. Employ modern interface with zooming, contemporary RTS controls and build queueing.
- Include numerous bug fixes and optional gameplay enhancements.
- Require original game assets (
*.pak
)
Name | Notes | Renderer |
---|---|---|
Dune Legacy | In active development, supports 64-bit and Mac OS X. Includes an optional upscaler to smooth out graphics. Introduces multiple difficulty levels for campaign mode and bot AIs for MP. Supports LAN and internet multiplayer with record/replay. Includes a map and scenario editor. | Direct3D |
OpenDUNE | Reverse-engineered source port of Dune II, upon which Dune Dynasty is based on. It's goal is to keep it as close to the original as possible and thus has significantly less features and modernizations than the other ports. OpenDUNE can read original file formats (e.g. save games). | OpenGL |
Dune Dynasty | An enhancement of the OpenDune project. Offers C&C-style controls, borderless fullscreen and proper MIDI support with custom SoundFonts for music playback. Supports external music packs and custom campaigns. Contains a jukebox and cutscene viewer. Includes a random map generator for local "skirmish" mode. Supports LAN and internet multiplayer. | Direct3D, OpenGL |
Dune II - The Maker | Its main goals are to give it the same look and feel (experience) as Dune 2 while at the same time enhancing its graphics and Quality of life with modern controls and features. | OpenGL |
More detailed lists of unfinished ports, as well as fan-made campaigns, can be found at: Dune II fangames, Custom maps and Dune II clones and remakes
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
DOS | <path-to-game>\*.cfg |
- Stored in hex values, Not human readable.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
DOS | <path-to-game>\_SAVE???.DAT |
Video
Graphics feature | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | For DOSBox toggle with Alt+↵ Enter (see the glossary page for other workarounds). | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | |||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | For DOSBox use an unofficial build (see the glossary page for other workarounds). | ||
60 FPS | |||
120+ FPS |
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds). | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | For DOSBox set in the DOSBox configuration file. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds). |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Music and Sound Effects/Speech; toggle only | |
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | All dialog is text-based. In-game notifications are either displayed text or audio. | |
Closed captions | Major notifications have displayed text when audio can't be played. | |
Mute on focus lost | For DOSBox change the priority background value in the DOSBox configuration file. |
|
Royalty free audio | ||
General MIDI audio |
Localizations
- Changing the active language requires you to re-run the entire setup precess through the
setup.exe
. If you find this annoying you can use the setuplan.exe which is a slimmed down setup program meant only for switching the active language.
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | European version only. | |||
German | European version only. | |||
Italian | Found in rare European versions only. Replaces French language in typical EU release. | |||
Russian | Only available in Russian retail release. There are no official patches for this version leaving it at version 1. Unofficial patches to port newer patches can be found here. | |||
Spanish | Found in rare European versions only. Replaces German language in typical EU release. |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 6 | Use Dune Legacy or Dune Dynasty | ||
Online play | 6 | Use Dune Legacy or Dune Dynasty |
Issues unresolved
- There are numerous bugs that remain in the game that haven't been addressed by any patches, official or unofficial. A good source list is available in this PDF. An experimental compilation of hex fixes are available here (sign in required to download document).
Issues fixed
Windows sound crash
Although Dune can run on older versions of Windows (without restarting in MS-DOS mode), sound corruption usually occurs followed by an eventual crash. This is due to some of the sound files being damaged and causing memory leaks.
Replace the sound files[1] |
---|
Download this and replace the files. |
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DOS video modes | MCGA, VGA |
System requirements
DOS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 3.3 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel 80286 | |
System memory (RAM) | 640 KB 2 MB for digitized sound |
|
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 10 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | VGA |
References
- ↑ forums.cncnet.org - last accessed on May 2023