One of the more surprising reveals to happen last year was Dune: Spice Wars, a 4X strategy game, developed by Shiro Games and published by Funcom, based on the book by Frank Herbert.
Shiro Games has been revealing details regarding the game. While previously the developers confirmed the four factions playable during the early access phase, this time, they have released more details regarding one of the playable factions: House Harkonnens.
For people who are familiar with the world of Dune, it will come as no surprise that the faction acts exactly like they are supposed to. The Harkonnens are known for their sinister political tactics, brutality, and grand ambitions. They have been in a historic feud with House Atreides for centuries, and are led by Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.
Baron Harkonnen will be surrounded by advisors who are equally cunning, vicious, and shrewd, such as Glossu Rabban, who is responsible for maximizing profits by questionable means; Pieter de Vries, the Baron’s Mentat, responsible for managing the espionage; Feyd-Rautha, master of manipulation and winning the fights politically; and Lakin Nefud, the captain who leads the military might of Harkonnens.
The general gameplay of the Harkonnens is going to be efficient usage of their military strength on the battlefield, while also using other means such as shady politics, assassination, and cutting-edge spycraft to win swiftly.
Dune: Spice Wars will also feature unique units for Harkonnens, like the Troopers, who are equipped with blades and enters a berserker rage when injured; Vanguards, who are skilled combatants and excellent assassins; Gunners, who are adept in the skills of demolitions; House Guards, who carry out orders for the house ruthlessly; and disposable and inexpensive mechanical units called Stealth Probes, which are used for espionage and assassinations in more stealthy and silent ways.
Players can expect to utilize the might of Harkonnen in Dune: Spice Wars when it launches in Steam Early Access sometime in 2022.