Dune II (MUSH)

Dune II
Developer(s)	John Robertson, project community
Engine	TinyMUSH
Platform(s)	Platform independent
Release date(s)	1992
Genre(s)	Dune MUSH
Mode(s)	Multiplayer
Media/distribution	Online
System requirements Telnet client or MUD client, Internet access

Dune II was a MUSH, a text-based online role-playing game, that operated from 1994 to 1996.^[1][2] It was founded by John Robertson, known as Duke Leto in the MUSH. It received positive critical response during its lifespan.

Game characteristics

The setting of Dune II was based on Frank Herbert's Dune universe, ten years before the events in the novel Dune.^[3][4] Most activity took place on the imperial throneworld Kaitain.^[4]

Game play was heavily focused on role-playing.^[4] Players were able to take on a number of different roles from the Dune setting.^[3][4] A combat system was used in which an abstract judgment as to the victor was obtained, and then players would roleplay the conflict to the determined conclusion.^[4]

History

Dune II was a sequel to an earlier DuneMUSH, and was succeeded by another MUSH, Dune III. Its cessation of operation in 1996 came after server hosting mishaps.^[1]

Reception

Dune II was critically praised for its attention to detail, role-playing atmosphere, flexibility, and faithfulness to the atmosphere of Herbert's setting.^[3][4]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Robertson, John (1996-09-12). "Dune II Mush Status". rec.games.mud.misc. http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.mud.misc/msg/57388e8bd8424a48. Retrieved 2010-09-19. 
2. ^ Smith, Kevin (1996-08-02). "Looking For Feedback From MUSHers". rec.games.mud.misc. http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.mud.lp/msg/8178537651183ab2. Retrieved 2010-09-19. 
3. ^ ^{a b c} Carton, Sean (1995). Internet Virtual Worlds Quick Tour. Ventana Press. pp. 155–156. ISBN 1566042224. "DUNE II [...] If you enjoyed Frank Herbert's Dune series, you'll love Dune II, "Life in the Padishah Imperium". Just as heavy on the politics, economics and intrigue as the book series, Dune II thrusts you smack dab in the middle of the life of the Imperium, where you can find your fortune as a spice merchant or live out your life in obscurity as a wandering tribesman. Whatever your place in the society, you'll feel like you stepped right into the world of Dune." 
4. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Benedikt, Claire Lisette; Ciskowski, Dave (1995). MUDs: Exploring Virtual Worlds on the Internet. BradyGames. pp. 65–67. ISBN 1-56686-246-9. "DUNE II [...] Dune II is another roleplaying MUSH, this one based on the world created by Frank Herbert in his Dune books — in particular the first book, which also inspired a movie of the same name. [...] Dune takes place in a far-flung stellar empire, with space travel and high technology, but it is a universe built on a feudal model, with nobility, Machiavellian politics, and even extensive hand-to-hand combat. Herbert's rich world makes for an excellent setting for roleplaying. ¶ The setting of the Dune II MUSH is primarily on the planet of Kaitain, ten years before the events take place in the Dune books. (One main consequence of this is that the Fremen and the planet Dune, which play the major roles in the books, aren't major parts of Dune II.) ¶ Kaitain is the seat of the Landsraad, the congress of the various noble Houses and the main political body aside from the Emperor. [...] the Emperor and the Landsraad are not engaged in open war; they are part of the same political situation, although they are at odds more often than not. This makes for a more subtle kind of politics [...] There are numerous political factions, which are a main driving force behind the roleplaying on Dune II. [...] Dune II offers a unique combat system. When two characters enter combat, they use the combat system to obtain a judgment. One of the characters is declared the victor. The players then use this information and roleplay the combat, where they arrive at the indicated result — much in the manner of professional wrestling! [...] Dune II has a slightly different feel than other roleplaying MUDs. The attention to detail and emphasis on roleplaying is wonderful, and there's also a certain flexibility on Dune II that is easy to appreciate. In such a huge empire, there's still room to carve out your own noble House and make a name for yourself in the Landsraad — without violating the storyline in the books. Dune II is a complex, entertaining, and serious roleplaying TinyMUD."