Computer Games Feature

[Gobalopper]

Reading through the Computer Games feature of Emperor I came upon a few interesting points. Some may have been released before but most haven't, check them out below:

- Aproximately 80% of the missions are based on Arrakis, the others are either non-production or you will have periodic cash allotments.

- As you get closer to the enemy base camps on Arrakis the land form will change slightly based on that Houses' characteristics. The Ordos are based near polar ice caps, the Harkonnen have the gallows of their polluted landscape, and the Atreides white marble fountains.

- The AI will find holes in your defense and try to exploit them according tactics specific to each House. Expect it to take advantage of higher ground that gives longer range and greater protection.

- You will be able to zoom in and out on the action and it will support Direct3D exclusively.

- The Atreides units will be able to achieve veterancy, although what this means is undecided right now. The Harkonnen will have pain tolerance meaning low health won't effect their speed and other stats. The Ordos will have shields and may be able to regenerate.

- The Fremen will become invisible when not moving and the Fedaykin can ride worms using their thumpers and have weirding modules for sonic attacks.

- The Ix have an Ixian Projector, which is a mobile sensor array that can project an "illusionary" unit onto the battlefield and let you move it about. The other unit, the Ixian Infiltrator, can if moved slowly become invisible and can be used as a mobile bomb.

- Tleilaxu have the Contaminator which can infect other infantry turning them into Contaminators as well.

- The Sarduakar use the elite Burseg troops that never take cover and can switch to hand-to-hand combat as well.

- The Guild Navigators can be used with the Niab Tank which contains a 3rd stage Navigator in it that can transport units instantly across the battlefield.

- Each Spice Refinery or Docking Bay you build comes with a free Harvester/Carryall combo that are replaced if destroyed.

This is just a small overview of the article and if you have the chance pick up the December issue of Computer Games magazine. You can also check out a shorter online version of it.