First impressions don't always count.

The opening video for this real-time strategy game is beautiful, and grasps you with anticipation, as some very good actors discuss the why and wherefores of planet Arrakis (also known as Dune). Emperor: Battle For Dune is all about spice. Yes, spice, and your ability (or not as the case may be) to mine for the stuff.

However, before you can get going with the mines, you have to build anything up to 60 buildings. Now where have I seen this concept before? Settlers? Age of Empires? Earth 2025? Sadly, the idea of the game has been tried and tested so many times it seems old hat now.

And, even worse, EA hasn't actually enhanced that tired idea in this game. The interface is nice, although at times it can seem a little daunting with the multitude of options.

It's not all so bad. The graphics are stunning, with the right video card, and there are many excellent in-game video sequences. All that said, when Electronic Arts brings out a new game, you always expect something special. Sadly, Emperor just didn't cut it for me. A tired genre with no real jump-out-and-grab-you excitement.

Graphics 4/5

Sound 4/5

Gameplay 2/5

Gamespan 2/5

Overall 3/5

SPECS: Pentium 400, 600MB hard drive space, 16MB graphics card, 64MB RAM