They must also deploy soldiers, armed vehicles, and defensive measures to protect their operations from rival Houses, while also being mindful of vicious sandworms and explosive "spice blooms".

After patch 1.06, the Harkonnen can eventually train the Sardaukar, soldier-fanatics loyal to the Corrino Emperor with higher endurance and strength.

Meanwhile, Lady Elara (Musetta Vander) of the Bene Gesserit and bound concubine to the Emperor, secretly takes the "commander" - the player - into one of the Heighliners, a person whose bloodline and future the Sisterhood had checked.

[21] Next Generation said of the same PC version: "We applaud the fact that Westwood did exactly what it said it would do with this game, but we have to question the person who approved the idea in the first place.

[25] Peter Suciu of AllGame gave the PC version four-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that "for fans of the original game, or those who like a real-time challenge, Dune 2000 is an instant classic".

[30] However, Glenn Wigmore of the same website gave the PlayStation version three-and-a-half stars out of five: "With smooth visuals, superb sound, a plethora of gameplay modes, strategy and replay value, Dune 2000 is a real winner.