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With the release of HBO's Dune, lovers of the novel and the newest remake are looking for games that bring alive the aesthetic of the story. Over the years a lot of games have been made as an homage to the fan-favorite novel like Dune 2000 (1998), Emperor: Battle for Dune (2001), Frank Herbert's Dune (2001), and more.
However, a lot of newer releases embody the philosophy and aesthetic of the novel/movie Dune, without "saying it out loud". These games were inspired by the novel's various aspects, or just evoke the story's main lure.
10 Planescape: Torment
A lot of people mention Planetscape: Torment when recommending games that give the same vibes as Dune. While the game isn't directly and openly inspired by the novel or movie, it's a great experience for people who want to relive the same aesthetic without the precise details of the story.
The game follows the same cerebral approach and evokes the mood of the novel's setting, so it's a great choice for people who loved the aesthetic of the movie. The role-playing video game also brings back elements similar to Dungeons and Dragons.
9 Homeworld: Deserts Of Kharak
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak has a similar theme as Dune, but lacks depth in the story. In the Homeworld franchise, Deserts of Kharak is the only one set in a desert-like ground environment, which might bring back the feeling of Dune's setting.
The entire series is amazing, has smooth gameplay, and has jaw-dropping music. But this particular game of the franchise brings back Dune-like elements, which might be similar to players from the novel or movie.
8 The Warhammer Universe
The Warhammer 40k universe is somewhat inspired by Dune, alongside movies like Alien and Starship Troopers. For fans of all three, this might be the perfect game to try. It relies on brute force and is a very combat-heavy game, but brings more abstract elements of prophecies and immortality.
Fans of the Dune novel or movie recommend this game for people who want to stay in the Dune universe but miss an additional "spice palette" that is heavy combat and excitement.
7 Knights of the Old Republic 2
While Knights of the Old Republic 2 is more in the wheelhouse of Dune fans, the game makes more sense if players start with the first part. It's set in the Star Wars universe but implements a lot of Dune-like themes in the gameplay. This is due to the writer, Chris Avellone, and his fondness for deeper themes being put into video games.
The second game has a more philosophical and thoughtful theme which makes it really interesting to play. In many aspects, it does heavily bring back the tropes of Dune, which is a pleasant surprise for fans. Although, it does have other elements which may not be what Dune fans are looking for, like aliens, and Star Wars-like setting.
6 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Another Star Wars-themed video game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a masterpiece of the franchise. Dune fans seem to love it even more than Star Wars fanatics because the story seems to be highly influenced by the novel.
The Fallen Order protagonist (Cal Kestiss) goes through a similar journey and character development as Dune's Paul Atreides. He's not born of nobility, but he possesses superhuman abilities, has a strong character, and has a tendency to lean towards extremism. The game goes beyond the borders of the sci-fi genre and introduces a unique political, philosophical, and social theme akin to Dune.
5 Final Fantasy 15
The 15th installment to the Final Fantasy franchise is one of the most beloved ones to date. One of the main reasons is the fact that it's heavily inspired by the novel Dune. The classically-inspired game brings back elements of nobility, war, and the nuanced nature of friendship.
Fans of Dune and Final Fantasy will surely see all the hidden details hinting at the novel, and due to the story being closely related to Dune's, the game is incredibly well-written and exciting. Needless to say, developers did an excellent job bringing the two worlds together.
4 Elder Scrolls
Elder Scrolls' third installment: Morrowind took a lot of inspiration from Dune. The game takes place in a large open-world environment and uses a lot of philosophical themes to deepen the story and setting. The only huge difference between the two is the fact that Elder Scrolls is more fantasy-oriented and uses a lot of elements from the genre.
However, the setting and the main storyline are very similar to those of Dune. Despite the fantasy setting of the game, it has an unconventional feel to it, as it brought back a lot of unique elements and tropes from the novel, using them to its advantage.
3 Anthem
Anthem is a diamond in the rough and often underrated because it seems like just a mech-focused EA game. But the sci-fi game represents an unusual aspect of Dune, as it focuses on the viewpoint of the nameless footsoldiers.
The gameplay revolves around close-quarter combat as players make their way through the tech-driven futuristic setting. People who enjoyed Dune will recognize a lot of familiar tropes and elements.
2 Mass Effect
The Mass Effect series may not be known for its Dune-like aesthetic, but the trilogy brings plenty of elements to the surface which were inspired by the novel and its main story. From war, political conflicts, and character developments, this great sci-fi universe serves everything dear to a Dune fan's heart.
The narrative system brings back elements from the novel, and some scenes are very similar to those experienced through reading the novel or watching the movie. And although there are no entire missions that draw directly from the narrative of Dune, the entire experience will be familiar for fans as they lead a team through a science-fiction war. Though, the Tresher Maw definitely gives off a big Shai-Hulud vibe.
1 Destiny
Much like Anthem, Destiny's gameplay places players in a world all too familiar for Dune fans. With various monsters seemingly drawn right out of the sandy environment of Dune, and the combat system of the game which is much like the war scenes described in the novel.
Destiny's design and cinematic approach is perhaps the most impressive one to ever tip its hat to the masterpiece that is Dune. The epic scenes and the great story is a perfect homage to Frank Herbert's novel, and now, will bring back familiar aspects to those who enjoyed the movie. Fans have also theorized these connections between the two franchises and some of the early Dune games.