Dune Imperium – Uprising the Battle for Arrakis brings the fight to your doorstep, giving movie delays a run for their money!

Dune Imperium - Uprising Puts the Battle for Arrakis in Your Hands, Despite Movie Delays

Photo: Charlie Hall/Polygon

Imagine this: you’re riding into battle on plastic sandworms. That’s right, I said plastic sandworms. If that doesn’t scream “epic” to you, then I don’t know what will. And if you’re a fan of the amazing board game Dune: Imperium, get ready for a whole new level of excitement with its sequel, Dune: Imperium – Uprising.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Sequels are often a disappointment, like the last slice of pizza in an empty box. But fear not, my gaming friend, because Uprising is here to break that cycle. It’s not just a sequel in the traditional sense; it’s an augmentation of the original game, like sprinkling extra cheese on that last slice of pizza. It’s fully compatible with all the existing expansions, so you can dive right in without missing a beat. Plus, it comes with an all-new six-player game mode, because more players means more chaos, and more chaos means more fun.

But what’s really got me excited about Uprising is the deck-building mechanic. It’s like crafting the perfect weapon in a video game, except instead of swords and guns, you’re customizing your deck of cards. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good deck? You’ll be purchasing cards from a communal pool, strategizing and tailoring your deck to create the most powerful engine to crush your opponents. It’s all about finding that perfect combination, like mixing the right ingredients to create the ultimate pizza sauce.

And speaking of crushing your opponents, Uprising takes the military conflict up a notch. With the addition of spies, the game becomes a real spy thriller. These little wooden tokens not only provide big advantages, but they also allow you to mess with your opponents’ plans. It’s like sneaking up behind someone in a stealth game and stealing their loot. The best part is, you can do it without them even knowing. Diabolical, right?

• Steam Deck OLED: A Spectacular Console Refresh
• Valve’s Steam Deck OLED: A Case Within a Case
• Level up your nature-themed board games with designer’s innov...

Now, let’s talk factions. This game doesn’t just give you one or two factions to choose from; it throws nine of them at you. It’s like having a buffet of options, where each faction has its own unique abilities and playstyles. From powerful offensive leaders to complex characters with evolving skills, there’s something for everyone. It’s like assembling the ultimate squad in a role-playing game, with each character bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table.

But here’s the real pièce de résistance: sandworms. Yes, you heard me right. Giant, magnificent sandworms that tower over the game board. These screen-accurate plastic miniatures are the key to victory. Picture this: you lure your enemies into a trap, thinking they’ve found an unprotected objective. But little do they know, you have a sandworm waiting to unleash its fury upon them. It’s like commanding a mythical creature in a fantasy game, bringing destruction upon your foes. It’s the ultimate power move.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the folks at Dire Wolf Digital have gone above and beyond to make this game worth every penny. They’ve included alternate wooden sandworm tokens for those who prefer a more traditional touch. Plus, all the bits and pieces you need to ensure compatibility with existing expansions. It’s like getting bonus loot in a game, except in real life.

So whether you’re a superfan of Dune or just someone looking for an incredible tabletop experience, Dune: Imperium – Uprising is a game you do not want to miss. It’s like finding a hidden treasure in a vast open world, ready to be explored. Mark your calendars for November and get ready for an epic adventure. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

This review was written using a pre-release physical copy provided by Dire Wolf Digital. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. You can find additional information about GameTopic’s ethics policy here.

Now, fellow gamers, tell me: are you ready to ride into battle on plastic sandworms? Can you handle the thrill of customizing your deck like a master craftsman? Share your thoughts and let’s embark on this epic journey together!