Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy | Shelfside Review

Gale Force Nine re-releases Dune the board game... again! Though this time, it's not just a copy paste of the original Dune tabletop experience from 1979, Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy is actually much more streamlined than its predecessor(s)! Instead of six factions, this Dune has four: Atreides, Fremen, Harkonnen, and the Imperium. This means a maximum of four players at a brisk playtime of 30 minutes to an hour. Round phases remain similar but faster, and mechanics like traitor cards and battle plans return to keep that turn by turn combat tense and thematic. Accessibility is at an all time high here, even for casual Dune fan gamers as the rules overhead is drastically reduced while still maintaining core strategies and abilities that make Dune the board game what it is. But just like the original, unit token/spice chits remain fiddly while on the Arrakis map. Also, spice is now end game victory points in addition to being currency! Our Shelfside review will cover whether or not we think this streamlining turned out well, because it's so different yet so familiar!

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Table of Contents:
Intro - (0:00)
Overview - (0:55)
How to Play - (1:39)
Pros - (4:20)
Cons - (18:15)
Recommender Score - (24:12)
Daniel's Personal Score - (28:41)
Ashton's Personal Score - (31:51)

Stuff Used:
Epic Action Cinematic by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Heroes

#boardgames #tabletop #review

[aleksandarjovic]

To those who haven't tried this one, their review is quite fair. I wouldn't discount it because it has removed certain elements, but at the same time, it doesn't make the old one obsolete because of those removed elements -- in the end, giving an experience that is far more accessible and different enough as it's own title (i.e. it's not just a "new edition").

Dune (2019) - which I've only played with advanced rules - really needs 6 to be at its best (4 or 5 are playable). The game is undeniably crunchy with a ton of intricacies to keep track of -- with a gamer group, turns move well, but even still it can take a long time to finish -- or sometimes just end abruptly; this extreme variance in length makes planning it difficult. The alliance system only being allowed during Shai-Hulud feels a bit awkward, the lack of mobility built into the game makes things feel a bit slow, tons of special cases result in rulebook checks... It's understandable why Shelfside was hard on Dune 2019. I enjoy the game, and would play it again, but at that time length, TI4 (with or without PoK) is preferred.

Dune (GCD) while it has been distilled, certainly hasn't been stripped of its soul. True - the "diplomacy" isn't really there like in 2019 (where you can share powers, go for fortresses together -- again, I think the Shai-Hulud triggering alliances is awkward and doesn't even make sense thematically). But your forces feel more mobile, the interesting battle system is still there, and other clunky aspects (which can be extremely punishing for new players) have been pulled out.
Personally, I prefer artwork over movie images, but Dune:GCD does it in a stylized way where it doesn't look like movie screen-caps (while still saving money by reusing those assets and being able to sell to a more casual audience at Target -- always good to get new people into the hobby).

So to summarize: Dune2019 is still good as a heavy game for your gamer friends -- true, it's got some oddities that certain other games improve upon, but it successfully offers a new experience every time I've tried it -- although, you should plan for a long session. Dune2019 also has cool stuff like Bene Gesserit win predictions, even though GCD's factions still retain that "everyone has their own unique style" feel.
Dune:GCD retains most of what makes 2019 great, and removes a lot of the fiddliness. While this overlap may put them in direct competition, GCD plays way faster with the slower parts of the game removed. You'll still get all the drama of combat reveals, the better strategist will usually win, fun tactics are present every turn, and the game works at lower player counts now.
As such, if you're a Dune and boardgame fan, you could own both: the difference between them is like comparing an artisan hamburger with sweet potato fries vs a prime cut of steak with steamed potato.

[PanamaniacD]

I really appreciate that you go through the good and the bad of the games and how in depth you guys are. I hate when board game reviewers only review games that they personally like or are paid to do and it turns into them recommending everything, even a crappy game that they were just paid to review. I also like how you guys give an objective score and a subjective score. Never change. Keep up the great work.

[slowmodeproductions]

Dune Conquest is fantastic. I'm a big fan. Also, I personally think the original Dune is the greatest game ever made.

[Emsworth]

Thanks so much for doing this review. Was really interested in seeing how it compared to the original dune game. You guys are steadily becoming my go to reviewers for all things board game. Great work as always!

[TheFancyFilmmaker]

Lol the 2019 dune is my favorite board game of all time. Sad to hear you don’t like it

[Redlady]

My only major schism with this channel is that Dune 2019 is one of the best games ever made once one picks up the community aggregated rules. Truly masterful.

[xtro]

If your a Big Dune and Board Game fan you will probably enjoy Dune 2019 edition more.

[bearhustler]

The Gale Force 9 is better for me, the old one can be rough around the edges but what you gain is worth it. I appreciate smooth modern design but we often lose a lot of personality from games in pursuing that smoothness. When they happen the highs you can get in old Dune are unbeatable.

[farhandarma]

It's crazy how much this channel is slept on, love all of your stuff!

[namelessfire]

In the original Dune, positioning mattered a ton. The board was constantly changing. There was no "late game" because the pace of the game is completely dependent on the players. The asymmetry was more striking and impactful. And believe it or not, the original Dune is a fairly simple game. There isn't a ton of complex interactions unless you dive into the advanced game.

The new Dune is a good game. It isn't great by any means, but it isn't trying to be. It's clearly a mass market game that values accessibility over depth. That's fine. Non-hobbyists will pick this up and they will enjoy it. Some of them may even have their eyes opened to the hobby because of it. I'm glad it exists. It has its purpose and it has its place. That place just isn't on my shelves.

If you're really looking for an area control game that clocks in under an hour, then I recommend "The King is Dead". It's 30 minutes and it is perfectly designed and balanced.

For the best 1-2 hour area control game, go with Kemet.

[merck__]

A Dune board game that can be finished faster than watching one of the movies!? Is that even legal?

[acerumble]

Was really looking forward to your take on this one! Not going to lie, despite your dislike of the original/FF reprint, I'm a big fan of it and have been looking at this streamlined version as a possible gateway for my friends. Of course, that wouldn't matter at all if Conquest wasn't any fun to begin with. Definitely appreciate your more in-depth reviews over the 10-15 mins or so from other channels. Please keep up the good work!

[lessavini]

LMAO hilarious review. Even as a classic Dune fanboy I can't stop appreciating you guys honesty and sense of humour. Keep it up!

[agressia]

Of course you liked this one more, mr. Casual Gamer.

[GregOlotka]

I love your 10/10 masterpiece graphic! Also, I love that you recommended it :)

[Chris-ropu]

I love this game and the 2019 original. There is a place in my collection for both of them. I still will break out the original once or twice a year for that epic game of 6 player dune. This edition will hit the table much more frequently

[ownabeast]

The quality of your reviews are always insane 👌 when you used "the voice" I died 🤣 thanks for the quality content!

[delryn]

Great review, I was tossing up between all the Dune boardgames and I think you sold me on Conquest.

[RetroPandroo]

Loving the idea of this simplified version - having played the original Dune online (treachery io), it's tough to get a good group of 6 who both are interested in the IP to get over the rules and also can commit the time needed to play.

However, one of the things holding me back is the design and art... I know it's entirely subjective and almost immaterial, but I really can't stand the look of the game with those movie stills. E.g., seeing the Baron on the back of all the traitor cards is just weird.. I know that's what the Harkonnens are about, but still I can't stand it especially because any house can hold a traitor card. The picture makes it look like a Harkonnen exclusive...

If this had the art design of Dune: Imperium, I think it'd be an instant purchase for me. The illustration and card art in that game is just gorgeous (again subjective as many others think it bland and muted).

[tim.g]

I've never seen your channel before this. I am about it. Almost like SU&SD, but different. Thanks!