Tell Me About Your Homeworld, Usul

Dear Lootius,

Over the weekend, I found myself in good company lost in the mesmerizing sands of the old, extended version of Dune. Every time I watch it, it strikes me anew with its depth and intensity – and this time was no exception. Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me clarify: no, this isn’t a post about wanting to dive into the Dune game universe (tempting as it may be!).

What really sparked my thoughts was that, as I was sweating it out at The Royal Club, I couldn’t help but notice some striking parallels between the classic film and Entropia; The struggles, collecting the resource sweat (the water of life), the intense desert vibes, and the second moon, Muad’dib, which mercifully shines down on the people.

I’m sure you too have found yourself wandering the vast, open landscapes on our planets, and perhaps you even had a strange sense of déjà vu? For me, it started with the Ambulimax, that could be Entropia’s version of the mighty Sandworms of Arrakis. Just imagine riding an Ambulimax across the dunes of Calypso or Toulan, commanding respect like a true Fremen warrior. Cool, right?

Speaking of planets, Entropia isn’t limited to just one world either. Much like Dune’s intricate universe, filled with multiple planets all key to the spice trade, Entropia spans several unique worlds, each with its own flavor and intrigue. Take Toulan, for instance. Though I’ve yet to explore its dunes firsthand, I’ve read that it boasts an ancient Norse theme fused with deep lore. Even with that theme, it’s hard not to think of Arrakis when you picture its desert landscapes. The harsh, arid climate, the sense of history embedded in the sand – it’s all there, waiting to be explored.

On Calypso, the comparison to Dune also hits hard. The sprawling deserts and endless sandbanks are eerily reminiscent of Arrakis. I find myself daydreaming – what if sandworms emerged from those dunes? Giant creatures shifting beneath the sands, ready to devour anything unlucky enough to cross their path. It could change the game entirely. Instead of worrying about on-ground Ambulimaxes or Atrox, we’d be dodging sandworms, feeling that same thrill Paul Atreides must have felt as he led his Fremen into the deep desert.

Let’s not forget the tools we use to survive in these unforgiving environments. In Dune, the Fremen used sand compactors to avoid attracting the monstrous sandworms, and in Entropia, we have our own version of this. Distractors and Decoys (available at the tt) work much like those sand compactors, diverting the attention of dangerous mobs so you can slip away unnoticed or reposition yourself for a better strike. It’s a tactical game of distraction, whether you’re on the sands of Arrakis or navigating the deserts of Calypso. These tools give you a momentary edge, just as the Fremen did against the massive worms, blending survival with strategy.

As you wander the outposts and equip your armor in Entropia, you can’t help but notice certain designs that seem straight out of Dune. Some of the more rugged armors and weapons look like they could belong to a Fremen warrior, crafted for survival in harsh environments. The Sentinel or Turrelion Silverstitch armors, for example, have a functional, almost utilitarian look that mirrors the Fremen’s stillsuits, designed to conserve life in the barren wastelands.

Then, we have the massive machines that dot the landscape of Calypso and other planets. The design of certain rigs and outposts feels eerily similar to the spice Melange harvesters in Dune – towering structures built to extract precious resources from the hostile environments. It’s easy to imagine a sandworm emerging from beneath the sands, ready to consume anything in its path, just as in Dune. And talking about Melange, we too got drugs in Entropia now!

But no exploration of Entropia’s parallels to Dune would be complete without a discussion of the factions. If you were to assign roles, who would play the evil Harkonnen and who would represent the good Atreides? The power struggles between different societies and players in Entropia often echo the intense political conflicts of Dune. But just like in Dune, the lines between good and evil are often blurred, and everyone has their own agenda. No doubt if I was in Dune, I would have been a Bene Gesserit.

In the end, whether you’re fighting for resources or strategizing your next move, the universe of Entropia keeps you on your toes – much like the desert planet Arrakis.

Do you dare to place your hand in the box, knowing the poisoned needle – the Gom Jabbar – waits to test your resolve? In both the game and life itself, we face challenges that pierce deep, forcing us to confront our fears. It’s in these moments that we must remember the wisdom of Dune, which echoes in my mind during every trial:

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings obliteration. I will face my fear and I will permit it to pass over me and through me.”

Which other film (or films) does Entropia remind you of?

Loot be with us all,
TheNun