Dune Imperium - Playthrough & Review

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Let us know what you think about Dune Imperium!

[@Mentat1231]

It's amazing! Even my wife, who doesn't normally like deck building and doesn't know Dune, really liked it.

[@pauloyanez2640]

Fun and tense😬!!!

[@terrytoriq]

Hah, I have just played D:I this Saturday with my play group. We played with 4 players. No one knew what he was doing. It was absolute mayhem. All the limitations made me so, so angry. I was that angry only once before when I played Catan for the first time. 😁 But I was willing to give it another shot with less players, because I suspected that it would actually be fun. You have kind of confirmed my suspicion, so thanks. ☺️ Still, I would take Arnak every day before Dune. 😝

[@Shoitaan]

One of the best games of 2020. So many moments that make you wanna clap, cheer or moan. That player interaction on the conflict board is really what sets it apart! Also Naveen, the first book is a masterpiece. It gets progressively worse from there.

[@Mentat1231]

@@Shoitaan Totally agree about the game, but I don't know why people dislike the sequels so much. God Emperor is my favorite!

[@neomarvelbunny]

The third place on the conflict card is only used in 4 player games. Third place with less than four players gets nothing.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Oh no way, you are totally right!! We'll be sure to add a note to the description section, thanks!

[@jriceblue]

Yup, noticed that, and immediately thought "why don't they have a symbol on the cards to remind players of that?" A little "4+" would have been really handy and not obtrusive there.

[@cedricjouenne9455]

Actually it does if your are tight for the second place you get the 3rd. It has been said by the game designer on BGG forums. It just cannot be for one player only at les than 4 player games.

[@lightwire123]

@@cedricjouenne9455 link? i can't find that. this would mean the rules are wrong and/or incomplete

[@cedricjouenne9455]

@@lightwire123 i posted it twice but it disapeared...

[@RonnieLunn84]

As someone who doesn't have a large board game collection(relatively), I'm really appreciating these videos where you play similar games. Whether the Uwe series or this and Ruins of Arnak, this is the type of thing where I really choose between games which to add to the collection, and these videos are really great for comparing and contrasting what I may like to add and not add to my collection.

[@86Disab]

What did you pick? Curious as it's 2 years later.

[@RonnieLunn84]

@@86Disab Neither actually. I started my own business and with 4 kids and still having a full time day job my gaming has gone down significantly. That said, if I had to choose I do think I would pick Ruins simply because I think it’s more approachable for other people.

[@86Disab]

@@RonnieLunn84 gotcha. I've got 2 kids and another on the way and know what you mean. Also know when it comes to games you'd like to play and own, but then have nobody else to play with... us dads need to figure out an online gaming club with those very few minutes we get to ourselves lol...

[@robertcrist6059]

Naveen playing the voice and blocking that spot, the entire exchange between you two was so fun.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Haha, now that I've seen the movie it makes even more sense too!

[@DavidBrubeck]

Great video thanks for making it! At 1:35:00 when you played "Demand Respect". I don't think you can play the card at all unless you first win the combat. From the rules page 12: A few Combat Intrigue cards do something “when you win a Conflict.” You do not play these now, before resolving the Combat. Instead, wait until you’ve won, then play them (before moving on to the next phase).

[@kevinmcgaire6412]

You could have gone to Heighliner at 1:00:45 with your diplomacy. The Voice only lasts 1 Turn (aka agent turn) not the full round. There are clarifications in the rulebook and on BGG about this. It would be too powerful for a 2 cost card if it was the full round.

[@jasoncoil9403]

Tagging onto this comment. At 1:10:35, you missed playing 2 troops into your garrison when you played the "Sardaukar Legion" Card.

[@davidko9289]

At 41:55, Naveen has one extra influence from the Hall of Oratory. I don't think it would have made a difference, but it's extraordinarily easy to miss.

[@markub6783]

He did it again in 1:11:32

[@GTCG]

Yeah , noticed it as well

[@Mentat1231]

I've read 19 of the books. Not knowing your preferred styles of sci-fi or anything, I would say read Dune for sure. It's a classic for a reason. If you enjoy it, I honestly think of the first three (Dune, Dune: Messiah, and Children of Dune) as a trilogy. I highly recommend them. Then, if you are into the big philosophical concepts and grand overarching plots, go on to the 4th book (God Emperor of Dune). If you are more into the action and intrigue of the Houses, I really think the prequel trilogy (House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino) are a fun read.

[@akuskus]

I have been waiting for this.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Same for us! So glad we could finally get it played!!

[@ivanristov5835]

I've seen many Playthroughs for this game, but this is most natural play-through and also exciting to watch. Thank you for showing me how interesting this game is I was planning to get it for a while now, because I'm also a Dune Fan.

[@nathancarter4839]

I died when she said "It's a sisterhood" and he said "traveling pants" - incredible. Great video! Thanks!

[@LordoftheBoard]

So good to hear you share my thoughts on this one 😁

[@BeforeYouPlay]

😀It's so good SAM!!

[@jjknave]

Great playthrough and teach. Naveen forgot his temp persuasion two times that he went to Hall of Oratory.

[@KMReviews]

Yes I noticed that too

[@saravanlandegem4616]

Same!

[@pete7421]

This video and your Spirit Island video really demonstrated each game's potentials for me. They've helped to solidify my understanding of each game's rules and showcase the possible card combos and strategies. Very informative and entertaining to watch.

[@justin.halteman]

Thanks a ton! The instruction book and "How to play" videos were just creating confusion. Watching this video solved all my issues and questions. Love the game now.

[@wrany72]

Playing Uprising this weekend and I watched this because I love your videos.

[@draftzero]

Love watching ya'lls playthroughs!

[@norsahsaker3244]

This game is the most thrilling and tense board game I have ever played aside from TI4. Yet it is so streamlined and full of exciting choices. Plus I LOVE the dune universe! Bring on the expansion!

[@TimChuon]

always my favorite playthroughs! don't mind me spending the day binging through more of your videos~😁

[@Lordborg909]

What a great playthrough! Thanks so much for doing this one, really piqued my interest

[@elessar11]

Great overview and play through. I used this video to learn and have been addicted ever since. Such a fun game - I’ve played five times so far and I’ve made it my goal to try and win as each of the 8 characters.

[@WaitingForNovember]

This my top-1 favourite game , thanks for playing it. Favourite bloggers + favourite game = WOW

[@ParlorPunch]

Wow, that was great!! I've been too intimidated to look at Dune Imperium, but now I think I could play this game. Great job 👍 thank you!!

[@williamcallison2009]

Very nice. Hearing the place names/card descriptions aloud really added to the flavor.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it William! Hope you are having a great week!

[@tonybowers9490]

Dune books? IMHO, the first book is the best. Interestingly, both the Dune Imperium board game and the book Dune are in my Top Ten.

[@guchi8884]

I’m on the fourth book now and have been enjoying them all so far! Especially the third, Children of Dune

[@yhaerysthethird6088]

Very nice gameplay! Very timely because I just watched Dune 2021 I might cop myself a copy of this game. So fun

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Awesome!! This game really REALLY shines at a full 4-Players.

[@Deltium5683]

very helpful review, thank you.

[@ColinMcElhatton]

I am planning to play Dune: Imperium for the first time with a group of fellow gamers so this video was definitely worth the watch. We'll most likely be 3 though it could go up to 4 on the day. Was thinking of setting aside at least 150-180 min for actual play. We're pouring over the rules before we sit down on the day so that should save us some time. Once again thanks for this video.

[@ChenKhanwei]

I've been a fan of the Dune franchise as a whole for almost 20 years now. I recently had my first playthrough with the owner of this boardgame cafe last night and I am loving the attention to detail especially the mechanic where spice is generated on the board.

[@thomaswilson7718]

1:10:29 Monique played the legion but did not get the 2 troops from that card (only got 4 from where she went should have been six)

[@Sayuiv]

Thank you for the great playthrough! In the last few months you became one of my favourite channel for playthrough. ❤

[@bane9179]

Got my wife into board games with this one . While i figured with the space theme she would hate it but now its on the table every week

[@jds96d]

Great explanation and energy. Love it!

[@peterqvarnstrom45]

Thank you for a lot of very good game explanations. Easy to follow and understand.

[@projectsisyphean]

I just bought this game today! Perfect timing

[@Choose2Connect]

You are going to love it! My favorite by far.

[@erikwickstrom96]

A nice Let's Play; My wife and I enjoy this game a lot. One thing to remember is in the Conflict, if there is only 3 players, no one gets the 3rd place bonus. That's only for 4 players.

[@softshoes]

This wasa terrific watch. I'm a Dune fan myself so thanks a lot for this.

[@CharlesHepburn2]

What a great teach! So clear and quick... you guys rock!

[@Erlend88]

Nice video! This boardgame is awesome ! Keep up the good job on the channel! :)

[@joostkleppe3522]

Very nice playthrough, and you have a very loving way of explaining it together. ;-)

[@dnmessias]

Wow! The tension was so thick that you can cut it with a knife. What a play!

[@4kodiak4]

Read the original and the precursors ... house atreides house harkonnen, house corrino and buttering jihad Those books are fantastic as well giving you background on duke Leto and vlad harkonnen

[@WargameStudyGroup]

Just found you guys. Loved the video.

[@monkeyunit4533]

1:11:10 Shouldnt Monique also have gotten 2 more troops to the garrison from the card she played? She got 2 from the action space, 2 more from reaching the next step on that track, but the card also has 2 in the grey area.

[@michael3123]

Love your videos, so glad you are covering this game!

[@Crooke743]

Great video! Hope you will get the expansion to show as well!

[@rgott3844]

Thank you for making this one! I love this game and I've been waiting to see it on your channel! Love your video's

[@joshestes6427]

Loved it! Thanks for doing that final comparison with Lost Runes of Arnak!

[@yview7315]

around 58-59mins, the VOICE card only allows your opponent one next agent to not be placed there, when it comes back to your turn, the place unlocks again (right before your next opportunity to play)

[@Stormbrise]

Read only the first book, this is from both my husband and I. This a good review for those who have not read the book, however you would get a deeper understanding of the faction leaders after you listen or read the book. As for the movie, when it came out it was a hit to us who liked the genre, now it is a bit campy and apparently a cult classic for some. Now that I am an adult seeing Sting shirtless takes on a whole other meaning for me. However, 18 min at the beginning of the movie, it is slow… but it gets better. I have one great memory of the movie, it is walking 3 miles to the mall to watch this film with my oldest brother, a year with snow, and living in a Pacific NW city that had no bus service at night. So we were both chanting “It’s so cold” in shivering voice on the way home. This is something I do in Denmark now when I am out walking. I grew up in the States.

[@DanEderveen]

I can be a pretty harsh critic sometimes, but man you guys exude class, respect, and joy. Your teach and everything else is of an outstanding quality. PS: Would love to see you upgrade to 4K.

[@richardscales9560]

I think your game play through illustrates why I love this game so much. It always feels close. The bot opponent works so well. The card combos can really work well and when they do it gives you a great buzz. Didn't need go see your end of game round-up to know how you felt about the game. You were so smiley through the play.

[@FantasyNerd-cj7vj]

Thanks for the video. I just recently finished book 1 and would definitely recommend reading it. The game correlates nicely with the book theme. I’ll be playing the game for the first time in a few days and your video was a super helpful way to get familiarized beforehand. Thanks!

[@teresaofthefaintsmile6031]

Very fun to watch, great work guys 💕

[@tonybowers9490]

Thanks for sharing! Dune Imperium is definitely in my Top Ten.

[@BillyIndiana]

Awesome play through as always! I just received Dune this week & am playing later today with my wife👍

[@thek-man5829]

Love the game and your playthroughs!

[@joaofonseca2331]

Great video! This game is addictive. The first book is THE book, but if you like it don't skip the other 5 written by Frank Herbert. It spans thousands of years and they're all great. The 4th book is probably tied with Dune as my favourite.

[@citizensnips1012]

Thanks for the great video. I've read the first 3 Dune books and really like them. Some people don't care for the 2nd and 3rd books, but I really enjoyed them and might even like them more than the 1st book.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Will definitely try starting the 1st book within the next few days. I'd be willing to try the next book.

[@baraka99]

I've ordered this game plus the expansion. Wish the deluxe edition miniatures weren't sold out. Great review. Makes me excited to play it.

[@mastermui4331]

Great play through and teach. Thanks for the great content! Was Naveen supposed to get a persuasion point for Hall of Oratory as well @ 1:55:28 when he revealed? Your videos definitely let me try new games that I thought were too heavy for me to play and teach. Awesome Monique & Neveen love your videos!!!!

[@ForChitsGiggles]

This was a really good watch, thanks for uploading it! I've just about made my way through the first novel, I've noticed some thematic elements and I think overall the game looks great. I like the 'reveal' phase in that you get benefits for the cards you don't play, and I like the linked systems. Would definitely like to play it

[@adityats2020]

Have you read the book or seen the movie? How do you feel about the game after that? And you have to review the expansion.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Monique listened to the 1st audiobook and we both watched the new movie that came out last year. I want to read the book but man it’s so hard to dedicate time to sit down to read.

[@bobgrdnr428]

This game is definitely on my radar. Funny that I am literally just finishing Children of Dune after listening to Dune and Dune Messiah. I think they have all been amazing, extremely profound stuff. It’s one of those things that I wish I discovered earlier.

[@logiclust]

fun watching you guys

[@mrbastos]

This and Lost Ruins of Arnak are among the games I got over shelter in place, but haven't been able to play. So I am excited to play them both soon.

[@Danny_DaKid]

There’s a mini series of Dune that was on the Syfi channel. Not the best but better than the older one. You could find them on KZbin.

[@henribcosta]

Will you try Endless Winter to end the "trilogy" worker placement + deck building?

[@adriang6259]

Ha, I loved the look on Monique's face when Naveen played that voice card and blocked the High-liner. This game looks great. I hope I get it for my birthday.... Today.

[@Norrygan]

41:50 You had 8 and not 7, because of your worker allocated that round.

[@troyajohnson26]

I just played this two player for the first time and enjoyed it a lot. The foldspace cards seem very strong.

[@halloweenlady4073]

at around 31:00 mark he buys a card that says if you have the bond get a spice. I was taught this by a friend so I don't have a rule book. I thought it was if you had the bond with the faction space not playing another of that card during the round?

[@sachastassen6019]

Dune is a SF book series which you need to read one by one but yeah the first book can be challenging before you get into the whole story. I'd recommend watching the mini series :) with Alec Newman. There are also some prequels and some books specificaly about the main houses so you could also start with the houses first.

[@leonardobrezende]

Awesome playthrough, a nailbiting end! Read the first book

[@xJAMESVICIOUSx]

Dune has been my favorite book series since I read it for the first time in middle school something like 20 years ago. I am so incredibly excited for the new movie and I was ECSTATIC when this game came out because I can play it solo and because I LOVE IT. It's such a great game.

[@troyajohnson26]

Should Naveen have gotten one more Persuasion at around 42:18 for being in the green space at the very top? So 8 total that round?

[@omgwtforz]

For the last combat card played "demand respect", I would think the win conflict applies to both conditions. Playing 2 spice for 2 influence is just too strong. So I think you would have to win too. Or am I wrong?

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hmm that's a good question. We interpreted it as the "win conflict" condition was for the top part. We could be wrong though, not too sure.

[@CK-mi3sd]

@@BeforeYouPlay Froilan is right. You need to win a conflict, pay two spice, to increase a faction by 2 influences. I am 100% certain about this.

[@jasonjoyce2177]

You are not wrong. Win a Conflict IS THE CONDITION. You then get to pick one OR the other as a result of fulfilling that condition.

[@FelipeRodrigues-vj1zb]

I met you guys through the Witcher gameplay, and even though I gave up on that game, I love your plays! Just watched New York Zoo and now Dune, this is so much better for deciding if I want a game than a simple review.

[@seanpatrickkinney9593]

The wife and I do the D6 house rule and tried different variants on it - with 2 players we recommend you roll a 6 nothing leaves the market, on 3-4 players if it is a 6 the lowest card goes.

[@lystic9392]

Do you know the sandworm variant? I thought it was really cute.

[@seanpatrickkinney9593]

@@lystic9392 Have tried most of not all of them, really did like the Sandworm Variant a lot and recommend it! The d6 method adds a bit of chaos ;) which is fun too!

[@blackboardgaming5348]

Awww, man! I was rooting for Naveen! Too close! Another great playthrough!

[@bearhustler]

This games is always close which is so tense

[@Totihno]

I gotta confess I always root for Naveen he usually comes out as the underdog lol

[@Duxa_]

please do another playthrough with the expansion

[@leovincent6461]

1st book is a classic - bit of a slow burn, but really good!

[@EmanuelsWorkbench]

Thanks for the video. Love the game. D'oh! @1:11:46 Naveen actually had 6 to spend, not 5! (Hall of Oratory)

[@fan-i-am]

My only problem with the game is with the Market, Turn order, and the Intrigue deck as a whole: randomness that negates all ur hard choices for combat, influence track or endgame just because someone plays a card. Every advantage should be earned as proven by ur foresight/choices not because of luck! Which is why I propose 3 changes: 1) Have the Market be 8 cards instead of 5 OR flip/refresh all unpurchased cards at the end of the round OR both! 2) Fix the Intrigue deck somehow, like drafting display 3 to choose from, so others know what u got, (if they remember), but don't know WHEN you'll play it! OR take out the Endgame VP cards & Plot pay for VP cards (there's only 4) 3) Have a mechanic that allows players to affect turn order! Such as: Have the CHOAM Secure Contract space also have a 1st Player icon meaning u get to give the 1st player coin to ANY player and they immediately become 1st player OR will be 1st player next round. OR each round Player lowest on the VP track goes first then 2nd lowest goes 2nd etc. ties broken per normal endgame rules

[@bearhustler]

I'd really recommend trying all the faction leaders, they are all fun and interesting.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

We are excited to!

[@yordanklecherov]

Nice one! I just think you always forgot your hall of oratory persuasion point on your reveal turns :) And yes, there is no third place reward from conflicts on other than 4 player games. And an advice for everyone doing youtube playthroughs - Please do more than one video with different "characters" after reading comments - it is always different and "part 2" will have the corrections on the comments (not descriptions under the first video). Subscribing for more videos... :)

[@chiehlilee9224]

Resolving conflict rewards: in a 3 player game, the third reward is never rewarded. Solo play (1 player + 2 AI) and 2 players (2 players + 1 AI) are treated as 3 player game. The third reward is only rewarded in a 4 player game only (page 12 of the rule book).

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yup you’re right, we realized only after we had filmed this. We made a note in the description just in case.

[@sharxboy]

At 41:50 doesn't Naveen have 8 Persuasion because of that space at the top of the board instrad of 7?

[@shamusj]

Great Video! At 47:42, shouldn't the AI card have directed the Rival to go to "The Great Flat" space instead of Hagga Basin as there was more total spice available?

[@MrJossVideos]

That was the most entertaining play through I have watched. If I hadn’t just purchased the game, I’d be running out to buy it right now. Love a worker placement that plays great at two.

[@Brissebrajan]

its really great to play solo, for those days when you don't have anyone else to play with.

[@elit529]

I just played this for the first time and really enjoyed it! The final round gave me the same intense feeling I get in the final rounds of Inis, which is in my top 10 games, so you might enjoy that one as well (although I have to admit I've never played it as a 2 player).

[@mananshah267]

I am only able to get a 3 player game so far, and we were not sure about the game whether it is a game we will feel fresh after 10-15 games. But your review is going to get me try more and be positive about it.

[@Brissebrajan]

First book is great, second is ok. Third book is borderline great. Forth is good. after that lost interest and started reading book 1 again. and have done so for the last 20 years, just reading the first book. Great video!

[@paulallison6418]

Great playthrough and review, I have not got this game yet but it is on my "to buy" list. Movies and books .... apologies for perhaps boring you hear Moninque and Naveen but I have been a fan of the book DUNE for 40 years. The original DUNE is outstanding, fantastic book, well worth investing the time in it. The sequel DUNE MESSIAH is also very good and the rest are ok, good books but in my opinion only for fans who just want more. The original movie was a bit of a failure (40M budget against 31M gross box office) and the director hates it but it is a cult classic and I think very interesting movie, I think it is worth 2 hrs of your time. The mini-series CHILDREN OF DUNE (which is actually DUNE MESSIAH & CHILDREN OF DUNE books) is pretty good and worth a look. Enjoy ....!

[@David-ym2vk]

I've played enough deck builders to know that I just don't enjoy the upkeep of having to pair down all the cards back to the starting decks every game like Dominion and other popular straight up deck builders. I do like the idea of deck builders though, so this kind of game and ruins of arnak that add in worker placement and they keep the decks small so having to pair them down to starter cards during clean up isn't bad. I've got this game but haven't gotten a chance to play it yet. After watching this playthrough, I know I'm going to enjoy the multi-use cards and the gameplay seems fun.

[@Arahmon1117]

Very exciting. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on this and watching how it plays.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hope you enjoy the video!

[@Mentat1231]

Two quick notes: 1) An update kit is coming for minis and such to make the components much cooler. 2) Yes, knowing the theme makes this game come to life even more. I don't think it's needed (yes, it is about the mechanisms), but it adds a wonderful extra dimension. This is my first time being absolutely delighted by an IP implementation.

[@igorpersin7484]

update kit? You mean deluxe kit that costs as much as base game?

[@ellaochman7947]

Another great gameplay! 👏👏👏I love you both competing, it was so thrilling towards the end that I didn’t know who to support. I had a really good fun watching you. Hope my gameplay will be as exciting as yours. Waiting patiently for Anachrony 🙂 ❤️