Westwood Studios' Dune series was special. The story differed from the Dune novels and they put Real Time Strategy on the map even before the time of WarCraft and C&C. Many RTS games owes Dune 2 for their exsistance. There are obvius Dune influence in WarCraft and many other RTS games but especially in Command & Conquer.

The Constrction Yard and Harvesting systems was not first introduced in C&C1 but in Dune 2. The systems have not changed much since they first appeared in Dune 2 harvesters harvested spice much like they harvest tiberium in the newer games. From Dune 2 to C&C1 the sidebar was changed, rather than having to select a building and enter the build menu (which filled up the whole screen) in C&C you could select the building or unit you wanted to build directly from the sidebar, the sell function was also added. But this streamlining of the sidebar came at a cost, for in Dune 2 you can build multiple units and buildings at once if you have a secoundary construction yard or factory you can't do this in C&C1.

"The planet Arrakis known as Dune. A land of sand, home of the spice melange. The spice controls the empire, whoever controls Dune, controls the spice. The Emperor has proposed a challenge! "The house that produces the most spice will control Dune, there are no set territories and no rules of engagement"
From the Dune 2 intro

The challenge was accepted - three houses came to Dune. The noble Atreides, The insidious Ordos and The evil Harkonnen.

The planet they are fighting over; Arrakis nicknamed Dune is a harsh desert planet where huge worms so large they can eat armies reside; their huge bodies creating lighting only by moving deep under the sand.

The reason why they are fighting over Arrakis is because of the spice. The spice controls the Empire. If the spice is controlled then those who controlls the spice controls the Empire and those who controlls the Empire controlls mankind. The spice extends life, it expands consciousness, and The spice is vital for space travel.

The three houses come to Dune and it's up to you who will win.

Dune 2 Intro
Introduction

Dune 2000 is a remake of Dune 2, with more C&C style gameplay and graphics, it also features changes in the storyline and live action cinematics

Dune 2000 intro
Introduction part 1
Introduction part 2

"The Emperor is dead, poisoned by his concubine, the Lady Elara" Emperor starts off where Dune 2000 ended.

The Known universe is without an Emperor. The Spacing Guild initiates a war of assasins between the three greatest houses. The Harkonnen, The Atreides and The Ordos. The war will be faught on Arrakis the only rules being that atomic weapons are banned. The three houses go to war yet again but without knowing the Guilds true intentions. Other houses also takes part in this "new war" the Teilaxu with their twisted intentions, the House of Ix determined to make a profit and the Imperial Sardaukar looking for a strong leader.

This game is the first and last 3D RTS game made under the Westwood brand. It features three unique sides, huge sand worms and "Sub Houses", by choosing a sub house you are able to build a special building which allows you to build the special unit(s) of the sub house, the sub houses are; The Imperial Sardaukar, The House of Ix, The Teilaxu, The Guild (MP only) and the Freman, each gives you special units.

Emperor Battle For Dune Intro
Introduction part 1
Introduction part 2
Introduction part 3