Frank Herbert’s Dune is a science fiction masterpiece, but the sequels are more of a mixed bag, becoming increasingly weird and convoluted. Fortunately Dune: Imperium is following a different trajectory, with expansions continuing to refine the experience into one of the absolute best board games out there. Just as Dune: Imperium – Uprising was a major improvement on Paul Dennen’s original game, Dune: Imperium – Bloodlines addresses the biggest issues with the standalone expansion to make strategies even more dynamic and further increase replayability.
A replacement for the popular Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix expansion, Bloodlines bolsters some of the weaker spaces on the board and in turn reduces the dominance of the sandworms unleashed by Uprising. Players who prefer aggressive strategies will find new opportunities by hiring Sarduakar commanders with powers that can change the course of battles or give you resources just for fighting. Those who focus on accumulating Persuasion needed to get the most expensive cards will find fresh rewards from a new Command mechanic that provides benefits for players who accumulate six or more in a round.
