Dune

I first played this game as a youngster. It was about 1995 and I was not allowed a computer of my own. Perhaps explaining my long running addiction to this game. I recently discovered it on free download and spent the next week playing it day and night, as I had done the previous decade.
Dune is a simple by highly addictive mix of a strategy game and role play game. The game follows the plot of the classic science fiction film, by David lynch, of the same name.

You play the Paul Atraides, son of a "Space nobleman" from the family of Atriades who has recently moved to a planet to mine "spice" the most valuable substance in the universe. You must follow clues to meet the native inhabitants of the planet, the Fremen, with their help you learn how to prospect for spice and then mine it, which you have to send back to the emperor of the Universe.
Matters are complicated by the presence of the Harkonnens on the planet, they are the ruthless, brutal adversaries of the house of Atrides. Thus while the demands for spice increase week upon week so does your need build up military strength to defend against, and later attack the harkonnenes. This strategy element is set against the backdrop of Paul, due to the spice in the planet, going through some changes..... The cast of characters includes your dangerously attractive mother, Jessica, your prince Charles like father and the enigmatic leader of the fremen, Stilgar, to name but a few.
For lovers of the film this game will be ideal but also for those who have not seen the film the game stands up by itself. The mythology of the plot is reminiscent of Tolkein and game progresses at a good pace. It can become frustrating as you can get held up when there seems to be no course of action left open and all of the characters offer nothing new. However one of it best attributes is its simplicity, you get a trudging satisfaction from slowly accumulating skill and spice and "charisma".
While by today’s standards this may be considered a little parochial, if you give it a chance I am sure you will not be disappointed.