Dungeon Keeper shows a path for RTS games that was not continued – and it does that with style.

Modern RTS titles follow the tradition to define units with a focus on production, logistics and combat roles. But Dungeon Keeper defines creatures, not units, in a more diverse way, with social relationships and behaviors. The creatures can become more intriguingly complex in your fantasy than they actually are in the game's procedures. And even after reading the manual and playing the campaign, the rules that make up those creatures remain somewhat unclear. All that gives them more character, fitting the RPG oriented theme.

Because of the game's mysterious tone and some mechanical aspects, its strength lies more in solo play than competition. But the campaign was a late addition by the devs and that shows at times. So it ends up as a mysterious and inspiring, rather than polished and long term motivating game.