What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Any idea?

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Waiting is painful. There is no other game that I want.

I wish the beta testers would provide more screenshots etc but I assume Aaron has asked them not to.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Current best-guess speculation is that it might be out in time for Christmas. Given the history of how many times and how far the speculative release date has been pushed back in the past, I wouldn't put any bets on it, though.

We all signed an NDA. Now, technically the NDA only prohibits revealing and discussing flaws in SEV, so if you can convince me that posting a particular screenshot or tidbit of information would in no way reveal anything that anyone might consider a flaw in the game, I'd be free to post it. Unfortunately, even such trivial things as where the main screen puts the system view could easily be considered design flaws by some, so I can't tell you much beyond what's already public knowledge. I can tell you we're up to version .33, but that doesn't really mean much.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

It will be when it´s done!....

Please don´t launch a half-baked product like MOO3... take all the time you need... but deliver a finished game... even if it is for Christmas 2006...

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I agree 100%.

I'll wait as long as I have to for the finished product. If it goes to 2006 so be it. But if it comes out in time for the holidays I will be guying myself a nice Christmas present.

:-)

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

There is no "official" release date. It is ready when it is ready and it will be worth the wait as was SEIV. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Well I for one would LOVE to see some screenshots of this type:

http://www.malfador.com/SE5scr012.htm

Its been a long, slow wait with nothing on the 4x horizon for the last few years except for SEV. Posting (with permission, of course) of that type of screenshot would be GREATLY appreciated, well, at least by me, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I'm afraid there are plenty of things in that screenshot that could spark design debates, and at least some people would inevitably consider the current design flawed, even going only on what can be inferred from that completely non-interactive screenshot.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I don't really see the point of panicking. Three alternatives here:

A) Unspecified Game Company A is committed and dedicated to producing a great game. In which case panicking and yelling at them may well make them decide to not care.

B) UGCA doesn't care what you think and is going to make whatever they want. In which case, it doesn't matter.

C) UGCA only cares about profits. In which case, yelling at them is unnessasary. The best tactic is to get lots of support, so they know where the money will be coming from.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

If you want screen shots then I would suggest emailing Malfador asking for more infomation on their web site. Aaron is a busy guy but I am certain that he enjoys knowning that people are egar to learn about what is going on with his newest project.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

You also have to consider that the game at this stage is in a very dynamic state, so you may not want to be posting screenshots quite yet when changes can be made that will switch things up - then you'd end up with a bunch of inaccurate screenshots posted all over the interweb! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Uh, I hope everyone knows I was just giving out a generic analysis. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

a demo would be nice to see come out by the fall (this way we the players can have an input too)

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Things are changing a LOT right now at this stage of the beta, almost anything shown in a screenshot it likely to change in some way between now and the release version.

A demo by fall...well I'm sorry to say that that's very unlikely. There's still a lot of beta testing to do before a demo could be prepared.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I'm really looking forward to the release of SEV, but I would rather have them take their time and create a great game than have them rush things and not put in all the features and testing that should go into it.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Well the entire software industry is built on the concept that version 1.0 is rubbish, but the patch will fix it. And add all the features we said would be there but aren't. Repeat patching until you release the next product.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I blame the internet. They had to actually finish the games before they released them earlier.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Most of these huge house developers seem to be under a huge amount of pressure to bring a game to shelves by a "release date" which has been set by someone in corporate management who sees a whole between ShootEmUp 3 and Armageddon RTS 8.

I feel sorry for those folks who live under their desks for three months trying to fix an unbelieveable amount of code and glitches before a they run out of time.

Then, I feel sorry for the consumers (especially the younger ones) who feel they got ripped off with an inferior product.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I think at this point a few screenshots would be nice. We, the consumer(s) have come to understand that:

1. Features don't always make it into the final.

2. Screenshots generate debates and questions. Thats a big reason why we are all here. Adult debates and discussions.

3. Computer games get patched. Malfador has been better than most about fixing things and supporting the product long after most other programmers would have given up and moved on.

I really, really, really think we've all been good little boys and girls and I think a couple of screenshots will not tip the balance of power in our little galaxy http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

A good programmer will NEVER consider themselves "done" with a game. It takes upper managment to say "its done enough" or they will lose the market momentum. I dont think we will see too much of a problem since there is no such thing as a "version 1" of SEV. Unless its a huge rewrite of SEIV it will follow the usual numbering scheme. Adding .01 for bug fixes, .1 for patches, 1.0 for upgrades, and if the changes are enough to make it seem like a whole new game then give it a new name. But it still would amount to being SEIV with major changes (Im hoping so anyway). So we should think of it as SEIV version 1000.

There are also excellent beta testers involved. My only worry there is.. we know how long it can take to finish a game in SEIV. Are they still finding/fixing things or are they having too much fun? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif (dont flame me, I was only half serious) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Gandalf Parker

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

It's to bad we all have this "fast food" mentality. We want it and we want it now! Remember that "all GOOD things take time". so when SEV is released, it will be a game worth having. Until then, just play SEIV! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Well thats true. But having just gotten this game:

http://www.nexusthegame.com/index.ht...;fotopageid=12

SEIV is almost painfully old now. Last Saturday I spent the afternoon playing SEIV on a PIII 500 while playing Nexus at the same time on a newer PC on the right.

I still love SEIV, but after Nexus and the opening scene of Revenge of the Sith, it is desperatly in need of an update to keep up with my more graphical imagination. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I feel sorry for the ones who don't realize they're getting ripped off and keep buying crap because its the latest thing.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

You cannot have your cake and eat it too. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif Either you have a Nexus 3d combat sim - or you have a dedicated 4 x game. The day they successfully combine the two will be the day that most hard core 4 x fans leave the genera for good. Nexus is nothing like a 4x game and it was not worth the money spent to buy it. IMHO

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Well I understand that I won't have both a georgeous 3d tactical Space Combat Simulator AND an indepth 4x Space Conquest game, but I don't understand why you think hardcore 4x gamers would shy away from a Tactical Space Combat sim INSIDE of their 4x indepth Conquest game.

Nexus is not in the same Genre as SEIV, I just wish for better graphics in my 4x. I like Nexus. Its not a 4x, but it has a good amount of tactical depth and Blow Me Away georgeous graphics.

I also WANT peanut butter in my chocolate AND chocolate in my peanut butter. I thank the heavens everyday someone else agreed with that choice so I can eat my Reese peanut butter cups http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I'd be fine with a supermarket mentality myself, where buying a game is as easy as picking it up and checking out. International purchases, when without a credit card (I believe they aren't nearly as common here as they are in Canada or in the US), are not fun... or I just have a lot of trouble figuring out how it all works. Of course, there are also extras involved, so you will usually end up spending money on various fees than on the game, shipping delays are often in weeks... It's all so fun, really. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Of course, resellers help a lot, but they are few and far between (Shrapnel games have one in France). Hmm... have I been rambling again?

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Hey, all. Haven't posted in a while, it seems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I'd agree (of course) with the sentiment that a completed game is better than an earlier release. I also agree that (heresy, I know) you can't play SEIV 24-7 while waiting. *ducks* While I've been lurking here, I've also picked up a couple of other habits to help pass the time:

I think someone already posted it on this forum, but Battle for Wesnoth (www.wesnoth.org) is quite enjoyable and requires much of the same type of long-term strategic thinking as SEIV, although in a bit of a different setting.

Kingdoms of War (www.abandonedcastle.com), while not necessarily my favorite, has still been enjoyable--at least, once I got into an active kingdom. Sitting around at the beginning waiting for my kingdom mates to show up wasn't too fun. Since the game is still technically beta, the docs available do conflict with each other and actual game conditions. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif The forum has better info on it. This game is currently in between "ages," with the next one due to start this weekend, if all goes well.

Rubies of Eventide (www.eventide.net) has proven to be the only MMORPG I've ever enjoyed. Decent balance, hundreds (thousands? tens of thousands?) of character setup possibilities, over 20 zones to explore, an active community rivaled only by the community here (in my experience, at least), a separate PvP server, a separate RP server, and 2 general servers. The motto for RoE is "Choose wisely," and the choices made at character setup and throughout the building process make all the difference between a flop, a sub-optimal character, and a successful build. Plenty of excellent documentation and fan sites exist, so learning the game isn't anywhere near as difficult as for KoW, in spite of being orders of magnitude more complex. Did I mention this is what I've been playing most lately? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The thing that has attracted me to all three of these is admittedly the price--all are free. I appreciate the ability to experience all these games have to offer before I decide if they're worth my support.

I'm not looking for a replacement for the SE series. I'll be first in line (well, depends if I can elbow Puke out of the way or not http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif) to pre-order SE5 the minute it's available. I already know I can expect all the things that make games great (that's a good thread, too) from anything in this series. I've been with it since SEII, and I plan on my great-grandchildren opening SELXXXVII for Christmas. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif I look forward to rubbing my hands in anticipation as I open the box, insert the CD (DVD?) for the first time, and install SE5 on my HD. For the time being, I'm greatly enjoying at least 2 of the 3 above games, though, and wouldn't mind supporting them as well.

Not sure exactly how I got off on this, oh, except as a way to pass the time waiting for the patch. See, when you get interrupted by telemarketers, you lose your train of thought. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Anyway, good to see things still active as ever, and good to see Fyron's only a couple of days away from his 300,000th post.
(See, now he'll have to respond to this to correct me, and I'll respond that it was just a joke, and he'll respond back, and that will push his post count even higher. That, or he'll just respond with "Meh." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif) Take care, and maybe even check out some of my links. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

So here's a question, what would the beta testers say was the difference between the SE5 demo, and the released SE5. Does it have to be completely done, just waiting for mass duplication or can it be released with a few teensy bugs that still need to be ironed out.

The SE4 demo was so long ago, I don't even remember -- was the only thing missing back then a correct spelling of "jubilant"?

*SIGH* I was being patient, occasionally checking this board and Malfador's site for news, and now I've gotten all excited about SE5 again. I've been playing against the TDm Modpack again, and I'm just wishing I could really play on that 3-d perspective view I've seen in screenshots -- the SE4 2-D screen, which once seemed just fine, now seems so old fashioned.

I wonder, would Malfador consider releaseing a short move file, showing someone clicking around on the system map screen, just to show us how the functions work?

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I have to agree with Atrocities, Nexus wasn't really worth it. Sure, it's beautiful to watch, but once you've played it a time through or so there's really nothing to draw you back, at least that's how I felt.

Right now I'm into MoO3 again, with all the mods. There's something addictive about it which I can't really put into words. I think my space game fantasy at the moment would be MoO3 with all of SEIV's features. Me wants SEV.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

The SE4 demo had some odd bugs. I remember the game crashing as soon as my fleet got into the double digits for experience... or was it 20% or so? Some threshhold...

Posted by the highly pronouncable Krsqk:
(See, now he'll have to respond to this to correct me, and I'll respond that it was just a joke, and he'll respond back, and that will push his post count even higher. That, or he'll just respond with "Meh." )

bah!

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I hope that gorgeous ship-design screen doesn't change. Also, will different placement of components effect combat? Say, you put armor around the bridge, will the armor act like SE4 where it's destroyed first no matter what, or will it wait till other components in front of that are destroyed to take the brunt?

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Give me the dedicated 4X game. I like the slower pace of 4X games. I like to ponder my next move. I like to plan. I like to daydream at work over my plans to expand into a new resource-rich star system. I like to create my empire over time.

I like to develop strategies, not engage my reflexes.

I like to be able to get up and go eat dinner and then come back for another turn (or ten). I like to be able to play without gigantic explosions or flashes disturbing my wife's sleep.

I have played some fast-reflex games with big explosions, and I agree that they have their place. But I want my 4X games to stay the way they are.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

You've just spawned my new tagline.

Of course, I can imagine a Nike swoosh with a ship at the point, with the caption "Just Shoot It!"

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Hey I just got word, SEV is going to be released on April 1st 2006. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Oh, you're funny.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Now you've made me do it.

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...shoot%20it.jpg

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Here's another one:

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...pture%20it.jpg

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Someone has gone round the bend in anticapation for SEV atari

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

More slogans:

Got SEV?

SEV, Mod it your way!

Seize the SEV!

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Space Empires 5: Why settle for just a world?

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

SEV the universe! though SEV and save aren't quite pronounced the same...

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Well I took your advice and I was told that the latest screenshots are on Malfador.com. It was kind of him to respond, I guess we'll get what we get when they have time to post them. In reality, there is no good reason to post them, I doubt anyone here hasn't decided to buy SEV a long, long time ago. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif While I'm playing SEV someday, I'll take lots and lots of screenshots and look at them....

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Yup, agreed, I think many of us have already decided a long time ago that we will buy every SE sequel that comes out in the future. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I LIKE IT! ! ! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

I think giving screenies at this moment is very cool. That way you can see what has been left out/changed in the final version of the game. I can still stare in awe at the original gameconcept of X-COM: Apocalypse. And I wonder if someone evry would like to remake the same game. Just playable on current systems, nicer graphics (still retain the sprites) and of course the items/ideas that have been left out of the original. But that is another story.

So in short: give us more screenies, this gives us some more eyecandy and more things to talk about. And that is always fun.

Re: What is a realistic release date for SE5?
 

Muckyfoot did that with their release of Startopia. They had their web site put out pix of the beta testing screens as they were testing it! I thought it was a good advertisement for the game and you got to see the progress of the beta testing. That kept you informed as they progressed through the testing stage and into final release, while continuing to wet your appitite for the game. (A big tease) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/redface.gif