SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

To SEIV GOLD Customers

PLEASE READ!

We had thousands of Space Empires IV GOLD preorders. It will take us most of this week to get all pre-orders out. Our systems are overloaded. Orders should be processed in the order in which they are received. If you enter a support request asking for a tracking number or status, your order will have to be pulled from the queue.
When we reinsert it it will move to the back of the queue.

You can access your account (hopefully you set up an account) at the Game Shop and will know when your order ships (it will say shipped). There will be a tracking number, if your order shipped FedEx or UPS. If there isn't a tracking number your order was shipped through the Postal Service. If your tracking number starts with 1Z your order shipped UPS and not FedEx. Due to problems with FedEX shipping systems we have had to divert shipping to other carriers to get all orders out.

Please be patient.
Thank you.

[ 05 March 2002: Message edited by: Tim Brooks ]

[ 05 March 2002: Message edited by: Tim Brooks ]

[ 05 March 2002: Message edited by: Tim Brooks ]</p>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Tim, n.b.: queue

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

I believe he was saying that if you call them about it, they will start playing billiards with your order. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

You know. I used to be able to spell before Word and its spell checker. Now I don't even pay attention http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/blush.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

ahh... the wonders of technology.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>
If you enter a support request asking for a tracking number or status, your order will have to be pulled from the queue.
When we reinsert it it will move to the back of the queue
<hr></blockquote>

Forgive me if I come off as incredibly harsh, but that is ****ing ridiculous.

What it says to me, as a customer, is that if I want customer support, I am going to be penalized. You don't run a company that way. Well, apparently some do, neverthelss, I would hope that a company is not run that way.

I've been a good customer of both Malfador and Shrapnel, having bought SEIV, SEIV Gold, and Rune Sword. That one little statement, however, will cause me to seriously think before I purchase anything else from Shrapnel and/or Malfador. I understand that you have a HUGE preorder; regardless, you don't threaten customers and expect them to stick around.

Derek

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

No what is says is we are posting updates here that you can easily read. One thing about our store now is that you can log into the store and you can check exactly if your package has shipped or not and the tracking number. To do this ourselves means we have to pull folks off shipping as we are getting a ton of requests for that info.

So it's simple math. In order for us to get all of the pre-orders out and the huge volume of orders that came in the Last few days since shipping started we have to put all of our folks (including the presidet of the company) off of what they are doing to ship product.

We're actually trying to make sure your product gets to you quicker.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

I am a newbie, at least when it comes to manipulations of Mods. Now that Gold has been released, I have a few questions - I have been unable to find a clear conclusion in the old Board threads.

SEIV (non-Gold) is a game I truly enjoy and play a lot, single player. I
would like to play it at LAN parties, but the web-based games do not interest
me for various reasons. The game improved greatly when I figured out how to
use some of the TDM ModPack. However, I have not been able to get it all to work. I
am not sophisticated in this area. Things must be very clear and simple to a
non-tech for me to be sure to get it.

I have gotten quite adept at beating the non-Gold AIs. I must exclude Intel
and Mines, and play AIs Allied against me to make a 200 system game any fun.

My Q is, does the Gold Version make it easy enough for me to use the more
clever AIs, with their neat shipsets and texts (that I simply cannot get to
work in non-Gold)? Or would it be up to me to work it out as how to make it
work? Ideally, it would be a menu-based choice system in the game set-up. I
fear the playing around in the "My PC" section of Windows.

I hope so. I'd really buy it, if that was the case. Must I send my CD back
to get a discount? How do I go about that? I'd rather just get some credit
towards a future game of your company, if that would avoid me having to send
pieces in the mail or something like that.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

No the mods are included but we have not intergrated them to that level in the new game.

As far as the discount that's pretty much the way we've had to do it. Again you can burn a copy of your original CD.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

"Ideally, it would be a menu-based choice system in the game set-up. I
fear the playing around in the "My PC" section of Windows."

The mod-picker program handles this, once you get it installed. Really though, it's nothing complicated http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif With TDM, you just unzip to your SE4 folder. IIRC the TDM path.txt will then replace your original path.txt. That makes SE4 use the TDM mod.

Phoenix-D

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>My Q is, does the Gold Version make it easy enough for me to use the more
clever AIs, with their neat shipsets and texts (that I simply cannot get to
work in non-Gold)? Or would it be up to me to work it out as how to make it
work? Ideally, it would be a menu-based choice system in the game set-up. I
fear the playing around in the "My PC" section of Windows.<hr></blockquote>How do you feel about using WinZip?
Many modders have their mods packaged so that they are very easy to install, some even have self-installers.

And, as always, the forum members are more than happy to help; just post your questions http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif .

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Very true the folks on this forum are more than willing to help answer any questions about their mods.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Like I said, though, I could not get the TDM to do it auto. I tried to follow the instructions as best I could, but the "path" stuff just would not work for me. Repeated attempts just had me spinning my wheels, and expending my few discretionary hours. The idea was for me to use my few free hours playing, not trying to get stuff to work in an area that I am not familiar.

I eventually had some success with "brute force" tactics. I copied some of the emp files into the folder where I could get them to show up in "Add Existing" for my games. That is all I could get to work.

It is kind of the Forum denizens to offer to help me, but it is more my own patience limits in appearing a fool as anything, I guess, as well as that I just do not get many hours to play.

If your company is using the Mods installed on the CD as a selling feature, why did not the company integrate them into the menu system? That seems most odd to me.

Nuts.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Too those who wait, come good things.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Jim, I would guess you don't have the latest patch (1.49) installed. If you have this patch, just download the TDM-ModPack and unzip it into the SE4 folder. If everything worked correctly, you will see a text "Using the TDM directory" on the top right corner of your screen once you launched SE4.
Gold includes a modpicker that will handle all this stuff for you once it is installed. So, there is your menu picker. Have fun! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Saxon:

I will check and get back with you.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Tim Brooks:
Saxon:

I will check and get back with you.<hr></blockquote>

Saxon, I am probably in the US next week, if I am and know where I am going to be, we could get the SEIV gold sent to my hotel cheap, I bring it back into England and then I will send it from England to the UK consulate in Nairobi via the gov mail - that will only cost the US shipping costs - can you get to the UK consulate in Nairobi

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Derek:

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>What it says to me, as a customer, is that if I want customer support, I am going to be penalized. You don't run a company that way. Well, apparently some do, neverthelss, I would hope that a company is not run that way.<hr></blockquote>

If you read the notice carefully it says it will have to be pulled from the queue to be accessed. We aren't doing this to punish anyone. It is the way the software works. Anytime we access an order we right information to that file so we can track what is happening with an order. When it gets saved back it gets saved at the end of the queue.

This keeps us from shipping an order that is in the process of being cancelled or from shipping to an address while at the same instance customer service is updating an address by request. Two people cannot access an order at the same instance. Normally this isn't a problem because the queue isn't over one days shipping long. However, right now, this is the result.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[ 06 March 2002: Message edited by: Tim Brooks ]</p>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Tim,

What are the chances of getting an order to Growltigga’s hotel sometime next week? I know you guys are swamped right now.

Growltigga,

Thanks for the kind offer. Maybe I will reconsider pounding you senseless in the upcoming match and merely let Gryhin enjoy the fun.

More seriously, getting to the High Commission is not a problem. Worst case scenario, I can send a driver to pick it up, but for something this important, I am sure I can sneak out of work.

Also, if Tim discovers that it was just an error and I can order normally, I got the package in about two weeks Last time. If things work out that way again, I will get the game at about the same time either way and you will not need to gallivant about chasing a game for someone else.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Hats off to Growltigga! Perhaphs the kindest offer I have ever heard in relation to a game!!!

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

No worries and I would be happy to do this if I can coordinate it.

In any event, sending via me would be cheaper than $85 - I pay about $19 for England and from here, it goes to you courtesy of work!!!!

I should hear tomorrow or Friday if and when I am in the US next week. If I am, I will be in Raleigh if that any good

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Saxon:

If you have a minute, could you go in and place an order - just select PAY BY CHECK so you won't have to pay for it- this will help us figure this thing out. Post the order number here or e-mail it to me.

We can definitely get the game to Growltigga’s hotel. Especially if he is going to be in Raleigh - we are a suburb of Raleigh http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Tim Brooks:
We can definitely get the game to Growltigga’s hotel. Especially if he is going to be in Raleigh - we are a suburb of Raleigh http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <hr></blockquote>

Hell, if I get the chance when I am there, I will come round in person, collect my own copy and take you and Richard for a couple of cheeky halfs!!!!

Actually, do I get a free copy of SEIVG if I turn up in person!??

[ 06 March 2002: Message edited by: Growltigga ]</p>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Actually you would need to find me in Ohio, I am a virtual employee http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Richard:
Actually you would need to find me in Ohio, I am a virtual employee http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .<hr></blockquote>

Oh, Mac has told me all about Ohio, you have my sympathies - I thought THe Carter administration had relocated everybody living in cesspits and swamps http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Oh well, if I make Richmond and if I make meeting up with Richard, we will have a virtual beer for you

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

You can still have a beer with me! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Hey your supposed to be shipping, don't make me tell Sarge http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Tim Brooks:
You can still have a beer with me! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif <hr></blockquote>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Does "Sarge" have a full name? I could use him as the leader of the terrans in the next TDM-Pack. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Umm, Shrapnel guys, I have a small problem.

I just tried ordering Gold and found the shipping to be $84.15 for a $40 game. Now, I know I live in Kenya and expect to pay through the nose, but when I got the first edition, it was less than half the price for shipping and I got two games. Can you check this out and see if it is true?

Another, smaller point. When I tried to open an account, it kept giving me an error as I put state down as “other” on my shipping address. As Kenya does not have states or provinces in the postal addresses, I couldn’t very well put something in. I tried going through the “buying without an account” system and that was when I got the shipping problem listed above.

Thanks!

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Mephisto -

Sadly, I was unable to get to where you suggested.

That is, I did indeed download 1.49 patch and install it. The game says in the corner that it is 1.49 when the game starts. I did indeed also download the TDM Modpack. At the moment I have an unzipped copy still, if it is the one named 175 1 of 2 and 2 of 2.

The file was indeed unzipped or extracted into the SEIV folder. I can see it there in My Computer.

When the game starts up, I get no TDM stuff. I fiddled with the Path stuff, as best I could by going with massive trepidation into the txt files. No results that I could see.

I finally achieved a small but real measure of success by lifting out the emp files one at a time and moving them to various places. Eventually, I found that one location let me "see" them in the race selection part of the game setup.

My thoughts all these Last several months were that GOLD would fix this for me. I would get instant access to all the TDM races. I would get instant access to all the various new "flavors" of how to play SEIV. My hopes seem not to be realized. I am NOT a savvy PC guy who makes Mods and is comfortable with code. I simply want the game to work out of the box as it is advertised. I have only recently acceded to the need to install a Patch pn any game, and I have done several on SEIV.

Quite frankly, I do not care about drones. I never did. However, the failure to fix the player order= order of combat bug POs me. In a simultaneous game, it makes for an unintended handicap. Playing against the AIs, I have had to always make sure I was the Last player, just to keep the game interesting - and for the wrong reasons.

I play 100 - 250 systems, 5 AIs, no neutrals, no intel, no mines, highest diffulty, medium bonus, 2000 for me, 2500 for them, varying planets, AIs allied against me, and I avoid phased weapons.

I just can't get a good game. The Rage, if I encounter them early, can be a problem, but they fade under tech advances by late mid-game (at the latest).

This is not bragging - I am quite sure everyone here can do the same thing. Web games won't work for me - I cannot play every night. I do not have the patience for 6 month PBEM games. Thus, I am left with a rare LAN party, of moi against the AIs. I simply want my few discretionary hours to be PLAYING the game, and not trying over and over to figure out what dumb mistakes I must be doing to get the #%$@*$ thing to work.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

OK, first thing to do is get the *latest* Version, which is 2.0. The Version you have may or may not work with 1.49, I don't remember. If you have SE4 Gold, get the 3.0 Version.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newup...1015284449.zip is the link to 2.0. 3.0 is at the top of the same forum.

When you say you extracted it, and can see it, you have a folder named TDM-Modpack in your SE4 directoy, and not a bunch of seperate folders, right? Assuming you do, it should be installed correctly.

Now, since you seem to be having problems with the path file, download this http://members.cox.net/phoenix-d/path.txt file. Put that file in your MAIN SE4 directory. Windows will complain that you're overwriting a file; tell it yes, you want to overwrite. That should switch you over the the TDM modpack, no matter what TDM Version you have.

EDIT: If THAT doesn't work, tell me what Version of SE4 you have and exactly where it is, and I'll make an install program for you.

For exactly where it is, I just need the sequence of folders you'd go to. Say, on my computer:
I go to My Computer, then the C: drive, then Games, then Space Empires IV. Also known as: C:\Games\Space Empires IV. Either way works, just make sure you spell everything right.

Phoenix-D

[ 07 March 2002: Message edited by: Phoenix-D ]</p>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

A stupid question... How doe the beta testers find out what is going on with thier copies?

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

It wont be to at least next week, check the private forums for updates.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Phoenix-D -

I downloaded it as you instructed. It's over 8 meg, so it took some time.

The transfer of the files from my web PC to my game PC must wait until Thursday. I have run out of time tonight. So, I will try and post my results.

Oh, btw, I do have a folder called "TDM ..." in the SEIV folder, and not just individual files.

Thanx, for your attempt to help me. let you know Thursday (assuming I can get the cable to work).

*** On your "path" fix. I only get a broken link or similar report when i click on it. ***

[ 07 March 2002: Message edited by: jim ]</p>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Thanks Richard, I was kinda worried about it when I stopped in the forums today.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Err, sorry about that. My web host is case sensitive.

http://members.cox.net/phoenix-d/Path.txt

there. that should do it.

Phoenix-D

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Tim Brooks:
You can still have a beer with me! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif <hr></blockquote>

would be delighted old boy,. any time http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Richard - where in Ohio? My GF lives in Toledo. I usually fly into Cleveland, tho.

I didn't realize that Shrapnel was in Raleigh...for some reason, I thought it was California. Ah well, I got my Gold and I can't wait to try it out. Good work! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

zen

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Grrr..

So SG is in Ohio?
I could have practically walked there! Now I am still waiting for my copy to ship.

GrrR!

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Nope it's in NC, but I am in Ohio.

However let me confuse you more I am originall from NC, The Outer Banks actually.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Richard:
Nope it's in NC, but I am in Ohio.

However let me confuse you more I am originall from NC, The Outer Banks actually.<hr></blockquote>

Do you chaps realise how confusing this conversation is to a european??

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

We Americans are so provincial http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Well don't worry there are plenty of American's who can't the states straight either http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Growltigga:


Do you chaps realise how confusing this conversation is to a european??<hr></blockquote>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Richard, I like the idea of a SE4 get together here in Ohio.... would be neat, As for GT, we'll just let him fly into Cleveland and send him a map......

just some ideas mac

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by mac5732:
Richard, I like the idea of a SE4 get together here in Ohio.... would be neat, As for GT, we'll just let him fly into Cleveland and send him a map......

just some ideas mac<hr></blockquote>

Sounds cool, tell you what, let's meet on neutral ground, Ol'Sarge, Tim, Mac, me and the rest of the G&G possee (boyakasha!) can all meet up in the Northern Lights Bar in Rejkyavik - I'll stand bald and bold for the first round

everybody wear a pink carnation so we can recognise everyone else (tho' Da Guff wont need to as his furry fellah will be hard to miss)

[ 07 March 2002: Message edited by: Growltigga ]</p>

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Did someone say "Ohio meet"? I'm game..

I guess it's just that there's so little to do in Ohio, that so many of our members are from there? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

--Ed

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

No Comment,
I refuse to clog up another thread with my banter, Growltigles's furry comments not withstanding.

That is unless Richard joins in.

Folks, do you think we can egg him into a Mini Con? Really, it needs to be in Arizona. * Sigh *, I never get my way.

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Since some of you seem confused on the location thing, I think I have it figured out.
MM is in SanFrancisco, CA, I belive
SG is in Raleigh, NC
and then Richard (a telecommuting employee of SG) live in Ohio
now go look at the atlas to find out...
(hint, its the big continent called north america)

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

We Americans are so provincial ???

I thought that was a canadian thing.

USA is the 11th province of Canada right. Lorne Green took over the country in the 70's....

Sorry to break the truth to you all....

Re: SPACE EMPIRES IV GOLD NOTICE - PLEASE READ!
 

Tim,

I have gotten a pay by cheque order number, it is SGS54152. This option included the $84 shipping. I also tried again by credit card, just in case I had done something silly yesterday, but it also carried the $84 charge.

Growltigga, myself and various others are hoping to start a game soon, so if shipping direct is going to be pricy, I would be happy to go via his safe hands. The only real concern is that he is a lawyer and prone to take 10% of the CD as his cut, so I would need to download a patch afterwards...