Hypermaze
A map mod by capnq which adds hyperspace systems. A Hypermaze quadrant has fewer colonizable systems than normal, and most of the non-colonizable systems are hyperspace zones. Space-time is less stable in hyperspace, causing random ship movement and occasional damage, and visibility is obscured in the same way as in nebulae.
Hypermaze is a good mod to use if you enjoy exploring the map. Supply usage becomes more important, because you cannot predict exactly how long it will take to cross hyperspace systems. AI empires handle this mod better than capnq expected them to, performing about as well as they do in a standard Ancient quadrant.
The "full" Version of the mod includes custom backgrounds for hyperspace; there is also a "lite" Version without the custom graphics. Both Versions include instructions for making your own hyperspace backgrounds.
The Gold Versions of Hypermaze and HypermazeLite are in the Extras folder of the Gold CD. The pre-Gold Version of HypermazeLite is available in Shrapnel's New Scenario/Mod Forum in the
SE IV Classic Mods (pre-Gold) thread {link}. The pre-Gold Version of Hypermaze is available in the
Space Empires IV Data/Sound/Graphic thread (see December 3, 2001) {link}.