The zip file in the "Space Empires: IV - Modding and other Help Tools/Information" archive has been updated (same name: SE4 Dubious Strategy Guide). Link to the first 'Modding Tools and Help/Info' Archive page:
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/000019.html and go to the oldest page (ignore posted date) of the message; the message gets edited and the file updated, but the message date never changes). Remember you may need to set the archive forum to display "all dates" instead of the default: "only the Last 20 days", to see the 'Modding and other Help Tools/Information' "thread" if you don't use the link above.
The "SE4 Dubious Strategy Guide" is an edited compilation of threads from the forum. It is a "work in progress".
Comments and additions or corrections are welcomed here.
Revision 23 Oct 2001: Added new sections "CLOSE COMBAT WEAPONS", "BUYING TIME". Confirmation satellites are not launched from planets in Strategic Combat, autoluanch using Ministers under "SHIPS, SATELLITES, ETC"; resource bookkeeping sequence, which types "stack" under "FACILITIES"; ground combat lessons under "TAKING PLANETS"; added new subtopic "Ground Combat Lessons"; added a bit on "capture planets", thread on "how big does your navy get", on ship vs fleet orders, and fleet simulator bug, formation preferences, default ship orders under "FLEET OPERATIONS"; a (different) thread on how to capture a planet, general tips, related patch v14.9 fixes under "STRATEGIC COMBAT"; added a thread to "REMOTE MINING" effects after v1.41 patch; added 2 lengthy threads on how to be successfull versus human opponents, handling "missed turn" situations, related patch v14.9 fixes, "PBW Guide" thread under "PBW/PBEM"; thread on "Natural Merchant" racial ability under "GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS"; further discussion under "CLOAKING"; some sequence of events, general questions, calculating supply costs under "AI BEHAVIOUR"; more on installing shipsets under "MODS AND MOD PACKS"; using subjugated race to colonize, peculiarities of subjugation / protectorate requests & offers as "trade" under "TREATIES"; long thread on PPBs, and a short one on Allegiance Subverters under "WEAPON RESEARCH COMPARISONS"; summary of factors affecting happiness of "Neutral" race trait under "RIOT CONTROL"; poll on ship design preferences under "FAVORITE DESIGNS"; update on warp points in the same sector under "ANNOYANCES AND THE UNEXPECTED"; defending small planets under "BUYING TIME"; some clarification on ship design under "CAPTURING SHIPS"; some clarification on repeat research under "RESEARCH STRATEGIES"; allies roaming your system under "RESTRICTING SYSTEM ACCESS"; cloaked can't sweep under "MINE SWEEPING".
Revision 06 Aug 2001: Moved and revised new "WARNINGS" topic to the beginning of the Guide (before "Getting Started") and added "CI bug" to it; new sub-topic "Riot Control"; advice on attacking Satellites under "FLEET OPERATIONS" sub-topic; new sub-topic "Underappreciated Weapons"; comments on Ground Combat lessons learned under "Taking Planets" sub-topic. Added more specific info on incorporating new races which are missing ".emp" files into the game; adding different Nebulae images under "Mods and Mod Packs" topic; some clarification about the use of the "Load Cargo" command, reestablishing contact without planets under "ANNOYANCES AND THE UNEXPECTED"; discussion about "Human" player Partnerships swapping ship designs under "PBW/PBEM" topic; mention that Satellites no longer launch under "Strategic Combat" topic; discussion as to how the "build minister" decides on which ship design to use, about victory conditions, how to induce the AI to trade, and how much time you have when a 'star is about to explode' under "AI Behaviour" topic.
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"All sources are dubious until their reliabilty has been repeatedly proven. Even then their information should be independently verified." - The unwritten "spooks handbook"
[This message has been edited by Dubious (edited 24 October 2001).]