[jpowell]

SESF is supposed to be real-time, and representative of the real world. It is pretty clear from many of the Posts that the game's lack-luster graphics and arcade physics limit many players' suspension of disbelief. Whatever you may feel about Homeworld or Independence War, or STBC, these games do a better job of presenting "the real world" and involving the player in a way that SESF doesn't. SESF's "modability" begs the question: the game doesn't provide the expected experience "out of the box".

MM's low-budget limitations don't excuse (or explain) SESF's weaknesses. SEIV is the premier 4X game on the market despite its thrifty origins. This is because the depth and replayability of the game are unsurpassed. MM simply missed the boat with SESF.

This is not to say that SESF is a wasted effort. MM's forte is 4X strategic gaming. The SESF engine (appropriately tweaked) would make an interesting tactical battle module for SEV.