learning SE4

ttomm99 · #1 March 25th, 2002, 01:52 AM

hi

i've played the tutorial but i'm wondering the best way to learn the game.

i was on a game review site and the reviewer said he's started at least 40 games of space empires and hasn't finished one cause there's so much to do it's impossible to learn,,

real encouraging. but any help appreciated...

Tom

ttomm99 · #2 March 25th, 2002, 01:55 AM

ps.

has anybody played the gold edition and is the manual any better ? thanks

tom

Fyron · #3 March 25th, 2002, 02:02 AM

Over at seiv.pbw.cc, there are some newbie games. I don't know if they have already started or not, but if they haven't you could join one. Also, ask any questions you might have here (after a quick search to see if its already been answered, of course). The people here will be glad to help you.

pathfinder · #4 March 25th, 2002, 02:13 AM

Also the manual for Gold is much better than the original, may still need some work but all in all is WAY better.

One of the best ways to learn is to setup a small universe and set the complete ai on and watch, at least for the first couple of game years. Hehe, I have only finished a few games myself in something like 18 months of playing. Still, it is loads of fun.

One of the greatest aspects of the game IMHO is the fact there no set scenarios, it's all random. So there is no ONE strategy but many, depending victory conditions, opponents (AI or human), you "race" you are playing...many variables.

[ 25 March 2002: Message edited by: pathfinder ]

[ 25 March 2002: Message edited by: pathfinder ]

[ 25 March 2002: Message edited by: pathfinder ]

ColdSteel · #5 March 25th, 2002, 02:58 AM

The Gold Manual *is* better but I found it odd that they completely ignored the Scrap/Analyze screen. Since analyzing alien ships for technology can be an important (and fun) part of the game, I was wondering why the author left that out. They seem to cover all the other GUI items. Strange, but my guess is that maybe they just ran out of time..(shrug).

As for learning it, you just have to do it. Then ask questions here when you can't figure something out. Everyone's been in that boat at some time.

CS

Suicide Junkie · #6 March 25th, 2002, 04:43 AM

If at all possible, playing a hotseat game would probably be a very good way to learn.
Playing tactical combat can get you a good feel for the advantages and disadvantages of the various weapons, defenses and general design theories.
Just agree to "open source" any tricks you figure out, say, 15 turns or fewer after you've used it on your opponent. That way you can both live and learn as you go.