SE IV The End Of An Era.

[Atrocities]

With this "Last" patch for SEIV I fear it marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

We have nothing else to look forward to from Malfador in way of support for Space Empires IV and the long journey toward the release of Space Empires V has begun.

I have been playing Space Empires IV since its demo release back in August 2000 and it is argueably the most played game on my PC and in the history of my PC gaming life.

I love this game for many reasons, most are well known and equal to many of yours. The game has taken on a life of its own, a self feeding monster that is a highly addictive, life sucking, time stealing black hole of biblical proportions.

A warning label should come with this game, and indeed with Space Empires V that warns buyers of its addicitive life alterning properties.

I can't help but feel a little sad in knowning that we have crossed the top of the mountain and are now on our way down the back slop. It has been a great journey and one that I am forever thankful for haven taken.

I own Aaron and Shrapnel a big thank you for SEIV and the support for this communitee. Without Aaron we would not have this great game. (And the beta testers too. ). Without Shrapnels support we would not have these forums, and the community that now calls this place its home page.

There is still time for those of you who have not yet purchased SEIV Gold. The time is right for you now, buy this game and enjoy all that it has to offer. Don't let this jem slip through your fingers. You have no idea what you are missing.

The rest of us know what we will be missing as the game slowly runs it course and its little brother comes alive.

This game is a dream come to life, and I sincerely doubt that it will ever be equaled, except by SE V or later.

[ February 27, 2004, 17:21: Message edited by: Atrocities ]

[bearclaw]

I can second that. I remember finding a CD-ROM many years ago that had a demo for a game called Space Empires II. Since then, the only other games I've really ever played has been SEIII, SEIV, and Star Fury.

I remember similar sentiments when SEIII was nearing the end of it's run. Then, with SEIV came PBW and all was forgiven.

Thanks Aaron. Love the game more than you know.

[PvK]

I second (third...) the SE4 being a neat game part.

I do rather dislike the sentiment "the end of a game etc." Games don't really end or die. Pong still exists. People still play pre-Gold, SE3, Nethack, Atari 2600 games, and so on. I know that's not what you meant, but I dislike the language and sentiment of "game X is dead (or has ended) because there it's not the latest thing, patches probably won't be released for it, or there aren't as many players for it as there used to be." At least the remaining players will be interested in the merits rather than in the "latest thing" hype, and will tend not to be thoughts about when "the end" of the game will be.

Also, looking at Star Fury, I'm not so sure I'll be thrilled with SE5.

PvK

[ February 27, 2004, 16:49: Message edited by: PvK ]

[Atrocities]

PVK the game is far from dead. In fact I do not believe that was at all what I was emplying. However, if that is how you read it, then I do apologize for it.

What I thought I was saying was that every game has a peek point that when it has been crossed the game slowly begins to loose momentum. Fewer and fewer people play it with few mods, ship sets, and other being released for it.

The game has crossed that peek now with this final patch. Malfador is not going to release another patch for the game and will now focus upon developing SE V. That to me is a sign that the game has peeked.

As long as people play SE IV, the game will live on. Hell people still play Tribes, in fact the disk for that game cost more than they did new, and you have to ask yourself why? The answer is simple, like seiv, the game peeked then went down the hill into the shadow of its sequal Tribes 2.

The game was, is, one of the greates games ever made IMHO, (Tribes 1 that is) and its sequal Tribes 2 is equally ledgendary.

Space Empires III and IV are both great games with SEIV's peek being far higher than III's. Space Empire V's peek will be even higher.

I think of it as a road over the moutain to a much larger moutain. The moutains will always be there, but once you have crossed them, all you have to look forward to are more moutains or another trip over the same moutains.

[AMF]

My only real concern (and I think it's what you're alluding to here also) is that the addition of a radically different/advanced graphics engine to the tactical combat of SEV will "break" it. But I'm one of those people who would like to get MOO2 style graphics for tac combat, and stop there. I am just afraid that a totally different, 3d, etc... tac combat engine will be practically unmoddable, full of video bugs, slow the game down, etc...

On the other hand, IF it could be pulled off without all that, then, frankly, that would be amazing.

I guess I just prefer solid functionality/gameplay first, then flash second. No reason SEV can't have both...I hope.

thanks,

Alarik

Originally posted by PvK:

Also, looking at Star Fury, I'm not so sure I'll be thrilled with SE5.

PvK

[Atrocities]

I changed the name of the thread from Beginning of the end to End of an era.

I think it better fits but says the same thing.

[AMF]

How exactly do you do that? I've wanted to change the titles of threads I have started in the past, but could not figure out how.

thanks,

Alarik

Originally posted by Atrocities:
I changed the name of the thread from Beginning of the end to End of an era.

I think it better fits but says the same thing.

[David E. Gervais]

I wouldn't be worried if I were you. Space Empires has a very solid foundation. (Like Chess) And even though the game will have some 3D elements, it's not going to kill the gameplay.

Using Chess as an example, playing a 2D computer Version is fun, Playing a 3D computer Version is equally as fun, but can be more pleasing and have a more natural feel. I think the same will be true of SE:V

Remember, Aaron got lots of feedback and suggestions for the Last SE:IV patch, and a ton of new suggestions for SE:V. We all know that he aims to please, so you can expect many of your suggestions to make their way into SE:V.

SE:IV was and Is still a great game. What makes the game great is you, the fan base. The Passion you all bring to the game is what keeps it alive. I believe that SE:V will simply give you more fuel to feed your passion and keep Space Empires alive and well for many many years to come.

I for one am glad to be a part of this community. This is a great place to be, good people, good game, good fun to be had by all.

Cheers!

[Atrocities]

Originally posted by alarikf:
How exactly do you do that? I've wanted to change the titles of threads I have started in the past, but could not figure out how.

thanks,

Alarik

quote:

---

Originally posted by Atrocities:
I changed the name of the thread from Beginning of the end to End of an era.

I think it better fits but says the same thing.

---

You edit the original first message and from there you can also change the name of the thread.

[Atrocities]

David, well said. You inspire me you know.