A couple of questions before I buy.

Baron Grazic · #1 January 19th, 2004, 04:10 AM

Welcome to the forums ttomm46.

Sorry I haven't played GalCiv, so I can't compair them, but to answer your SE questions.

Yes, it can be hard to finish a game depending on the game settings. If you start a game with 255 systems with 20 players (either human or AI) the game will take a long time to finish, but if you use a small map, then the game is pretty quick. For example, I just finished a Play-by-Web game against Slynky and even though we are on opposite sides of the world we finished in less 10 days and 70 turns.

As for the price, for the amount of hours I've played the game against other humans on PBW (http:\\seiv.pbw.cc) let alone solo its has been the one of the best purchases I've done.

You won't be let down by the game...

Karibu · #2 January 19th, 2004, 07:33 AM

What I am about to say here is only my opinion. However, I have to give you word of warning. I have been playing whole MOO series and a dozen other similar games and Space Empires IV of course. single play in SEIV sucks badly. The AI is not that good (it can fight you only with bonuses), computer opponents seem sterile and you get to war with all of them sooner or later (propably sooner).

However, the reason I hang here and like this game is that it's multiplayer abilities are beyond comparison. There is dozens after dozens mods for the game, which are not even hard to make and no two games are EVER similar. I am talking about SEIV PBW (Space Empires IV, Play by web) where is all the time dozens of games going and you can choose one or several to join in and start playing against humans. If you like multiplaying, SEIV is definately your "best buy".

However, welcome to the forums and form your own opinion of the game

SEIV Play by Web

Master Belisarius · #3 January 20th, 2004, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Karibu:
single play in SEIV sucks badly. The AI is not that good (it can fight you only with bonuses)

I know that you wrote it's only your opinion, but can't avoid to write my own opinion here, ok?

Don't think the SEIV AI sucks badly!!!

For example, I think the AI of Moo3 sucks badly because can't give you a fight even with hard bonuses. Moo and Moo2 (I loved those games) AI's sucks badly if you consider that the AI cheat a lot.

Then, considering the SEIV AI doesn't cheat, can't agree that sucks badly.
Sure, it's not Deep Blue but using the TDM Modpack and AI bonuses, think still can give you a fight.
I consider myself an experienced SEIV player, and stil I play (and sometimes lose)games against the AI.

Quote:

Originally posted by Karibu:

and you get to war with all of them sooner or later (propably sooner).

Agree here with you.

Also, I agree that the multiplayer makes this game GREAT.

About the TTomm46 questions: just want to say that after more of 2 years playing SEIV, it's the game with the best money spent / time playing ratio! (Second should be Moo2).

I like Galactic Civilizacions and this game has a better AI than SEIV. Interesting, but can't remember the Last time I've played this game (maybe 4 months!) but still I'm playing SEIV...
Anyway, I think GC it's a good game but less deep than SEIV.

Cipher7071 · #4 January 19th, 2004, 07:00 PM

I'm going to give you the short Version of my opinion on this. SEIV is not for weenies. The learning curve, in terms of getting used to how everything works can be rather steep at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's one of the best games out there.

Fyron · #5 January 19th, 2004, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Then, considering the SEIV AI doesn't cheat, can't agree that sucks badly.

Sure it does! It can see what is on your planets (facilities and cargo), so it can try to determine whether it is a good or bad idea to attack. You can give it bonuses to construction and production, which is a big factor in the cheating employed by most (all?) AIs in TBS games. Now, certainly the cheating is not as bad as in some games, but it is still present.

Combat Wombat · #6 January 19th, 2004, 08:39 PM

When I first started playing all of the options seemed a little overwhelming but once you get playing it all falls into place and makes sense and if you need any help with getting started just ask and I would say that anyone here would be more than happy to help you.

rdouglass · #7 January 19th, 2004, 09:47 PM

For me, the complexity was a big draw in the beginning - "I just got Physics Level II; now what kinda' goodies will that tech give me?" Learning the details of the game was a lot of fun. The depth that others spoke of is there IMO.

Secondly, is all the great mods being produced by fans (who are almost co-developers in their own rights). As previously stated, never the same game twice. And reguarding the AI; even the "bad" AI was challenging at first. Now even as an experienced player, there are a few AI mods that are still a challenge.

Now some other games I've played, you only have to click "Next Turn" to win.....won't mention which ones....

IMO, the most productive $45 "gaming" dollars I ever spent....