Should I buy this game???

[Makinus]

If i remember corrctly the Demo AI´s are dumbed down versions of the full game AI´s, and if you really want a challenge, get the TDM-Modpack as soon as you get the full game, as the TDM AIs are very tough opponents, optimized to gave you a nasty challenge... even with no bonus at all the TDM AIs will make you really run for your money... if i remember well, the TDM ai for the United Floral empire is the thoughest one... if you meet them in any game, be prepared to a realy hard fight...

[Strategia_In_Ultima]

Also a smart thing to do: find and download the Neo-Standard pictures as soon as possible, as many mods use the neo-standard pictures (and I believe that there is even a Neo-Standard ++ version, though I have only seen one race with those pics). Also, go to the Image Mod web page and download it - thought it is a very large download - as a lot of mods use the Image Mod, too. Also, having these two addon packs (they're almost basic requirements for modding/mod playing), you can easily create your own mods for use in the game. If you've got a mod that you think is really cool, post it here so that other people can give you their opinions/advice on it.

[Alneyan]

StrategiaInUltima said:
Find and download the Neo-Standard pictures as soon as possible, as many mods use the neo-standard pictures.

Neo-Standard pictures aren't really mandatory, as mods using them should default to standard pictures if you do not have the Neo-Standard pictures.

The Image Mod is mandatory for mods using it however, as the game does not like to use blank pictures.

Hello Tweek and welcome aboard!

[NullAshton]

You might want to push the AI into war, lots funner

[Ragnarok-X]

Well to be honest, the AI isnt really strong in this game. In my opinion, diplomatics are almost non-existant. There is no reason to barter with the AI, since it wouldnt chance things in any way. If you dont give the AI huge bonuses in the game setup, then you wont have a challenge at all. If you are looking forward to play SE4 singleplayer or offline, i wouldnt really suggest you to buy it. If you like to have a challenge when playing PBW / multiplayer, then again i suggest you this game. In case anyone disagrees with my "AI-is-not-good" issue, it would be kind to write down an example when you think the AI was actually playing "smart" against you or was "smart" when trading/doing diplomatics with you. I dont think such an example can be found.

In addition, if anyone things the AI is challenging when playing without bonuses -> you are wrong. The only challenge is when giving the AI huge bonuses, and i dont like playing against "cheating" AIs, that way i prefer online play.

[Ragnarok-X]

On addition, i really love SE4. It is my favourite game, and i have a lot of games. I just think that the AI is pretty dull, stupid, cheats and doesnt mean a challenge at all. I love SE4, but only when modding or playing against humans.

[NullAshton]

On SE4, you decide if the AI cheats. Its the computer bonus setting... Lots of people say that the TDM floral empire AI is very good, maybe you should try that?

[douglas]

Actually, the Tesselate won the latest AI Deathmatch. For a really good player, even the best TDM AI on high bonus is not a challenge unless the player adds some extra restrictions to how he plays, such as not taking religious and not using training facilities. For a really good AI, wait for SEV - no more inputting numbers into an algorithm, modders will actually be able to write the algorithms the AI uses from scratch. With enough people working on it, this should result is some truly good AI's.

[Emperor Fritsch the Dense]

This is by far one of the best games ive ever played. And the big plus is when you beat it and its looking like its going to get boring...you just find and install the mods that these fine individuals have created to breath new life into the game. Outside of Everquest this is the top game in time ive spent playing, and im a huge gamer.

[Bobhouse]

The ai on SE4 is pretty good for an ai. I mean its easy to tell its not a human opponent but it can put up a challenge.