Space Empires IV Gold

This game is best described as the Flagship of Quad X gaming, it is so extensive, that it's replay value is almost unlimited. 4X games (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) have been around for a long time and the genre has a very loyal following. These games are not so much video games as they are board games run on a computer. There isn't much action, but a whole lotta strategy and tactical wit being used to progress the game to a winning conclusion.

Space Empires IV Gold is the latest to be offered by Arron Hall of Malfour Machinations, it is basically Space Empires IV with all the extra bells and whistles thrown in, and is probably the most extensive and playable of all the 4X games to date. The game can be fully customized to suit your needs or style with the ability to configure your own ships, races, technology, size of galaxy, types of planets, resources, and the list goes on and on.

The basic Gameplay is turn based, starting out with limited resources and technology, you then progress your exploration, colonization, and technology, expanding your empire. Along the way you encounter different races, each with it's own traits, that may be peaceful or hostile, then it becomes your choice to engage in warfare or diplomacy. You have the ability to enter into treaties, share technology, or to engage in full out war, both ground based and in space. Tactical combat is a strong point in the game, with the ability to form your ships into squadrons and fleets. You can also arm your ships dependent on your level of technology, the bigger the ship the more weapons it can hold, the higher your technological level the more devastating those weapons can be. But Warfare is not the only way to conquer the universe, politics and treaties are also used, they may be nonaggression pacts, or full partnerships. Then you also have to collect, mine, or otherwise acquire resources to feed and fuel your expanding empire. You will need to build facilities from space ports to mining facilities. There are literally hundreds of facilities to choose from, each with it's own special use. The game does become very involved and it can become easy to loose all track of time while playing, be prepared to lose your personal life in your quest for galactic supremacy.

SE IV GOLD comes with an in game tutorial that is very nice as you do not need to disconnect from the game to use, a simple button will bring the tutorial back to the front whenever you need it, and your progress through the tutorial can be saved, eliminating the need to sit through the whole thing in one sitting. The Gold edition also comes with an extensive printed manual that will cover every aspect of the game in detail. Very nice to have handy, even with its 107 pages. Most of the game is controlled through a central screen that you use to open up sub screens depending on the action required, it may seem clumsy in the beginning, but with some practice it becomes easier to establish a routine of checks and actions. It is strongly recommended that you use the tutorial and at least scan the manual before attempting to play.

I could go on and on about this game for pages and pages, giving you all the details about everything you can do in this game, but that would be pointless as I don't have the time to write it all down and you don't have the time to read it all. Lets just say that you can do just about anything you want to do to expand your empire, from war to politics, treaties, exploration, spies, rebellions, catastrophic natural disasters, genocide, and on and on. All files in this game are TXT and the graphics are BMP which gives the player the ability to change them almost at will, edit to your hearts content.

I guess what I am saying is that if you want a game that is totally immersable, very playable, with full customization, and the ability to do just about anything you want, then this may be your game. Lots of action? No. But it will force you to use the ol' brain, something rarely found in the majority of the games out there.

Installation: EASY (and the game is very easy on the resources)

Gameplay: 8
Gameplay is turn based, the object is to advance your empire until you reign supreme across the universe. Explore, build, develop technology, form treaties, wage war, the possibilities are endless. If you want lots of action on the screen, this ain't it, if you want to use your brain in one of the most extensive strategy games ever, then this is it.

Graphics: 7.5
Totally adequate for this type of game, the effects and objects are all very good and well rounded.

Sounds: 7
Sounds are also adequate for this game, not many as this is basically a board game on the computer, but when you do get them they are very good and fitting for the situation.

Difficulty: 9
Difficulty is unparalleled in this game due to the amount of changes that can be made. Basically it can be made as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. This also adds to the replay value of the game. This is a strategy game and that also adds to the difficulty factor, there are many factors to the game, politics, warfare, ect.

Concept: 8.5
The concept of 4X games is one of the oldest out there, they have been around forever. However this game adds so many variables to the old equation that it almost becomes a whole new genre in itself. The sheer depth of the games brings new meaning to the word 'DEEP.'

Multiplayer: 7
Multiplayer is available via email or TCP/IP, being turn based, the game is extensive and long. I did not have a chance to check out multiplayer myself, but understand that it is improved from previous editions.

Overall: 8
4X games are not my normal genre , but I found myself drawn into this one and was amazed at the depth and ability to customize, that was found in this game. It is very easy to lose yourself in this game, just one more turn, OK one more, just let me finish...you get my point? My wife was pretty upset with me over this review, I put soooo many hours into the play, that I had to buy her a dozen roses just to make up for the time she spent alone.

If you are a fan of the 4X genre, this is one that you must have in your collection. If you are not a fan, then this game may make you one.