Space Empires IV

 PC
Space Empires IV Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: If you're serious about space strategy, you can't afford to miss it.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Yahoo!
    100
    A must-have for any fan of this genre and is easily my selection as strategy game of the year so far.
  2. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    The element that sets Space Empires IV apart from other games in the genre is common sense, which is the glue that binds its components together.
  3. IGN
    90
    It's a good thing I'm not married because this game could be considered legitimate grounds for divorce. It's the best game in its genre I've seen in a long time.
  4. Armchair Empire
    80
    SE4 biggest strength is the ability to flip a variety of options before the game even starts.
  5. Gamers' Temple
    80
    Space Empires IV does an excellent job of providing the detail-happy player with an engrossing and engaging game.
  6. CNET Gamecenter
    70
    The game is perhaps a bit too complex, and the graphics--while functional--do little to pull you into the universe. Nevertheless, this game's a keeper.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Game Over Online
    57
    The game has one glaring hole that has to disappoint everyone who plays it, even long standing fans of the series, and that is the combat system.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. TonyS.
    Dec 9, 2001
    10
    The game is great, from strategy to ease of modification. And extremely addictive! The play by email feature is also awesome.
  2. PaulK.
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    This is a turn based strategy game. People who like the immediate gratification from an X-box will not have the patience for such a detailed This is a turn based strategy game. People who like the immediate gratification from an X-box will not have the patience for such a detailed 4X game like this but those who remember Star Fire, Imperium Galaticum, Imperium, Stellar Conquest, and even Reach for the Stars will like this game. This game is like an onion with many layers of complexity to peal away and enjoy. The player ability to modify the game keeps it fresh. This has been the best value in a computer game that I have ever had to pay money for.… Expand
  4. ThomasB.
    Apr 29, 2002
    10
    It's a game of massive complexity and as such it is both addictive and immersive. The best strategy game since Master of Orion.
  5. M.McLean
    Apr 1, 2006
    10
    Turn Based Space Strategy at its best. Simple to play, complex to learn, its a great way to waste a couple of hours. Or days!
  6. MichaelR.
    Aug 7, 2006
    10
    If it's a 4X strategy game you want, than look no further than SE4, period. If its a smoke-and-mirrors, we-spent-five-years-on-graphics If it's a 4X strategy game you want, than look no further than SE4, period. If its a smoke-and-mirrors, we-spent-five-years-on-graphics game you want with a side dish of strategy, please, look elsewhere. Prepare to wonder where you week went to.… Expand
  7. gas
    Aug 6, 2012
    9
    Got this game since release, and i played also previously Space Empires games.
    I liked and sill i like turn based games, space or not space    Got this game since release, and i played also previously Space Empires games.
    I liked and sill i like turn based games, space or not space related (read Laser Squad, X-COM, Jagged alliance, Master of Orion, Galactic Civ etc), and actually is 2012 and still i think this is the best space strategy game on the market.
    Its huge, there are impressive and very different AI, the customization is immense, research is very appealing and will end to have a great impact on the player empire as its not possible to research all in a single game, there are at least 3-4 must try mods.
    The only flaw sadly is the fact actually the turn based combat system could end to be a bit boring, especially if playing with a huge number of units, but still if you like turn based very solid strategy games this is really a must    … Expand
  8. AndrewH.
    Apr 11, 2006
    2
    There is no fun is the game, click after click, cannot stand it. And the noise that I have in the background means i have to play in silence...

See all 19 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PC Game of 2000
21
#21 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000

Current PC Games

Full List »
95 Persona 5 Royal
93 Dwarf Fortress
91 Chained Echoes
90 The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero
89 Pizza Tower
89 Portal with RTX
89 Hi-Fi Rush
88 Pentiment
88 Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
88 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
88 Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania
87 Vampire Survivors
86 Kynseed
86 8-Bit Adventures 2
79 Ghost Song
77 Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
75 Atomic Heart
75 Honey, I Joined a Cult
73 Session. Skate Sim
70 Scorn
All Current Games »