Space Empires IV

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 45
  3. Negative: 8 out of 45

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  1. 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...
  2. 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!
  3. TheUgg
    Jun 21, 2002
    9
    Great depth and really complex choices make this a fantastic stratagy game, the sound leave a bit to be desired though and the graphics are functional but work.
  4. GeorgeL.
    Apr 4, 2003
    10
    Been a player of the SE series since SE2. It's a great line with alot of variables. Though this game could have been better, it is still quite good and better than most games of the same type.
  5. FilipV.
    Sep 21, 2007
    9
    Very good game for all strategists. Everything is possible there. It has however one very bad aspect, which is fighting system.
  6. SteveD.
    Feb 9, 2002
    10
    ...and I've only played the demo!
  7. TomasR.
    Sep 20, 2002
    10
    Along the BEST strategy game i ever have played.
  8. CaptainCook
    Apr 4, 2003
    10
    When you start it, you never wanna stop.
  9. GregW.
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    CAUTION: If you have important stuff to do, then do not get this game. You will be addicted. Its not fancy and complex in the graphics department, but the game itself is great. The best part.....its never the same twice. You design the galaxy, your race and its culture. Ship design and and weaponry is also completely up to you, plus there's tons of mods for the CAUTION: If you have important stuff to do, then do not get this game. You will be addicted. Its not fancy and complex in the graphics department, but the game itself is great. The best part.....its never the same twice. You design the galaxy, your race and its culture. Ship design and and weaponry is also completely up to you, plus there's tons of mods for the starwars/startrek/babylon5 geeks out there.… Expand
  10. 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 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 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
  11. 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.
  12. AlfonsoArroyoA.
    Aug 19, 2001
    10
    Very addictive.
  13. TescoS.
    Apr 4, 2003
    10
    As the years go by this game has remained active on my hard drive. Why ? Is it the ability to completly mod the game ? No. It is the community and the Play By Web members and the members at Shrapnel Games. The community keep this game going. Three years now. How many games make it three years on a gamers list? Think about that for a while. Then head over to http://seiv.pbw.cc/ and play a As the years go by this game has remained active on my hard drive. Why ? Is it the ability to completly mod the game ? No. It is the community and the Play By Web members and the members at Shrapnel Games. The community keep this game going. Three years now. How many games make it three years on a gamers list? Think about that for a while. Then head over to http://seiv.pbw.cc/ and play a nice quiet turn based game against some of the most cut throat but polite players out there on the net. Join the community. … Expand
  14. TimR.
    Oct 22, 2006
    9
    I'm afraid to start up this game again, it leads me to long bouts of old-graphics goodness.
  15. PhilC.
    May 27, 2006
    10
    I have been playing this on and off since I bought it, simply because no two games are ever the same. The maps are randomly generated and the tech tree is immense, too large in fact to reserch everything in a single game. This game is turn based and therefore has an emphasis on strenght of tacticts and planning rather than reaction times and speed. SE 4 is quite complex but the interface I have been playing this on and off since I bought it, simply because no two games are ever the same. The maps are randomly generated and the tech tree is immense, too large in fact to reserch everything in a single game. This game is turn based and therefore has an emphasis on strenght of tacticts and planning rather than reaction times and speed. SE 4 is quite complex but the interface is instinctive and contains a lof of built-in help making it very easy to pick up. Overall this is an exelent RTS wich is highly addictive and has huge replayability.… Expand
  16. 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 game you want with a side dish of strategy, please, look elsewhere. Prepare to wonder where you week went to.
  17. 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.
  18. 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 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    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
  19. whitesun11
    Nov 20, 2013
    7
    It's a not bad 4x space turn-based strategy game with some decent customization options but weak graphics and poor user interface. Complexity and depth is not that outstanding for games of that genre, and gameplay is OK too, although there are some nice ideas. The 'one more turn' thing appeared after 2-3 hours of play, but didn't last for very long. So I would give 9 for gameplay,It's a not bad 4x space turn-based strategy game with some decent customization options but weak graphics and poor user interface. Complexity and depth is not that outstanding for games of that genre, and gameplay is OK too, although there are some nice ideas. The 'one more turn' thing appeared after 2-3 hours of play, but didn't last for very long. So I would give 9 for gameplay, strategy and complexity, 10 for race cutomization, 6 for graphics (but I understand, it is not so import in games like this) and 3 for user interface (I think it IS important in games like this).… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 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.
  2. Media and Games Online Network
    64
    This game is for the strategy gamer and those who love space scenarios. This is a game that will really get you going.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    80
    Not for everyone, but turn-based space-sim fans will be hooked. [Mar 2001, p.92]
See all critic reviews »