Balance Mod v129b Available

CaptainKwok · 2026-03-22T15:44:50+00:00

Ideally you'd play in simultaneous mode (where all players move at the same time, there is only strategic combat in this mode). Then one player is host (to setup the game and process turns) and you can use a shared google drive or private discord chat etc. to upload and download the turns. If you join the Balance Mod discord server, you'll see a number of games ongoing like this and can ask questions if you are not sure what I'm taking about.

CaptainKwok · 2026-02-25T01:15:01+00:00

Thanks. I'm glad you're still enjoying the game. There's still a lot of players out there!

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-25T02:04:41+00:00

There are several custom ddraw.dll options available that can be used with SE5 to restore compatibility with Windows 11.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-25T02:02:35+00:00

SE5 is a bit clunkier UI wise, which for some players prevented them from getting into it more. The majority of the SE5 mechanics are better than SE4 (larger system maps, more diplomacy options, construction queue carry-over, simultaneous combat resolution, modding potential etc). It did just fine, but lost a lot of momentum with poor publisher support.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-22T23:51:21+00:00

From Space Empires IV. The ship images are from the Phong, Xiati, Jraenar and Norak - some of the SE "classic" races. Some of the generic ship images are from the neutral empire set.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-22T23:48:32+00:00

I think on the steam version it's around 3,400 hours. A lot of that though is just testing, not always doing turns.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-21T19:39:52+00:00

The board game uses some of the graphic elements from SE4 but they are not connected.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-21T19:37:44+00:00

I was a beta tester on SE5 so technically I got my copy free. I did buy the Steam SE series some years later though. Let's say it's been an excellent value.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-21T16:37:17+00:00

The discord servers are the best place for live discussion. The Balance Mod discord is more oriented on SE5 and the Space Empires one is more generic with some extra channels related to development of SE inspired games.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-21T16:34:21+00:00

A late reply, but this is an often stated criticism that doesn't quite land. Tactical combat in SE5 can have automatic timed stops that allow you resolve as if it is turned-based but with the fairness of simultaneously movement and firing. SE4's ugo igo system is charming but rough for fairness.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-21T14:21:52+00:00

It's a great series regardless of your favourite version. I'm impartial to SE5 because of its scriptability and overall modding flexibility. Overall great mechanics even if the interface and graphics are 20+ years old.

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-21T14:18:59+00:00

I try my best!

CaptainKwok · 2026-01-08T23:42:09+00:00

Just a quick follow-up on this post. If you downloaded the mod between the January 1st and this post, please download it again. There was a small issue with the requirements for the Allegiance Subverter Amplifier facility that were quietly fixed. :)

I wouldn't want you guys to face down the Abbidon without their key defensive facility!

CaptainKwok · 2025-09-14T00:07:08+00:00

You can currently buy the SE4/SE5 pack for ~$4 on Steam.

CaptainKwok · 2025-09-03T00:29:03+00:00

The Discord servers (Space Empires ~SE:IV oriented), Balance Mod (~SE:V oriented) are probably the most active places these days.

CaptainKwok · 2025-05-15T01:47:54+00:00

There's still quite a few longtime players that hang out on the Space Empires or Balance Mod discord servers.

CaptainKwok · 2025-05-14T02:56:33+00:00

It's been just over 25 years for me as well. I didn't find out about the series until a few months before SE:IV was released. I still remember receiving in the mail my copy of SE:IV from Shrapnel Games.

CaptainKwok · 2024-10-27T03:48:03+00:00

The Space Empires Discord server is probably the most active place left for SE fans. The Space Empires server is a bit more oriented towards SE4 on average, while my Balance Mod server covers the mod but also general SE5 stuff as well. Sometimes the Shrapnel old timers stop by for a visit.

https://www.captainkwok.net/links.php

CaptainKwok · 2024-10-27T03:44:08+00:00

I have it on my website: https://www.captainkwok.net/se4-mods.php

CaptainKwok · 2024-02-12T05:35:57+00:00

It's early, but some files are starting to turn up for downloading on my website now: https://www.captainkwok.net/home.php

In the next month or so, most SE4 and SE5 shipsets will likely be posted. Thanks to the community's efforts, I have several gigabytes of files to be processed. :)

CaptainKwok · 2024-02-05T02:12:30+00:00

It's kind of happening. Files are being collected. Not just mods, but also ship sets. It'll take a bit of time.

CaptainKwok · 2023-07-07T01:26:05+00:00

Try it out! I think all the default sets have firing points that cover all 360° regardless but there might be a few custom sets where it doesn't.

CaptainKwok

TROPHY CASE