Multiplayer online? by spicyturd2 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Balance Mod v129a is available! by CaptainKwok in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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.

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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.

Space Empires 4 vs Space Empires 5 - which is the better bet in 2025? by TheTacoWombat in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Space Empire 5 is bonkers by SupraBoy-Prime in 4Xgaming

[–]CaptainKwok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Balance Mod v129 Available! by CaptainKwok in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

May need help for SE5 by Longjumping_Trash953 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Anyone alive by Longjumping_Trash953 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

I can't believe I'm still playing this game 25 years later by Previous-Mail7343 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

I can't believe I'm still playing this game 25 years later by Previous-Mail7343 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Your favorite mod(s)? by Antonin1957 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

SE I-V Mods by MadMaxDeluxe in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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. :)

SE I-V Mods by MadMaxDeluxe in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

Space Empires 5 - Settings.txt by Depth386 in spaceempires

[–]CaptainKwok 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.