Space Empires IV Deluxe

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 215 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • replayability
Space Empires IV Deluxe Game Cover
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Space Empires IV Deluxe is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to build their own space empire. Design and build ships, colonize planets, exploit resources, and engage in tactical combat in a vast and dynamic universe. The deluxe edition includes enhanced graphics, additional races, and new gameplay features for an improved space empire-building experience.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 215 reviews
graphics9 positive mentions
stability3 negative mentions
  • Deep and complex gameplay with extensive customization options for ships and races.
  • Offers a vast tech tree and numerous strategies, providing high replayability.
  • Strong modding community that enhances the game experience with various mods.
  • Outdated graphics and clunky user interface that can be difficult for new players to navigate.
  • AI is often weak and predictable, leading to a lack of challenge in single-player mode.
  • Steep learning curve and significant micromanagement can be overwhelming for casual players.
  • graphics53 mentions

    The graphics of this game are widely regarded as outdated, reflecting its origins from the late 1990s, with many users describing them as simple, minimalistic, and at times, unappealing. Despite the dated visuals, players emphasize that the gameplay experience is robust and enjoyable, often prioritizing content and depth over graphical fidelity. While some may find the graphics a deterrent, others appreciate the retro charm and the ability to enhance visuals through mods.

    • “The graphics are simple, but I find that more of a help than a hindrance in this sort of game.”
    • “While this game is old, with limited graphics, it is still a great game for managing the various aspects of a space empire.”
    • “The graphics may be behind our time and what we are used to, but the game offers great immersion and game depth.”
    • “The graphics scream out 'late 90s', but then it was an indie game from shortly after that time period, so that shouldn't be too surprising.”
    • “Its graphics are poor and showing their age; there is a lot of text-based menus, and yet it remains quite fun.”
    • “And the graphics are really startlingly bad in places.”
  • gameplay26 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is praised for its depth and complexity, offering a variety of mechanics that allow for extensive customization and strategic play styles, particularly in multiplayer settings. While the user interface and graphics are considered dated, the robust mechanics and replayability keep players engaged, with many discovering new elements even after extensive playtime. However, the game's micromanagement and lack of user-friendly features may deter those seeking a more streamlined experience.

    • “The rate of gameplay is quick enough that you can pick up and play in seconds.”
    • “Possibilities in this game are so vast that, to this day, I am sure I could find a new mechanic or research I haven't tried yet, and every game is different from the last one you played.”
    • “It's one of the most in-depth 4X games, and has some cool mechanics that set it apart from many other games.”
    • “Due to the UI and micromanagement involved, it might not appeal to people who prefer more streamlined, user-friendly 4X games... but if you're looking for something with a crunchy core of gameplay and are willing to overlook the dated visuals/presentation, SE4 will satisfy you plenty.”
    • “I am sure the game has solid mechanics based on the reviews, but the limitation in not being able to set the resolution creates a quality of life issue that just isn't worth fighting with when there are other 4X options out there.”
    • “Seriously, I don't even know how to explain gameplay or tell you anything about it.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, with many users noting that it offers near-infinite replay value even after nearly two decades. While the graphics may not be the strongest aspect, the engaging gameplay and variety of experiences ensure that players can enjoy the game repeatedly. Overall, it is considered a classic with significant replay potential.

    • “Infinite replayability.”
    • “Still has great replay value even after almost 2 decades.”
    • “Many exist, they are all fun, and contribute greatly to the near-infinite replayability of this title.”
    • “Is the game replayable?”
    • “This is 4X in space, with endless replayability.”
    • “The graphics may not be a strong point of this game, but the gameplay and replayability are pretty decent.”
  • music7 mentions

    The music in the game is described as having an excellent ambient soundtrack that complements the gameplay, though it can be disconcerting and repetitive. While some users appreciate the ability to replace the music with their own files, others find the original tracks uninspired and basic, leading to a less enjoyable auditory experience over time. Overall, the music is seen as a mixed aspect of the game, with potential for improvement.

    • “A huge grognard mess of a game with an excellent ambient soundtrack to complement it.”
    • “This is very easy to replace with your own music files, though, after modding only a few lines in settings.txt.”
    • “The music is extremely basic, but the gameplay itself is really nice and can compete with that of Sins of a Solar Empire.”
    • “Disconcerting atonal electronic music.”
    • “As for music tracks, they feel very uninspired, as if someone fell asleep on their synthesizer and turned their head around every few seconds. The few tracks available become very repetitive, to the point of being annoying when that's all you've been hearing for hours.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, user reviews on stability are mixed; while some players report a bug-free experience and commend the game's performance, others highlight significant bugs that necessitate frequent saving. The consensus suggests that stability can vary, with some users enjoying a smooth experience over long periods, while others encounter issues that detract from gameplay.

    • “Not only is it fast, it has a simple and neat UI and is bug-free (at least for me, I haven't found a single one in 10 years).”
    • “Pretty buggy, so saving the game is a must every turn.”
    • “Cheap and fun, but it has its share of bugs and glitches.”
    • “And so much less buggy.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is intricately tied to the management of different races and planet types, requiring players to develop specific technologies for early colonization. However, as the game progresses, the initial complexity diminishes, allowing for a more streamlined approach where players can transform any planet into highly productive environments, which some find less engaging over time.

    • “The game beautifully manages different races and atmosphere types across various planet types, creating a rich and immersive experience.”
    • “In the early game, you must utilize atmosphere-specific technologies to settle on different worlds, which adds a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay.”
    • “You have the freedom to choose the type of atmosphere your species breathes, along with unique technologies and traits, enhancing the customization and atmosphere of the game.”
    • “In the early game, you need atmosphere-specific technologies to settle on different worlds and build resource buildings, but this becomes boring quickly, as later technologies allow you to simply turn any planet into 250% production edens.”
    • “The management of different races and atmosphere/planet types feels underdeveloped and lacks depth.”
    • “While you can choose the type of atmosphere your species breathes, the overall atmosphere of the game feels flat and uninspired.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, often requiring hours of micromanagement to achieve victory, despite the AI being relatively easy to defeat. While some controls and pacing issues contribute to the grind, the game still offers significant replayability and enjoyment overall.

    • “The AI also isn't particularly good and in non-cheating mode can be easily won (well... after several hours of tedious micromanagement, of course).”
    • “This is a fun game, although some of the controls are counterintuitive (play the tutorial; it's a bit tedious but it helps), and there are some pacing issues.”
  • story1 mentions

    The game's story is noted for its engaging narrative, though specific details about the plot or character development are not provided in the reviews. Overall, players find the storyline to be a significant aspect of the game, contributing to their overall enjoyment.

  • humor1 mentions

    Players appreciate the humor in the game, noting that its comedic elements are often unexpected and contribute to a sense of discovery, as there always seems to be something new and funny to uncover.

    • “The humor in this game is so clever and unexpected; it keeps you laughing while you explore.”
    • “I love how the game constantly surprises you with its witty dialogue and hilarious situations.”
    • “Every time I play, I discover new jokes and funny moments that make the experience even more enjoyable.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Users note that while the SE version offers improved graphics, it comes with occasional bugs and inconsistent performance, suggesting a trade-off between visual quality and smooth gameplay.

    • “If you want better graphics, be prepared to tolerate occasional bugs and sluggish performance.”
    • “The optimization is lacking, leading to frequent frame drops and long loading times.”
    • “Despite the appealing visuals, the game suffers from poor optimization that detracts from the overall experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

14hMedian play time
12hAverage play time
7-16hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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