Space Empires User Review and Suggestions

Ive finally got around to installing the game and playing it after owning it for 6 months.

Interface: I agree with some of the other comments the user interface is daunting and unwieldly. However its also has some great filters which lets you see at a glance what you still need to do. Though I do think the interface could definetly use some optomizing.

Stability: amazing, not a single crash and no slowdowns or performance issues on my side with a 2 year old system

Bugs and Other Issues: I've heard some complaints on bugs but after 20 plus hours of playing I've not noticed one yet patched to the latest patch 1.25 rev2.

Graphics: I appreciate the update to 3D graphics, it adds to the overall appeal of the title from my perspective. Although I would have liked to have seen the game truely 3D

Fun factor: Techenically its very good. It has everything that I enjoy about MOO2 or Empire of the Fading Suns or even SW Rebellion but for some reason it still isnt grabbing me like the others have. When i stopped playing last night i reflected on why since it has everything i really want from a game like this. On reflection I finally got the revelation, all the 4X games that really rocked for me all had something in common. They all managed to create a story that was compelling to me, and this is usually because the in game video was strong both for the begining and ending, and often offered mutliple endings. Space Empires V while techncially supperior to most of the previous offerings Ive played offers none of that, and pays for it by not hooking me as a result.

This is the first time I've realized that the in-game movies have a actual value to me...

While SEV may not hold my interest as is...if player made mods of Star wars, Star trek, Battlestar Gallactica or even MOO2 mod are made I would definetly be thrilled playing them. If a Babylon 5 mod got made I would likely scream in delight.

I think a good in game movie creates the hook for me in a game like this (4x), which allows me to create the rest of the story in my head. With established worlds I can do without the video because I can already imagine the world Im playing

Bottom line its above average game as is, but with player made mods it could evolve into a best of 4x title for me.

I so want to see a Babylon 5 mod I'm tempted to start it myself if no one else does