Should I buy this game??? - Page 2

tweek · #1 February 21st, 2005, 04:53 AM

Sweet!!!

I am convinced. I have just ordered the game.

Where do I get the latest patch from? Also which mod would you guys say is one of the best out there to try out? TDM?

Tweek

Ragnarok-X · #2 February 21st, 2005, 05:16 AM

Oh well, its pretty obvious you get this answer when asking on the official board of the game developer/publisher, which is populized by hardcore-fans, dont you agree ?

tweek · #3 February 21st, 2005, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Ragnarok-X said:
Oh well, its pretty obvious you get this answer when asking on the official board of the game developer/publisher, which is populized by hardcore-fans, dont you agree ?

I agree. However I have done a lot of research ragarding this game. My only concern was AI and how it handled diplomacy, military etc. From the demo it was relatively hard to say if the AI was strong or not which is why I created this thread. Now that my main concern has been dealt with I am happy to buy the game.

If you have some contructive critisism ragarding the above issue that you would like to share with me then please go ahead, I would really appreciate your point of view.

Tweek

Makinus · #4 February 21st, 2005, 08:35 AM

If i remember corrctly the Demo AI�s are dumbed down versions of the full game AI�s, and if you really want a challenge, get the TDM-Modpack as soon as you get the full game, as the TDM AIs are very tough opponents, optimized to gave you a nasty challenge... even with no bonus at all the TDM AIs will make you really run for your money... if i remember well, the TDM ai for the United Floral empire is the thoughest one... if you meet them in any game, be prepared to a realy hard fight...

douglas · #5 February 21st, 2005, 07:33 PM

Neo-standard isn't so much a mod as a set of extra pictures that many shipsets have that aren't used in the stock game. Some mods use them for new ship or unit sizes introduced in the mod, but each size that uses a neo-standard image has a stock image as a backup option.

Mods generally cannot be combined. The order of applying the patch and any mods you use doesn't matter, provided that you install the mods properly and don't overwrite the stock data files. Each mod should go in its own subdirectory of your Space Empires directory. You can then use either manual editing of path.txt or the Mod Launcher that comes on the CD but isn't installed automatically to play them.

Fyron · #6 February 21st, 2005, 05:33 AM

There really isn't a "best" mod out there. You definitely want TDM, as it makes the AI much tougher without changing the game mechanics. Beyond that, it is all personal preference. There is a listing of most of the mods available on MM's website. Check it out.

http://www.malfador.com/se4mods.html

Strategia_In_Ultima · #7 February 21st, 2005, 08:58 AM

Also a smart thing to do: find and download the Neo-Standard pictures as soon as possible, as many mods use the neo-standard pictures (and I believe that there is even a Neo-Standard ++ version, though I have only seen one race with those pics). Also, go to the Image Mod web page and download it - thought it is a very large download - as a lot of mods use the Image Mod, too. Also, having these two addon packs (they're almost basic requirements for modding/mod playing), you can easily create your own mods for use in the game. If you've got a mod that you think is really cool, post it here so that other people can give you their opinions/advice on it.

Alneyan · #8 February 21st, 2005, 09:04 AM

Quote:

StrategiaInUltima said:
Find and download the Neo-Standard pictures as soon as possible, as many mods use the neo-standard pictures.

Neo-Standard pictures aren't really mandatory, as mods using them should default to standard pictures if you do not have the Neo-Standard pictures.

The Image Mod is mandatory for mods using it however, as the game does not like to use blank pictures.

Hello Tweek and welcome aboard!

NullAshton · #9 February 21st, 2005, 09:33 AM

You might want to push the AI into war, lots funner

Ragnarok-X · #10 February 21st, 2005, 09:49 AM

Well to be honest, the AI isnt really strong in this game. In my opinion, diplomatics are almost non-existant. There is no reason to barter with the AI, since it wouldnt chance things in any way. If you dont give the AI huge bonuses in the game setup, then you wont have a challenge at all. If you are looking forward to play SE4 singleplayer or offline, i wouldnt really suggest you to buy it. If you like to have a challenge when playing PBW / multiplayer, then again i suggest you this game. In case anyone disagrees with my "AI-is-not-good" issue, it would be kind to write down an example when you think the AI was actually playing "smart" against you or was "smart" when trading/doing diplomatics with you. I dont think such an example can be found.

In addition, if anyone things the AI is challenging when playing without bonuses -> you are wrong. The only challenge is when giving the AI huge bonuses, and i dont like playing against "cheating" AIs, that way i prefer online play.