Overview

---

Space Empires V is the latest entry in the Space Empires series and was released on October 16th, 2006. Developer Aaron Hall of Malfador Machinations teamed up with noted strategy game publisher, Strategy First, to distribute the title online and for the first time in retail stores. Space Empires V combines elements of both SE:III and SE:IV, while adding many new features like real-time tactical combat, detailed ground combat, and scriptable AI. You can out more about SE:V below in the features section.

Demo

---

Download the 128Mb Demo from Strategy First:
Space Empires V Demo

Patches

---

SE:V Patch to v1.74

Features

---

> Galaxy

• Up to 255 systems
• Can select starting points during map generation
• Can save game setups
• Can set level of 'sight' for space objects
• Remains Warp Point based
• Hex System Map
• 3D planets and solar systems
• More detailed planet stats
• Races returning from SE:IV include the Abbidon, Amonkrie, CueCappa, Drushocka, EEE, Jraenar, Phong, Norak, Sergetti, Terran, Ukra-Tal, Xiati, Xi'Chung, and the evil Sithrak
• Population migration
• Many system objects animated
• Neat stellar manipulation graphics

> Research and Intelligence

• Research similar to SE:III - set % spending per tech area
• Research points spill over into next tech level
• Can research multiple levels in a turn
• Expanded technology tree
• Staggered tech levels for ship hulls and engines
• Intelligence similar to SE:III with focus areas
• Intelligence projects/effects are scripted

> Graphics and Gameplay

• Turn-based with sequential or simultaneous modes
• PBEM and TCP/IP compatible
• Minimum 1024x768 resolution
• Can support images in .jpg, .bmp format
• Can support music in .mp3, .mid, .ogg format
• Better default music!
• Two levels of helpful expanded text on many items
• Helpful right-click menus
• Features lower end graphic modes
• Ship and facility models in .x format
• Ship design a mix of SE:III and Star Fury
• Auto-complete option for Ship design
• 3D combat in 2D plane
• Multiple views/angles for system and combat modes
• Higher resolutions can display more of the system map at once
• Combat map unlimited in size
• Real-time combat with manual or auto pausing at specified time intervals
• Combat with ships emerging from warp points
• Particle effects like debris and smoke
• Damage goes from shields, armor, outer hull, and inner hull
• Ship design uses slot layouts like Star Fury
• Slots for armor, outer, and inner hull like SE:III
• Directional damage
• Facilities can be damaged
• Repair done by tonnage structure, not item size
• Levels/layers of shields and armor
• Combat is actual movement, no grids
• Better fleet strategies, formations, retreat, escorts, and task forces
• Detailed ground combat with units (troops and fighters) and facilities
• Simulators for both space and ground combat
• Resupply depots distribute supplies and ordnance
• Weapons can have ordnance
• Cloaking and Detection ranged based
• Line of sight ranged based
• Captured races retain own characteristics
• Population loyalty
• Scriptable random events
• Custom layouts for lists
• Construction points spill over
• End turn dialogue has reminders

> Diplomacy and Race Setup

• Can select starting technology at game setup
• Can save game setups
• Can choose flag, race portrait, etc. independent of each other
• Choose government and society types
• Restrictions, requirements, based on formulas for racial traits
• Saved files keep record of political messages
• Can make Alliances (unions of multiple empires that have the political options of an empire)
• Able to send multiple messages to an empire in a turn
• Can make customized treaties with specific terms (i.e. bypass mines, trade %, etc)
• Can post messages to the Galactic News that all players see
• Races can react negatively to the use of immoral weapons like planet destroyers or plague bombs
• Can obtain cultural achievements that give benefits like maintenance reduction or improved trade

> AI

• Scriptable AI
• More specific AI ministers
• More diplomacy options

Modding Features

• Mods launched in-game
• Can create new unit types with different capabilities (like can use warp points, can be cargo etc.)
• Moddable planet and atmosphere types
• Moddable system and planet sizes
• Much more moddable then SE:IV - customizable text, fonts, score calculation, damage types, experience, etc.
• Can change resource names, but not number of types of resources
• Many data files allow formulas and boolean evaluation
• Single entry for components and facilities
• Can edit in-game strings or help text
• Abilities can have different scopes (ie sector, system, etc)
• Starting facilities moddable
• Racial trait restrictions can determine the components/facilities you can use/see
• Infinite levels of components, facilities, etc. if desired

Publisher and Developer Links

---

Malfador Machinations

Strategy First