FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles
Game
Game2006
Space Empires IV Deluxe
Developer Malfador Machinations
Space Empires IV is a turn-based 4X strategy computer game developed by Malfador Machinations and published by Strategy First as part of the Space Empires series in which players control an alien race in an attempt at galactic conquest. From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
189 reactions from 1 source (Steam reviews) · newest Aug 11, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
86
LovedLoved
163 positive · 26 negative
95% range 81–90%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 163 | 26 | 0 |
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
250 of 291 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What people are saying
Summary pending — the reactions are listed below.
Reactions
60 of 189 · most liked firstSpace Empire IV – Deluxe ...is a 4x turn-based strategy game. Span your empire across the galaxy, traveling from one star system to another, encountering alien empires and competing for territory and dominance. ⚙ Game Description & Mechanics ⚙ As a turn-based strategy, you play in turn with other players or AI factions. Unit movement is limited to an amount of tiles dictated by ship size and propulsion type, while construction of buildings and ships is limited by production capabilities and…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Micromanagement running wild First two facts to keep in mind. First Space Empires IV is fifteen years old! Second, the game comes with a big package of Mods. The game is a turn based 4X Space conquest game, with a lot of options, a lot of races and special "racial" technologies to discover. Systems can be quite large, since moons and planetoid belt can also be developed. One watched me playing this game and said: "It even looks uglier, than my first impression was." He is right, it isn't a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do you fancy 4x games? Like Civilization series? Go ahead! buy it, its totally worth 10$ or less (if you can find it on sale). I've owned a retail disc since 2004 and probably have clocked more than 2000 hours. Its so re-playable. Even after years of gameplay, It surprises me with new things I've failed to discover earlier. 11/10 will forget engines in their first ship designs. !! Update: For those who can't decide between SE IV or SE V !!…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fantastic 4x game. I can't tell you the number of hours I've sunk into this title. (I owned this game long before it was available on steam.) Pros: Truly massive empires - On the larger settings you can fight for control of hundreds of star systems, each with potentially a dozen or more planets. Tons of empires - not only can your empires be big, but there can be a LOT of them. I've had games with as many as thirty separate empires competing with each other. Deep Customization - You have the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There’s something deeply absorbing about diving into a turn-based 4X strategy game where the galaxy unfolds not in explosions, but in spreadsheets, diplomacy tables, and tech trees that go on for light-years. Space Empires IV Deluxe is a love letter to an era when complexity wasn’t a bug—it was the feature. It’s not a game for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy managing empires with the finesse of a galactic accountant and the foresight of an admiral, it offers a unique blend of…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →General impression : 7/10 -> quality game, it does not apear on the top 100 list of best games of all time, but it still is a nice addition to have Bug Class : A -> flawwless, no bugs at any price <20 euro I'd say that you should buy this, and at 1.49 when at discount buying this is a no-brainer. List of 5 most promitent Pro's and Con's : Pro's *high ship customising, without overcomplicating things *weapon types and variation seem all to be reasonably well balanced in size, power and range.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A classic 4X that runs crashfree out-of-the-box, as long as you turn off autosave and restrain your enthusiasm for generating a large galaxy with 20 players. Included within the game files are several mods, which is super duper helpful. Multiplayer requires elbowgrease to get running, options include direct connection, hotseat or email. Space Empires IV places its emphasis on ship management and design with straightforward economic play. Where Sid Meier's Civilization might have you bumping…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is the only game yet in my library that has impressed me enough for a review. It does so many things right, even the aesthetic still holds up. It certainly deserves more recognition. I don't think what I say will do it justice. You really need to just it yourself. But if I were to compare it to something similar, it reminds me a lot of Master of Orion II and it expands on a lot of what made MOO2 good. Plus it has mods! I mean check out this mods list:…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Perhaps one of the bright shining gems of the 4X genre. I have been playing this game for over a decade. While I do have long breaks of playing it in between, it is the only game in the past 14 years that I can come back to and still have an urge to play. So what is it in this game that keeps drawing me back after 12 years of playing? For me it is the crazy amount of micro-management. Being able to fully custom lines and series of ships for my fleets is almost as exciting as executing the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is 4X in space, with endless replayability. When I play these sorts of games, I just focus on research so I can make bigger ships with bigger guns, so I can follow my chosen gameplay style of extermination. There is diplomacy in there somewhere, but in the hundreds of games I have played, I have never bothered with it. For those of us who remember Star Blazers, it’s deeply satisfying to blast enemy ships with a wave motion gun. I started playing this series with SE3, and was amazed by the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A really fun and addictive game with immense customization options and a pretty extensive tech tree. The tutorial is very helpful if you complete the whole thing. It explains most of what you need to know to get started, and get past the learning curve, which for someone like me (lack of paitence to learn), a lot of the game is quite intuitive. You can look around and get an idea of how things work, rather than being completely overwhelmed. I must admit, I have yet to explore a lot of the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Been using this for years and love it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TL;DR: great in multiplayer only, good luck finding a game, go play Stellaris instead. Space Empires III and IV were my introduction to competitive 4X back in the late 90s and early 2000s. I have hundreds, possibly thousands of hours in each game, and spent some time at the top of several online leaderboards . . . and I can no longer recommend either. The games were excellent, but the AI is almost completely unreactive - playing a galaxy full of allied, max-difficulty AIs was pretty much basic…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Deep strategy, tons of fun. However, the graphics and depth will deter casual players. If that doesn't deter you, this game is for you.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you like Master of Orion II, this might be up your alley. Like MOOII it's turn-based space 4X game, complete with race customization options and ship design. There are mods that add additional ship sets and alien race pictures and gameplay changes. It's pretty easy to integrate these custom races from mods to the vanilla game too. Race customization includes various bonuses such as research, production and resources, right down to the demeanor or personality of the race (peaceful, warlike…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Basically Master of Orion III, and I mean it in the sense of being an actual sequel to MOO2, not in any negative ways. You've got expansions on MOO2's features, new ones like creation of custom races-in games and something of a mod scene. You can research colony technology, to be able to colonize new world types fast. You can go the militaristic or commercial routes. There's a few space 4Xes that could use some of the features -- I've played several and only seen colonizeable icy* and gas…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A complex, nice and charming turn-based 4x-Title, made in 2000. Even with the tutorial not very newb-firendly (like most older games), but once you got a grip, it turns into a very challenging experience. Graphics are mostly... non-existent (makes it great for a netbook, tho), the music is extremely basic, too - but the gameplay itself is really, really REALLY nice and can (in my opinion) compete with that of Sins of a Solar Empire. Maybe nowadays not not worth the 10 Euros - but that's what…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Well, I saw SEIV on steam and thought I would pick it up here for a few bucks to see if it might be easy to mod through the workshop, regardless, I have been playing this game off and on for over a decade from an old GOG download. It is my favorite 4x game, designing your rock to your opponent's scissor is always a pleasure. There is a steep learning curve early on, the interface is a bit old and clunky at first but after you get used to it it is a pleasure imo. The better you get at this game…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →man its graphics are really dated, but for most of us that really doesnt matter, most of us can put up with poopiest graphics if the game is fun. Well this is that game, its just fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There is a Star Trek mod that adds a whole new level of fun to this game!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I found this game to be intimidating when I first bought it. It has been sitting idle in my games list for years. I recently resolved to play it. Play through the tutorial. The interface is simple, but less than intuitive. Once I had the basics down, hours disappeared beneath the fascinating and compelling game play.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Easily one of the best 4x games ever made. Whilst it's showing its age in terms of graphics, the depth of game play and mod-ability are unparalled
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →As far as the Space 4X genre goes, this is one of the better games out there. There's a lot of detail, with much of the same level of free-form depth you'd expect if you'd played Distant Worlds. The user-interface is excellent even by today's standards, and if you can look past the simple graphics you'll find a lot to get your teeth into. Remember to set the AI to Hard difficulty, and Low resource boost. That'll give you the best challenge.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a great way to just relax and have fun for a couple of hours over a long period of time. finally got the to ring world and it was worth the time and effort. graphics are well, old but the game is great.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A metaphor I have for this game is an old warm blanket that reminds me of a time when the games being released were completed on release date and gave you what you paid for
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've been a giant fan of the Space Empires series starting years ago with SE2 and continuing with SE3. In fact, I've probably racked up thousands of hours between the two over the last 20 years. SE4 makes a number of improvements and changes to the gameplay like you'd expect from a series of interative releases. Pros: - Runs very fast and reliably even on modern OSes like Win10. - Very deep gameplay that can accommodate a number of play styles. This game is not for the timid. - Highly…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →EDIT: My original review is still below, but I thought I would update it after spending many, many more hours. I've really tried to enjoy this game, but if I have to recommend it based on its value after the first couple hours, I'm not sure I can. The AI in this game, despite any racial traits I give it, only ever does the same strategy over and over again. If you want to make this game any fun at all, you have to do all the leg work. Can you beat the game using only Light Cruisers and…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An old game with old graphics. Made for thinking people. Customizable ----------------------------------------- One of the best 4x games Crap graphics Poor interface Very basic diplomacy Manual combat (AI combat is an idiot) Large R&D tree Design and build ships, space stations, satelites, carriers, fighters, planetary batteries. ring worlds, Dyson spheres Direct fire weapons, long range missiles, slow but damaging torpedoes, shields, shield piercing weapons, warp weapons, anti missile…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I can't recommend this game to someone that doesn't have nostalgia for it. There is a ton of customization with ship design and research paths, and is an extremely moddable game. But on the other hand has an awful AI, a ton of micromanagement, and quite an ugly aesthetic. I wouldn't say its a bad game, but the 4x genre has come a long way since this title. There is fun to be had, but I think its really not worth picking up at this point. Especially with how the AI holds this game back so…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →While this game is old, with limited graphics, it is still a great game for managing the various aspects of a space empire. What I like is that it is a game that is specifically designed to facilitate play-by-email, which allows me to play with and against a group of friends, without us all committing to one play time. The AI will even do the turn for a player who fails to submit their turn on time. Then that player can spend ages undoing all the changes the AI made to their empire. Being…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i keep trying to play this game, and getting overwhelmed by the sheer tedium of it all. i guess i don't have what it takes to be a true 4Xer any more, lol. i've played multiple civ titles, moo1 and moo2, etc., and always found a reason to keep clicking the "end turn" button. but not here. there is a lot to micromanage here so i guess if you're hard core enough, you'll get some satisfaction out of it, but i just found it empty.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have mixed feeling about this game. I like the style (i have a week spot for every turned based startegy game taking place in space) but the mecanics seem a bit weak. A planet with nearly no polulation can be developped to the max with little penality. That encourages crazy fast expansion, which in turns slow down the pace if you like to manage a lot. Still, the game is very detailed and relatively fun to play. I recommend it as i plan to spend a bit more time playing it myself.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great, good old game, we used to play many years ago!! Excellent!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Old time goodness, some patching, QOL and mods refresh it to fun replay.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is one of my favorite 4X games. There aren't many games that have such a depth of customizability and rich gameplay, especially among turn-bssed games. It's a must-play for any space 4X fans.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great game that inspires replay. Excellent mod community from 24 years ago. Active on Discord. Great time. Best 4x game of all time.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Please ignore my low play time; I've been playing this game since it came out in 2001 or thereabouts and just now bought a copy on Steam! So if MOO2 is the gold standard of classic 4X games, then SE4 would have to be the silver. 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. There is so much you can do in this game - you can blow up stars, create new planets, build ringworlds and Dyson spheres... It…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →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.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game features habitable Dyson Sphere, Ring World, Planet Killers, Stellar Exploders and Imploders.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Old but gold. 10/10 If you want to try and increase the difficulty, fiddle around with the settings on game creation, or limit yourself to certain tech trees or a maximum number of planets.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An amazing game of it's time and in my view better than the next in the series. For many aspects of a space 4X game this still stands up to the competition fairly well. If you have not played it and enjoy the 4X games then pick it up for less than the price of a pint and you'll have a great time!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game has great potential but the crashing on Win10 makes it unplayable, 4/10, If it didnt crash It would have gotten 7/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have played this game back when it was hard copy only and now steam. If you like turn based space games this game is Amazing lots of depth and replay-ability. Just like most older turn based games it is about the depth of game not the graphics.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Its easy to learn and simple to play, but a challenge to win
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just 3 hours but I'm ecstatic. Simple and Strong. The more it is simple the stronger it feels. No fluff, cut to the chase!!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Still a great game. I still can't find anything modern like it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is my favorite 4x game of all time. Gameplay still holds up in 2023.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have so many hours on the "DRM-Free" version of the game, that i finally bought it after years of enjoying it. Almost wish that we could get a new game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Plus: - Infinite number of ship designs - Automatically upgrade facilities across all colonies - Large technology tree (over 350 technologies) - Any technology can be switched off at the beginning of the game - Race customization options - Battles can be automated - AI does not cheat - There are many planets to colonize if you can (average 7-8 per standard system) - Game is easily modifiable Minus: - AI Players are sometimes barely distinguishable on the map (but you can right click…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is fun as hell!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I will have to play this more to figure things out... But The user interface is absolute trash, Quality of life things like Right click to move fleets, Nonexistant the ability to retreat from a battle or to Not start a battle if a faction ships end up on the same space spot... So you might just start a war with a faction because you left a ship on a warp spot. Seriously the user interface is very bad. I think Unless you are dying to find a new TBS 4x or perhaps played this game in the past…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Beer & Pretzels 4x strategy. A classic time-waster. Like a massive game of chess with customizable pieces, multiple boards, and multiple players.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is old. Like, probably older than some people reading this review old. The graphics will make some of you ill. The sound effects will give some of you Herpies. And yet.... what a game. Simple in concept, like most 4X games. But with a depth of playability, design, diplomacy and technology few other games can match after all this time. It's not expensive, so buying it won't break the bank. But you might just find this is one of the hidden gems often overlooked in the rush for…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A very, very limited yes. Only because I got it for $4 and only if you love micro-managing a game with an eye straining UI, literally. I can overlook the completely useless manual and tutorial, even though for a game that requires micromanagement to even play this is hard to do....as it take forever to even learn how to use the controls. Also I know it's an old game but the the ability to resize the game resolution to fit you screen (instead of lowering your screen resolution so the game…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've played every version of Space empires, and to this day its still one of my all time favorite games of the genre.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is the most complicated and ridiculous game I have ever attempted to play, and given up on.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Used to play this back in the day more than I even care to admit. And what's not to like: It has barely sufficient graphics, steep learning curve, more options and actions than you can ever become to fully understand and level of micromanagement that is completely foreign to modern games/players. 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). Diplomacy is very simplistic and tends not to work…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →one of the best strategy games I have, worth every penny.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →371.7 hrs on record. Nuf said. But it is a little bit old, so wait for it to go on sale.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I started playing this after I played the board game space empires 4x. It's a fun little space strategy game. need a multiplayer mode though.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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