Space Empires V

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 76
  3. Negative: 11 out of 76
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Damocles346
    Nov 14, 2013
    8
    This game gets an 8 from me out of the sheer ballsyness of scope that it plays at. You go from, "Look we have ion drives!" to, "Hold on a sec, I'ma make that star into a power factory for my civ, Brb." Woah! Mind blown.

    Warning though, it's complex and very arcane. It's a joy if you absolutely love spending hours working very hard to understand large complicated systems. Not so great if    This game gets an 8 from me out of the sheer ballsyness of scope that it plays at. You go from, "Look we have ion drives!" to, "Hold on a sec, I'ma make that star into a power factory for my civ, Brb." Woah! Mind blown.

    Warning though, it's complex and very arcane. It's a joy if you absolutely love spending hours working very hard to understand large complicated systems. Not so great if you just want a video game to sit down and blow some steam off with.    … Expand
  2. MorganL.
    Feb 12, 2008
    3
    As an avid SE4 player I was looking forward to this game, however the game has gone from a cleanly designed intuitive game to micromanagement hell. The interface is horrible and getting even basic information about your ships or planets requires multiple clicks through several menus. In SE4 all the information was in sight when you needed. SE5 has added large graphic buttons and removed As an avid SE4 player I was looking forward to this game, however the game has gone from a cleanly designed intuitive game to micromanagement hell. The interface is horrible and getting even basic information about your ships or planets requires multiple clicks through several menus. In SE4 all the information was in sight when you needed. SE5 has added large graphic buttons and removed the information displays that allowed you to handle the complexity of a large empire. After several patches the glaring problems remain and I doubt that they will be fixed. It's a shame after SE4 did so much right that SE5 would turn out to be so unplayable.… Expand
  3. AllanW
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    Without doubt, in my opinion the best of it's kind in this genre, and I have played many. The graphics are superb, very detailed main window includes animated planets and anomalies which looks great. Very helpful pop-ups appear when you mouse over anything on the screen. The tutorial guides you nicely step by step explaining things simply and in depth. The game is very deep, with an Without doubt, in my opinion the best of it's kind in this genre, and I have played many. The graphics are superb, very detailed main window includes animated planets and anomalies which looks great. Very helpful pop-ups appear when you mouse over anything on the screen. The tutorial guides you nicely step by step explaining things simply and in depth. The game is very deep, with an extensive tech tree and ability to design your own ships etc. Not for someone who is looking for quick gameplay. But if you enjoy playing this type of strategy game, and you want an in depth experience that will require time, patience and strategy (brain power), then this in my opinion is the best in it's genre by far. Enjoy… Expand
  4. GFTDphoenix
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    An excellent choice for anybody who enjoys 4X games, it has everything from research and development all the way to designing your own ships, creating you own empires and interacting with other empires. This game puts so much detail and options which include designing, research, facilities, diplomacy, starting a game, creating an empire and much more. Go get it, It's great.
  5. MikeB.
    Dec 24, 2006
    3
    Barely above shareware. Good intentioned. Bad AI. Many bugs. It has possibilties if they spend a year patching it.
  6. EvilxFish
    Oct 8, 2013
    3
    It almost makes me sad to have to give this game such a low score. It has great potential but the only problem is the glitches you expieriance make the game unplayable. In fact I can't even get past turn 1 as it gets stuck on the processing player turns screen.
  7. GeorgeS.
    Jan 6, 2007
    8
    Quickly being patched and supported through some troubled starts, the developer shows no signs of simply sitting around and letting it's game rot. Several patches in, most of the major problems are resolved, new functionality has been added to the game, and the AI has improved significantly. The best part about SEV is the fact that it's nearest competition, MOO3, has suffered Quickly being patched and supported through some troubled starts, the developer shows no signs of simply sitting around and letting it's game rot. Several patches in, most of the major problems are resolved, new functionality has been added to the game, and the AI has improved significantly. The best part about SEV is the fact that it's nearest competition, MOO3, has suffered all the same shortfalls that SEV had, and the developers are learning quickly. SEV is a great game with huge potential, hardly can it be called "Barely above shareware," except by someone who didn't bother to take the time to learn the game.… Expand
  8. ShawnS.
    Jan 1, 2007
    9
    Still has a few bugs but still one of the best strategy games ever. Not for the new gen gamers if your old school this is the strategy game for you.
  9. Metalax
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    One of the deepest 4X games around. Extensive research trees, challanging AI and detailed racial/unit/ship design. Modability is massive, with a thriving active community. From previous experience with the series, any remaining bugs will be found and patched over time.
  10. DominicA.
    Nov 9, 2007
    9
    Great game. Its been improved greatly with the various patches coming out. Its very deep and you can have some very exciting games.
  11. MarkM.
    Jan 8, 2007
    9
    Love it! Soooo many options! It's just great. No other game allows so much! Steep learning curve if your new but hey.
  12. MikeR.
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    Subsequent patches and way above average developer support after release have made it playable and the mod community is above with activity.
  13. SladeSerna
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    If you have dreamed of nearly limitless options, this is your game. With a tech tree literally with thousands of different levels spread among the hundreds of components, it will give you a lot of directions you can potentially go for any game. Be that one strategy for a game or several, changing over time, or some mix in between. Granted, there are some bug problems, but most have appear If you have dreamed of nearly limitless options, this is your game. With a tech tree literally with thousands of different levels spread among the hundreds of components, it will give you a lot of directions you can potentially go for any game. Be that one strategy for a game or several, changing over time, or some mix in between. Granted, there are some bug problems, but most have appear repaired for major issues. The support for the game is devoted and actually listens to the fans with new changes and modifications. In addition, it is extremely moddable. You can almost change it into a different game entirely with the number of options. Limits are merely your imagination. The fans are constantly making new shipsets and other improvements all on their own parallel to developer patches!… Expand
  14. FrankM.
    Feb 10, 2007
    9
    The best space strategy game ever. And it keeps improving with frequent patches & mods. There is so many options to play with that the replayability is exceptionally good.
  15. AnthonyF.
    May 8, 2007
    9
    Hands down, the best 4X turn based strategy game on the market today. It had a bumpy launch, with a lot of bugs, but post-patch, this game achieves what others in the 4X turn based genre could not. A great community, with plenty of new mods and additions everyday.
  16. JohnB
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    Great overall gameplay. Give me a an uncriptic way to make solar systems from scratch and a better AI and you got yourself a 10.
  17. JoshNothing
    Jan 10, 2009
    10
    This game is NOT for everyone, yet if you like a detailed strategy game with little focus on graphics, then this is game for you!
  18. ThomC.
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    Best game ever seen.
  19. JoeyB.
    Jan 10, 2007
    9
    Some teething problems, but the modability of this game makes it one that will be playable for a long, long time.
  20. KurtA.
    Jan 15, 2007
    1
    This game was released riddled with bugs. I pre-payed and waited for two weeks until I finally was able to play it due to a patch. Even Now, I crash after the latest patch. Horrible AI, unfriendly UI only good thing is the 3D combat.
  21. Maciek
    Feb 11, 2007
    9
    Fantastic depth and a ton of strategies to explore. Tactical combat between ships adds a whole new dimension to this game. Takes a while to get into, but its very rewarding in the end. There are bugs, but there's also great support from the author and the community which releases excellent mods very frequently.
  22. D.M.
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    Very good SciFi-strategy. Definitely a must when you like huge fleets of your own design going ballistic. The extended diplomacy and moddability are icing the cake. A little funny feature could be some "resign" screens like in the civ series.
  23. AlexSo.
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    After patching and continuous community developments, I am really enjoyed this game.
  24. Olddeadmeat
    Mar 28, 2007
    9
    Post deployment improvements mean this game is continuously evolving, plus it has a devoted fanbase, and the developer genuinely loves what he does.
  25. JesperS.
    Jun 16, 2007
    8
    A very solid EEE game and probably the best advanced space strategy game the past couple of years. I do not understand its low metascore - some reviewers must either have missed the point or were unable to enjoy the true micromanegemt potential of SE5. A must-have for any EEE fan!
  26. RobertW.
    Jul 23, 2007
    10
    Started out very bugy like all space empires titles, but every problem is pretty mutch fixed now, great game.
  27. JesseL
    Oct 11, 2008
    9
    Great, but hard to learn game. Graphics leave something to be desired, but the shear amount of options makes up for it
  28. SteveF.
    Jan 2, 2008
    10
    This game is the most in-depth, customizable, and exciting game there is of its type on the market. I will grant the fact taht there is a steep learning curve. But once you learn the basics, its all customization. There have been lots of issues with bugs/crashes/glitches and the sort. But the developers are quick to resolve issues and bring out patches to fix them as they appear. This This game is the most in-depth, customizable, and exciting game there is of its type on the market. I will grant the fact taht there is a steep learning curve. But once you learn the basics, its all customization. There have been lots of issues with bugs/crashes/glitches and the sort. But the developers are quick to resolve issues and bring out patches to fix them as they appear. This game is for the "super-nerd" if you will. It takes a person with a want for very COMPLEX, in depth managment of ships, technology, military/civil intelligence, economics, and warfare strategy. Without use of any one of these tools in the game, you will be in trouble. The game comes with a good tutorial and will have you up and playing the basics relatively quickly. Just try not to get overwhelmed at first.… Expand
  29. JamesB
    Oct 27, 2008
    10
    great game to play with or against friends. Even the single play had me hooked for quite a while
  30. AndrewA.
    Nov 16, 2006
    9
    Space Empires V has amazing potential to become the best 4X game yet created, and it will get there. From past experience with the developer, all the bugs and issues will be fixed, and this game will become all it could be.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. GameSpot
    66
    Space Empires V is a space strategy game with plenty of depth and complexity, but it's so riddled with bugs and issues that it is ultimately tough to recommend.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gameworld
    83
    It’s a great-looking but clunky implementation of the classic “aliens, spaceships and lots of micromanagement” formula.
    Read full review
  3. GamesRadar+
    60
    If you stick with the smaller campaigns, you can focus on mastering the interface and designing the ultimate space fleet. Sometimes Space Empires V takes its commitment to customization too far, but there’s never any doubt who the emperor is.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »