Now take your Space Empires IV experience to a whole new level with Space Empires: IV Gold! Simply put this is a must have for any fan of 4X games and includes the following new additions to the all-star original:

* Full TCP/IP Support.
* Drones fully implemented in code.
* New System Graphics and Types: stellar core fragments, organic infestations, comets, stars forming, spacial ruptures, red giants, and more!
* All sounds reworked from 8 bit to 16 bit 44.100 khz Stereo.
* Along with updated old sounds an entire new set of sound effects and a game option to choose either for game play.
* New 120+ page manual written by experienced computer game industry technical writer.
* Map Editor included on CD.
* 200 megs of user created "mods" for the game – new technologies, new components, new race styles, and more.
* Mod Selection utility on CD.
* Expanded info and support for SEIV PBW site (seiv.pbw.cc).
* Additional features requested by modders – data file changes history, satellite and weapon platform range bonuses, more empire settings in the AI files, increased number of system types, control over number of starting AI players, more facility families, multiple bitmaps per vehicle size, and more.
* Improved AI tactics.

The game is projected to begin shipping the week of March 4th, delaying the original ship day by 2 weeks. The delay is primarily due to late issues with the manual.

Richard Arnesen, Director of Covert Operations for Shrapnel Games, said, "The ultimate Space Empires IV package is almost ready to hit the limelight. Our fans have been waiting for this for some time. We are hopeful that we may even be able to surprise them and beat the new updated ship date."

Space Empires IV Gold retails for $39.95 and a rebate for current owners of the original Space Empires IV is available for the first 90 days after product release. Details and ordering information is available at
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin/store/category.cgi?category=011&item=
40002&type=store.