The BotE team has released their German Alpha5 version of Birth of the Empires.

While the English version is being updated you can preview changes with this one including a new GDI+ powered galaxy map with mini-map for better overview, lots of new graphics all used with permission from original artists, for example atmospheric new event screens at in-game events like "new technology developed" or "first contact with an alien race".

Also a new race is playable, the Cartare Union.

Unfortunately though the Khaorons had to cede their place due to race UI skin copyrights. New buildings are introduced to contain late-game micromanagement abundance with resource handling.

Code-wise there is now the possibility to quickly mod in as many major races as you wish. Also ships have got firearcs and weapon mount positions increasing combat complexity and decreasing battle outcome predictability. Maintenance costs and crew experience for ships have also been implemented, the latter only partially. Ship design now offers more information. Starting conditions have become different for each major race, especially starting number and type of ships given at turn 1.

A complete (German) manual has been added too.

Have fun finding out what else we did to improve the game!

If you are a programmer, don't forget to look over our code at bote.codeplex