I was pining to play Masters of Orion and GCII more than fulfilled my high expectations. This game rocks!
For those who know nothing about this game, it is a turn based strategy game like civilization set out in space. You settle different planets, meet different races, research technologies, build spaceships, build up your planets, find resources out in space.... Overall, there is a LOT to do.
The tech system is great, much more expansive than Orions (which should be expected). The one thing i dont' like is how some planets are ALWAYS uninhabitable. In MoO, if you researched certain technologies, you could make planets habitable. And i think this makes sense. Also, expansion is TOO easy in the beginning.
I like the fact there are major and minor races, and there is a fairly good collection of races (though there could be more). They could just fix it by making minor races major ones. You can also customize your race.
I don't know if i suck at the game, but now that i'm playing on normal, its REALLy hard, i get my ass kicked every time and one race ALWAYS hates me. But thats OK, the game has plenty of different difficulty settings.
Also, there is a campaign mode, which i've tried. ITs OK... But the game is so great, you don't really need one.
Some people have criticized this game because its a "point and click" game. I guess it sort of is. But if you like games like Sim city, where you build stuff up and graphics and sound aren't that important to you (although i think the graphics are more than adequate) then this is the game for you. If you like cool graphics and action, then don't choose this game.
If you have played MoO or CIV and liked them, definitely get this game. IF you like turn based strategy games, get this as well!