Indeed, I'm playing this game now. It is truely enjoyable, everything takes a nice pace which isn't too slow. It forces you to think about things from an epic scale and perspectives never before seen in other games.

For example, I was playing a game against the computer and manage to gain the upper hand by always having the bounty on his head higher and thus leaving the pirates to do the dirty work. But eventually the pirates grew rich and powerful, funded by my empire. When they blocked an important route for me I had no choice but to attack them, obliterating my fleet. My opponents took this advantage to attack my outer planets ring planets and my downfall soon followed. Yes I lost, but this is something I never experienced before!

I got the game from a torrent download. Of course it is illegal, but I couldn't stand waiting and plan to get it if and when it is released at the local store. Please support Stardock! Small developers can make good games!