At the heart of all this, however, is a complex 4X game with enough depth and strategy in its gameplay that almost makes up for its shortcomings. Like all 4X space games, you start in control of your homeworld in a random galaxy surrounded by a star and several other planets. Since normally you start with the ability to only colonize the same kind of planet as your homeworld, either ice, rock or gas, it is possible that exploration will be required before you can colonize another planet. To explore other galaxies you must design and build your own space ships and send them through Warp Holes to other galaxies, possibly ones owned by other civilizations.

The way you deal with these revealed civilizations is entirely up to you. You can wage war upon them, removing them from the universe, or perhaps you will want to ally with them and wage war on a common foe. With the incredible amount of depth and complexity in the game, there is always a catch. Sometimes it is almost impossible to build your ship just right, combining a large amount of ordinance and supplies so that your onboard weapons can continue firing while still having enough space left to fit in some fighter ships to help out. Going down the tech tree is even worse, sometimes. Should you upgrade your projectile weapons, building them up to massive ship destroying guns? Or should you develop your sciences to produce laser weapons that can penetrate shields with ease? Maybe you should upgrade your intelligence service to keep an eye on your enemies and friends. The choices are nigh on endless. The flexibility of this game is truly unmatched.