I had a lot of fun on this game for the weekend when it was free for a limited time and now I can't stop thinking about it. It is a great with a lot of love to it and where it has many features seen in Civilization and Fallen Enchantress, this game overcomes that with taking those ideas and improving upon them greatly.

Each faction feels different and not the same with slight variations. Many of the factions have lots of boons and weaknesses that complete this difference as well as special abilities unique to them. I had a lot of fun playing as the Necrophages. That being said, the game feels even more fresh when as you play, you get quests from your own faction that evolves with interesting story to it that can unlock unique hero units and buildings.

I find that all the new DLC that have been added over the years simply shows how the developers behind this game continue to work hard and love both their game and the community that love it.

If you're looking for a 4X game with a bunch of complex ideas that don't trip over each other then you should most certainly consider this game.

Edit: Love the mod support for this which often adds not just races, but also extra mechanics that add to the base game and makes the DLC worth the actual pricing.