Think Homeworld meets Master of Orion, and you will kind of get the idea of what this game is about.

What sets this apart from other 4x games is that everything happens in real time. Not in turns Like MOO, and GC2. Exploration, Colonization, Research, Travel, etc. etc. al work like 4x games. Except that you dont have to wait "x" amount of turns for something to happen. You dont need to constantly hit the "end turn" button for the game to progress, because everything progresses by itself weather you are ready for it, or not.

The combat aspect is hard to compare to any rts. I hate using Homeworld as the benchmark, because this game plays nothing like Homeworld. The closest thing i can compare it to is Haegemonia. Except an entire galaxy (which you can customize) is your map, and there isnt a ridiculously low unit limit like in haeg. Also unlike some other games all of your ships serve a function from the beginning of the game all the way to the end game. Your lowly frigates will still be useful when you are ready for the final assault on your enemys last stronghold.

The game isnt without its flaws, because it is still in beta. I find it quite addicting even in its current state. Plus the fact that Stardock, and Ironclad go out of their way to listen to the testers opinions is what sold me on it.

Spot on!