I'm on the same train of thought as you Cyclone_Jack.  I'm really excited and Happy that this IP is getting the attention it deserves.  BUT.. at the same time.. Fred and Paul made it the game it was.   As aging as I am.  And as many games as I've played.  Without a doubt StarControl 2 IS my favorite game of all time.  It was a game ahead of it's time.  And my expectations are sad to say for Stardock.. a little high.   But I'll give them all the support I can.. (and guaranteed buy from me).

It seems to me that Stardock are Starcontrol fans.  So I'm going to put my faith in them as they always try to do their games justice and by the looks of the announcement it looks like they are going to with this as well.

I really do hope that the wit of Star Control 2 is maintained, I loved meeting the alien species and their personalities. Also, when the galactic war breaks out, it was really surprising to see the spheres of influence for each faction and the reality that races could be eliminated. I really hope the level of immersion and the non-static nature of the game (both micro and macro) carry over and are enhanced.

Regarding the space combat, if it remains a 2d top-down arcade approach, the design team should REALLY take a look at Starsector ( http://fractalsoftworks.com/ ) to get an idea how awesome the combat can be from that perspective. Also, you may want to check out Stardrive ( http://www.stardrivegame.com/ ) if you're going to allow players to custom design their ships (more than SC 2 did). Really neat system, both these games!