the layout looks simpler for designing ships and planets.
some of these 4x space games scare me b/c the gameplay and necessary knowledge how to play the game is a bit taunting. I do enjoy having many strategic options in building and winning, but there are like 100 menus.
This game has information at your fingertips for most things.
Once you have learnt the base mechanics, and a few obscure rulesets of how things work, its easy to play.
Every tech shows exactly what you will get, and why youd want it.
Ships are simple, yet the rock/paper/scissor type combat is enough (I wish it was more, but anyway).
Great game, easy to pick up, and very polished.