[Chronon]

Originally posted by Stone Mill:
The planetary indicator that is currently used for population should be more meaningful- represent more exact population levels. Perhaps introduce a color code system so the bars truly signify different levels.

Excellent idea, Stone Mill. Or, it could be a number inside the "flag" like it is in Civ III. Which gives me another idea...Why not have an option to show on the system window what each planet is working on (like Civ3 and SMAC)?

Here's my top five things I'd like to see:

1) Money - Managing the Imperial budget would add a nice layer of decision-making at the strategic level. Production would cost resources, money, and manpower (workers). Intelligence would also cost money (bribes), as would ship maintenance, repair, and retrofitting.

2) More resources - Or at least a better balance of the three now in use.

3) Retreat from tactical combat (ala MoO3). In simultaneous/strategic combat, a pop-up window with choices about retreat (10% losses, 20% losses, etc). Or perhaps this could be on a morale system. When your fleets "break" they retreat. Extra bonuses for experienced crews, of course.

4) Individual Leaders/Ministers with specific bonuses (plus or minus) - They add a fun rpg element to the game. Also, I would like to see them modable(especially the population minister!), so that I could configure them to my playing style.

5) A dynamic system display with orbits for each planet and planets that move along those orbits each turn (3D would be icing on the cake).