It is quite easy to finish a game of SE4. The micromanagement in the end game when you control 3/4 or more of the galaxy can get somewhat high, but it is definitely a lot better than games like MOO2 in that department. The ability to add ships to the construction queues of dozens of planets at once, set automated way points to gather your ships together, fill queues, etc. helps to alleviate much of the worst of the micromanagement. And what deep strategy game does not get heavy in micromanagement in the end game anyways?
SE4 is most certainly worth 45 dollars. It is easy to learn, but you will always find that there is more to learn, as it is a deep game. It is very immersive.
Then, it is one of the most moddable games, ever. There are numerous mods out there that make it like buying a whole bunch of games for 45 dollars.
[ January 19, 2004, 02:07: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]