[Arkcon]

I'm just dazzled by the game itself.

1). For me even the SE3 AI was tough. In another 4X game I played, I could outsmart the AI -- build just enough ships to defeat it but not enough to make it angry. SE4 AI's won't fall for the old "But we've been friends for years, so what about the 3 dreadnoughts around your homeworld"

2). I like the UI and other graphics better than Civ or Sim City. But that's just me.

3). I like the attention MM put into game balance, in other games, faster propulsion and killer weapons were easy to get once you knew the tree. SE4 controls progression so no one get the uber ship too easily.

4). Racial only techs were a brilliant idea, never played MoO, so I don't know if it's unique to SE4. The other traits are cool as well.

I really can't say enough about the game. I heven't mentioned how cool this board is. I almost don't expect an internet community to be polite, knowledgeable and friendly. I'm still stunned.