When I set up a game, I select medium life galaxy (huge) (manually edited the file so I have 240 systems) and medium numbers of AI enemies and neturals. (about 12 to 14)
The game moves quickly at first, then slows way down. As you conqure enemies, the game begins to speed up again.
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"We've made too many compromises already, too many retreats! They invade our space and we fall back -- they assimilate entire worlds and we fall back! Not again! The line must be drawn here -- this far, no further! And I will make them pay for what they've done!" -- Patric Stewart as Captain Picard
UCP/TCO Ship Yards