how great would this game be if...

[Baron Munchausen]

Yeah, the level of graphics in Civ 3 is fine. Just minimal animation to show some facial expressions in the diplomatic screens and some slight variation in close-up images of planets and stars (clouds and 'sun spots' rotating across the surfaces) is all we need outside of combat.

Real time combat could be included in a properly designed 'impulse' combat system. Just hit 'automatic' and the high-speed playing out of initiative controlled combat will look just like real time.