4X: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate. It is the genre of strategy games in which SE4 is a member, as are other space opera games (such as MOO2, Stars!, GalCiv (sort of), etc.).
You passed the event horizon when you played the demo the first time. You just didn't notice. You are now falling faster as you are being sucked in to the black hole known as SE4 Gold. Not even light can escape. But who is complaining? The company is great.
If you think this game has bad graphics, you should look at the former 4X champion Stars. Now that game was a great game, but it had the worst graphics I have ever seen.
Welcome to the fold and I hope the game grows on you.
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Creator of the Star Trek Mod - AST Mod - 78 Ship Sets - Conquest Mod - Atrocities Star Wars Mod - Galaxy Reborn Mod - and Subterfuge Mod.