SotS is a hate it or love it game.
For many it's too simplistic and abstract. Compared to the detail level of combat the detail level of empire management is very, very low.
However that shouldn't fool you. The strategic part (Empire) of the game, without all those details, is actually deeper in SotS then in any other 4X I've played.
The tactical part (combat) is also great, but sometimes frustrating.
You should make another division in 4X's. The traditional Strategic vs. Tactical doesn't cut it. The strategic part should be subdivided into management and actual strategy. SotS has little of the first and lots of the second. You're and admiral, not a president or engineer.
AI can be considered a hit and miss. Sometimes it's awesome and baffling (and very hard) and sometimes it makes you go 'wha?'
To be honest, it's more often the latter, but I have that with many games :P
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