One thing noone seems to have asked

They shouldn't, but it really depends on what overhauls are made to the game. MP3 players and screen tweaks will definatly not effect savd games. Later on, when the possibility of adding 2 new major races to the game (which will require some major code changes based on poor forsight on the part of the programmers) things may get a bit sticky. We'll be trying our best to make sure all saved-games are compatable.

~SDC~

The prospect of having to start a new game to let the BonusPak content kick in is a bit disturbing but I think more or less inevitable so I guess I can live with that. Just have to remind myself to get the first BP BEFORE starting to play.

I dont think its that much of a deal. Just wait to download the bonus pack until after you finished the current game. Unless you've got a uber game going that will take weeks to finish, whats the harm in holding off a day or two. May even be easier to download as the intial feeding frenzy nay have passed. If the prospect of NOT getting the goodies until you've finished the current game is too strong bite the bullet and quit you current game to start a new one.

I think what I'll do is play a small galaxy on the easiest setting to get used to gameplay... and make sure that graphics/sound work right. After I finish that, I'll download the goodies.