I notice quite a few staples of Science Fiction aren't a large part of this game. What about androids, mutants, and psychic housepets or other domestica in the game. Consider also: might not shipboard battles be a possibility and individual invading units have the same diversity as spaceships?
Since you are departing in many ways from Sid Meier's Civilization, I suggest that you take into consideration the gameplay elements introduced by the Total War series and also consider allowing soldiery units to play a greater part in the game. If there are "leaders" with "traits" or characteristics as well as local positions (they must be moved, either as pawns or through management screen decisions). Also, while techne should be focal, there should be more intermediate levels of
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