Features:

• Take command of 1 of 3 space-faring races as you work to establish domination of the galaxy
• Use diplomacy, economic skill, cultural influence, and sheer military might to establish order
• Explore and conquer neighboring planets and distant solar systems in a massively scaled, fully 3D galaxy
• Transition between the roles of emperor and fleet commander; customize and improve powerful units
• Extensive diplomatic and economic strategies can exercise a variety of options

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
In the future, the survival of humanity stands on the edge of utter ruin as three powerful factions vie for control of the galaxy. Take command of one of three space-faring races as you work to establish your domination of the galaxy in Sins of a Solar Empire, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes. Your success will depend entirely on your ability to manage your empire and command your vast fleets of starships to victory. Through a combination of diplomacy, economic skill, cultural influence, and sheer military might you will establish order over your corner of the galaxy!
ESRB Rated T for Teen

Amazon.com:
Ten millennia have passed since you and the few survivors of the once mighty Vasari Empire fled from an unknown threat that all but exterminated your kind. You now find yourself at the fringe of the galaxy in a sector occupied by a pathetically primitive species - one obsessed with trade and lacking any central organization or military technology. Calling themselves the Trader Emergency Coalition, they would have been ideal slaves in the glorious days of the past, but time is of the essence. Use your mastery of phase-space manipulation, gravity and nanotechnology to quickly eliminate any local resistance and acquire the necessary resources to fuel the next segment of your continuing exodus.

Features:

• Take command of 1 of 3 space-faring races as you work to establish domination of the galaxy.
• Use diplomacy, economic skill, cultural influence, and sheer military might to establish order.
• Explore and conquer neighboring planets and distant solar systems in a massively scaled, fully 3D galaxy.
• Transition between the roles of emperor and fleet commander; customize and improve powerful units.
• Extensive diplomatic and economic strategies can exercise a variety of options.

Rating : - A great game for RTS fans
Sins of a Solar Empire is a great game with a few tragic flaws.

The graphics are amazing- especially given the scope of the game. All the ships are well designed and have uniqe abilities. With the details set pretty high, they shine in the sunlight and generally look really good. The dynamic zoom is handy, and allows you to select any unit you want in about 1/2 sec. The empire tree on the left side of the screen is also a great way to manage the entire empire all at once. Resources are easy to understand and collect. Sins also adds culture to the mix. By building broadcast stations and spreading your influence, you can take over planets without bombing them to dust. As for the visuals, only the explosion and weapon effect detail leave something to be desired.

There is no single-player campaign, so if that's your thing, don't buy this game!

The random maps take A LONG TIME TO PLAY. My first game was a 14 planet (small) random map and it took me over 5 1/2 hour to complete. People have started games at the largest size (over 100 planets) and have been playing them as an ongoing project for months. If you like fast action and a flurry of clicking, this game is not for you. Sins is all about building a massive fleet and watching it obliterate everything- not frantically pressing special attacks.

The AI is decent, but nothing spectacular. Stardock is releasing upgrades to make the AI better. What's really annoying is that the computer players always seem to run from battle unless they have an overwhelming force. Also, there are space pirates who attack your empire on a regular basis. I find them really annoying, but they allow your capital ships to level up before facing another player.

Lastly, I have a pretty good laptop (Intel Core2Duo@2Ghz, 2gb RAM, NVidia 7300) and loading even a small map takes FOREVER. Literally, I start a map and walk away to do something else so I don't have to watch the bar inch across the screen. Once the game starts, it runs great though.

I gave this product 4/5 stars because 1)low effect detail 2)cowardly AI and 3)LOOONG load time

Overall, it's a great game I would recommend most to those who are into space RTS games, have a lot of free time, and like playing online.