>>256How exactly does StarDrive pique your interest? I have bought the game, but have refused to play it due to it's bad reputation (AI, diplomacy, lack of polish and this is coming from a gentleman who enjoys playing most of Arcen's games). And since I value my time, the game remains unplayed.
>>209Going back to the topic at hand, I do enjoy Endless Legend. Since I am more of a builder than a fighter, I can ignore the lack of total control in battles in favor of making each race complete and having a team that is commited to supporting it post-release as they have done in the past.
Do not forget about Endless Space either. The AI is vastly improved from its earlier days, and they still continue to put in the odd additional content to what is essentially a two and a half year old game.
I enjoy Civilization 5, but continue to ignore the lackluster and backwards Civilization:Beyond Earth. My time is precious. However, it is well spent on Crusader Kings 2 before I get bored with it again.
If only I had the time to try out Distant Worlds and Aurora.