I remember getting this game when it was re-released on sold out software. Has to be one of the best RTS sci-fi games I have ever played and to this day I have been searching for that itch to play something similar to this day.
It was Age of Empire in space but had such advanced features for its day, you started in the solar system still in real time, you could watch as the AI had wars on planets and try to land when the spoils were up for grabs. You had to fight your way past all the AI ships that protected planets and then landing your troops on the planet would give you the RTS that was similar of Age of Empires top down harvesting and building up your resources.
There were 4 races to choose from the typical war factions A cybernetic race, a warmonger race .etc but there was a unique faction in the game that was a peaceful trader faction that would allow you to purchase the planet off your enemy. Get them to cease fire, make sure you had the recourses for their land and then send your diplomat car to the other side and negotiate a price to buy the other factions base off them. It also had a truly wonderful soundtrack too.
I would love to play this game again!!!