As a Long time player and modder of MoO3 this game is intense. It does have a steep learning curve which the causal player may find intimidating. But there is No Other 4X TBS Space game out that rivals the depth. It maybe ugly and stubborn but you can't find a game of it's genre that can match it depth and Replayability.
All these Naysayer reviews are from players that wanted a MoO clone or a MoO2.5. They got neither so they dissed the game. Much to their own loss that they unfortunately will never get past till they Really put those preconceived notions away. This game can have single games that can last for Months. It's Not a 2-4 hours click or shoot fest. Which unfortunately many ppl expected. It is a True Turn Based Strategy game. You Must think and decide with this game, something (and I know this will ruffle feelings) many new and younger players to the TBS genre Do Not Understand. This game takes the kind of decision making that the old Avalon Hill Board strategy and tactics games required.

There is much more to say but space is limited. After you get the game get Bhruic's MoO3 Patcher and Patches found here :http://bhruic.dyndns.org/patcher/downloads.php . They fix the bugs that QSI and Atari left. They also add modding possibilities to expand upon.
JosEPh (MoO3 Keeper of the ROLL CALL and Modder)