Though I admit I have never really given this game a "fair" chance... it simply just did not deserve one... one of the most hyped up and anticipated games ever made to date when it was released... turned out to be the biggest dissapointment since.... well.... ever perhaps? DONT get this... just be happy with Master of Orion 2... or if you feel you need something a little more real-time... head over to www.sinsofasolarempire.com and give SINS a try... if you like 4x but wondered what it would be like in real time... then SINS is your gem.... great game with wicked mods.... oh and by the way... Master of Orion 2 is still a hell of alot of fun!