Really like the designs and its got its own uniqueness in music, design etc. going.
However it is boring as hell. It offers you essentially the complexity of Stellaris, while making it twice as boring. Better play HOM3, while less research oriented, it at least does not put you to sleep.

Like Civilization series but clunky and weirdly detailed in some parts. Too much thinking.

This game sucks. I start my first new game, pick a faction and hit the map. Turn 15 or so rolls around, I accidentally fulfill some arbitrary objective, and the game throws invading enemies at my two fledgling cities' doorsteps, instantly bankrupting me and taking away all ability to defend myself from said enemies. I then lose my entire military to the first one while the second one is able to ruin me single-handedly. If this is any indication of how future games will go, I'm refunding this trash.

This game feels like Humankind, but worse in every way and abusive on top of it.

Least fun 2 and a half hours ever wasted.