There was a request for an opinion on the game from 'somebody here'. Well... it's a monumental task describing the game fully and I'm honestly not going to bother. PhilBowles' rather negative perspectives and criticism on the game is spot-on IMO. The thing is, for all its complexity (of which there is a lot, they aren't lying when throwing around numbers on how immensely big it is playing with ie. 1400 star systems!) it is ultimately a rather superficial game. Yes, you can fully automate it and have it play itself MOO3 style, but its scope is also big enough that you don't have to and can indeed focus on just the parts that interest you the most (you can even manage everything yourself in which case there will be much to manage - the game is fully pausable and can be played at adjustable speed, as well). Still, you do get this sense of superficiality because despite the enormity of it all it is a really simple game. At the same time it is a truly unique game and it will be a shame if you don't cast a glance on it one way or the other (YouTube let's play, try at a friend's)
