Endless Space is a great 4x game that pushes itself firmly into the genre, but it's not the king... yet.
- the value of the game ($30.00)
- smooth gameplay, even for larger galaxies
- excellent UI
- create-a-faction included
- entertaining base factions, lore, and designs
- well done hero system
- ship design editor easy to use and gives plenty of variation
- system/planet development simple, but in an easy to understand way
- graphics are great, especially given the value
The meh:
- battles, though cinematic, can get boring if you're a hands-on type
- battle cards are varied, but not varied enough
- music is good but lacks variation; pity given its quality
- currency, called dust, is a bit strange until you get the hang of it
- random events are presently lackluster
The bad:
- weapons lack great variation (kinetics, missiles, beam weapons) - stat and aesthetic differences mostly, little play style difference
- battles are shallow (see meh section)
- diplomacy is bare-bones
- factions, primarily through diplomacy, lack personality
Notes:
Pirates are currently problematic and will be fine tuned. When they function as they should they will be fine, but presently are a bit too strong. They can be turned off, thankfully, in the galaxy creation menu.
AI is either too conservative in fleet deployments or too aggressive. There is very little in-between. No doubt this will be remedied with balancing and patches.
A great game overall and defnitely worth a look by any space, strategy, or 4x enthusiast. A game on the easier side for those looking to get into the genre due to its very friendly user interface (UI). With further fine-tuning of the features, balances, and the AI, the game could easily achieve a 9/10. It is not there quite yet though.
For reference, I am intimately familiar with the 4x genre. The good, meh, and bad are all in comparison to my understanding and experience with games within it. I own and play the following 4x games which serves as the basis of comparison for Endless Space:
(PC titles only)
Master of Orion 1, 2, and 3
Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain
Imperium Galactica 2
Civilization 2, 3, 4, 5, and Revolution + expansions
Elemental: War of Magic
Elemental: Fallen Enchantress (beta)
Galactic Civilizations + expansion
Galactic Civilizations 2 + expansions
Armada 2526 + expansion
Distand Worlds + expansions
Sword of the Stars + expansions
Sword of the Stars II
Sins of a Solar Empire + expansions (some people count this as 4x)
Haegemonia: Legions of Iron + expansion (same as above)
Light of Altair (same as above)
Space Empires IV & V
StarDrive (alpha)