Even though it was a pain to find, it was well worth the wait...
There really isn't much I can say that wasn't said in what other user's have said and what's in the GS review. The game is a blast and incredibly addicting. Just last night I started a whole new game with a HUGE galaxy and I spent almost 2 hours just designing my own versions of the Construction, Colony and Scout ships, let alone playing the game! If you're creative at all, this game is definitely for you!
Being a pessimist, I have to point out the flaws. This way, I can get through those and then I can focus primarily on enjoying what's truly good about the game. So here goes... I do agree with the GS review, the Tech tree is a little bit under-detailed, and it's a little hard to navigate (it's kind of tough to see what you've already researched -- there should just be a list of the techs you've completed). Plus, the docs are limited in this respect -- no description of the techs at all (hopefully someone will post something on the web describing them all). And, the AI does seem like it's cheating at times (Hey... that Civ only has two planets! How in the hell is he cranking out all of that research, industry and all of those ships?!). GS's review is spot on... the AI can piss you off and also make you say... Hmm, that's pretty clever. Races that are supposed to be your allies building "Influence Starbases" right next to your home planet... what's that all about? :-)
The Campaign is probably great (I bet the story-line is awesome), but I wouldn't recommend starting here. It doesn't give you a good feel for the game. It starts with a Tiny-sized galaxy and resources are limited, so it makes for a very-slow start. I'd recommend starting with a bigger galaxy so that you can exapnd your empire and spend some time getting a feel for it all.
Wish list... "Scanners" or something like that to be equipped on a Colony ship that allows you to scan a planet to see how "habitable" it is off the bat (so you don't waste a Colony Ship in the beginning on a planet with only 4 buildable spots on the surface).
OK... my positives are all in line with what GS says (the ship builder kicks arse), the negatives are pretty much few and far between, and my one wish. All in all, the game is one of the best I've played in the last several years! Buy it, buy it, buy it!!!