This is the only space-themed 4X better than Masters of Orion 2.

Endless Space, as a whole, is a game that holds a special place in my heart - especially the soundtracks. Sometimes I wish it hadn't gone done the route it did, the same route as Endless Legends, so aggressively over-monetized with DLC, but I understand. For all its flaws, this is a little game I will love with all my heart and return to time and time again, as I have since I first bought it what must be a decade ago now. This is not the same sort of review I'd leave for other games, especially not games I've played this much, but this game doesn't need it. This is much more my small, simple, quiet loveletter to it and the developers, a plea to never grow overburdened by the things that will kill you and the creativity that makes this franchise so good.

Fantastic, polished, immersive, varied, I highly value this game, which is more of an advanced board game than anything. Take a deep look at it through videos and other reviews, maybe it will be for you too.