Endless Space is a turn-based Space 4X game with an open techweb that is dividied into 4 unconnected trees and semi-real time combat. Included are player-designed ships that use a system where players choose cards to simulate fleet actions.
The map keeps players isolated early game, until they research a technology allowing them to traverse worm holes. The economy is based on 4 resources, Food, Industry, Dust(Money) and Science, with the first two being system-based and for population and production while the other two are empire-based.
The expansion, Disharmony, improves the game a lot and should be seen as essential when buying the game.
SpecsUpdate
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Efficent Interface
The Interface is quite good looking for a space 4X game and works well.
Pro Still Beautiful
Pro Diverse playable factions creating a lot of variety
The playable empires are really varied and often have quite different gameplay (though not as much as the factions in Endless Legends).
Pro Dynamic tax system
Endless Space's unique tax system allows you to strategically decide between Income and Approval.
Cons
Con Harsh learning curve
The game has a bad tutorial and is therfore hard to learn; early on even the lowest difficulty can feel almost impossible to beat.