I have been having fun w CalCiv2 but I am disappointed with the space-combat portion. Many modern strategy sims seem to skimp on combat strategy and default to a rock-paper-scissors approach.

I always liked the MOO (original) approach to space combat. Different weapon technologies had different advantages - like missiles being almost unlimited range but limited damage and speed - beams having limited range - or (for a cost of money and space) longer range. The ability of mass driver weapons to be shield piercing - for a cost. The ability to combine all of these things and using various defenses (including ship maneuverability) made space combat MUCH more satisfying. I didn't even mind that it was turn based. (though a compromise could have been a pause-go simultaneous-execution turn system.)

You could send forward your many tiny missile ships on a suicide mission - or you could create a fleet of large beam ships with a few medium point defense ships to support it. The possibilities for weapons combo and maneuver strategies were endless. The excitement of developing then trying a new strategy was immense.

It would be superb fun if in the next iteration of CalCiv there could be more depth to space combat. Leave rock-paper-scissors to the competition. It is the only weakness I can spot.