I would actually rank this ahead of Civ4, I am a HUGE civ fan, but this game is fun all the way through!
I just had a game on chellenging. Only Me (Terrans), and two other races. I was allied with one, while the other controlled about 70% influence on the map. Found 6 rangers in a short timespan, and the unallied race declared war upon us. After years of fighting us allies held our ground. until the massive ships that the enemy was hiding just ran us over. Wow, i've never seen so many large ships in a fleet lol. Next time, there is always next time.
It seems that influence>war, but war can be a quick way to kill off a civilization.
I think the random events really make this game, without themit would be a little less fun. But i will tell you this, after nine hours of playing a single game, i am never bored throughout the whole game.
Nice job stardock!