after playing another couple of games one thing i'd LOVE to have added is the capability to set an approval percentage *instead* of a tax percentage (meaning the ability to choose one or the other). The tax percentage floats to keep the approval rating about the same. This decreases micro-management.

it would be nice if the core ships could just be templates. Additionally it would be nice if you could define a core ship so that the engines automatically upgrade.

Yes the engine would be great.

more on espionage.

I'm playing my first game where I went all in on espionage points, including super spy.

I can see where you could use espionage (as its currently implemented) to retard the growth of a neighbor to out grow them and conquer them as you see fit. If it was tweaked to actually make that strategy viable, i think it might help in making a case for espionage. So perhaps:

bonus scout ship(s) for taking super spy for finding that neighbor.

all homeworlds viewable on galactic map at start.

reduce the costs of spys more so you can 'safely' invest in them before and maybe even during the cash crash.

I say that speed should be a factor in ship battles. What is the point of speed if you can't use it in a battle?

My short list (off the top of my head) is as follows:
1. Tactical Combat (ship and troop)
2. Carriers
3. The option to set bonus titles % based on planet & type
4. Manly star bases - I want to fear them!
5. A highly developed subterfuge system
6. Minor race tech trees and unique attributes
7. A Minor race "league of nonaligned worlds" with decisions like the UP

Thats a major event in GC1, for the league of non-aligned worlds.

Join the alliance of new players. See the alliance of new posters for details.