Scrangle

I read in some other topic an avatar saying that you dont pay until the game is availible when you pre-order. Does that mean that i can, anytime i want, send in my payment and when it is recieved start download the game?

If i pre-order "electronic". Will i get the game before it gets to the retail stores or will it be released at the same time? EDIT: Another Q. I've played Gal Civ but i would like to ask how many races there are in Gal Civ 2, couldn't find it in the manual, thanks in advance.