well my impressions are simple really, the game is amazing!  i waited for the update to the gold before i started playing and i am blown away, its just about everything i wanted.  it runs great(getting a bit of screen tearing, no biggie tho), it looks fabulous.  i have played it for about an hour now, and everything is coming together excellently.  I LOVE THE NEW UI.  i can't express this enough.  my only gripe is that i have to go to sleep at some point.  tomorrow(er well, later on today), the day 0 patch hits and its going to be christmas all over again. 

stardock folks, please take some time off and get some rest.  you have earned it.  the future looks so bright for this game, i can't wait to see where the elemental road takes us.  thanks again for a great game!