Here's another thread where someone asked the same thing. I think the answers are still pretty relevant.

The short answer is that it depends. The game has problems, but it's pretty playable. If you can deal with that while the devs work to fix it, then it's probably worth a buy.

If you prefer to wait until it's been polished up, then you should wait. *Eventually* you should buy it though, it's going to be a great game.

Well personally i like being part of the process of helping and watching the game develop. I have been with elemental since before beta 1 and have been enjoying the entire time. For me Stardock games are a journey not just an end product. I think the game is really good as is but am looking forward to it becoming great as time passes. It still has bugs but the Stardock team is quickly killing them (3 patches in 3 days). But will all that said if someone has to ask if they should buy it i would recommend they wait. i feel at this point it is really only for the most hardcore fans but given a month maybe the polish will be there for all.

Wait 5-6 months or maybe a significant price cut. It has the potential to be a fun little game; however right now it has a "my first game" quality to it.

FR

Nowadays I think the biggest reason you would want to buy a game close to release date is to get a leg up in the online community.  I don't think that looks to apply here.