I read all the negative press on this game. I still bought the game and have a few words of wisdom.

1) 4X games are usally not perfect out of the box. the concept is so difficult to code the developers need the user community to help make game choices and help balance out the issues.

2) 4X games usally take more then one start to understand the information displayed and how the interface works. They can be frustrating to learn.

3) 4X games have so many ways to play, that not ever way ends up in a fun experience.

4) If 4X games were so easy to create the genre would have more titles being developed.

My fist experience with a 4X game was back in 1982 with a C64 and it took me the better part of a week to figure out the game mechanics, and even that game was patched after release. So Yes, there are issues with the current version 1.06 but it's still playable. I don't use the battle mode because there is no withdrawl at this time, so I just use the resolve mode similar to Civ4. I have a 400+ turn game going and no crashes. I would not reccommend doing the campaign, just keep starting a new game until you get use to the interface and some of the game mechanics. Make just you start on a large map to buy time while learning. I am still learning the game and can't wait for new patches that squash bugs and add/fix game play.

 If you like to play a game that is immersive as Civilzation but more interting at it's core then get this game and sit back and enjoy what Stardock has done and will do for the first year.