You know that first screen in M.U.L.E., where you're trying to hit the trigger/spacebar to get a good plot, and deciding where the good plots are at the same time? That's the pace of this game most of the way through. I guess its like MULE and Starcraft had a baby, maybe.
By the way, if you're looking for a blast from the past, planetmule.com has a remake of MULE.