I like the look of the space backgrounds. Black backgrounds are nice but sometimes you want that little extra umph and it does have it. Special kudos goes to teh graphics artist for teh planets. love em'.
The effect on jumping is also well done as is the ship design. So far so really good. First engagement with a pirate ship was ok but the hits to the shield could not be seen unless I was almost looking dead on at the front of my ship. The shield lighting up was not visible from the back or side until you were within about 45 degrees (best guess) of facing the front of the ship. The audio for the weapons also need more *umphf* (Nexus is a good example of the audio style needed. Not exact of course but just to give an example.) While these 2 were battling II sent my second escort (??) to also engage the pirate ship. When the 2nd ship arrived I had it move to the same location of teh first ship and they made short work of the pirate ship. I noticed the pirate ship had sparks eminating from the ship and was a nice effect but it also consisted of smoke. Debries is need and I see it will be added but the smoke looks out of place. Perhaps in it's place you can alter the color and motion to make it look like a plasma leak. Just an idea anyway. The final destruction was nice but I can't wait to see the debries added.
Next is ship movement. I like the ship speeds and they really haul butt. I have not gone through teh tutorial some forgive me if I am missing something. When my ship was fighting the pirate ship they just sat there pummeling each other. Are there any manuver orders when in combat? I also noticed when I gave an order to one ship and another of my ships was in teh way it would constantly "push" the other ship, which would "slide sideways" until it was out of the way.
these are just observations and something to consider. So for teh first 10 minute observation I can see this looks to be a pretty good game. Keep up the great work.

Chip