I don't like the classification of these types of games as RTSes, not because they aren't "real-time" or strategy, but just because it's misleading.  Games like Stardrive and Distant Worlds are not what most people would think of as RTSes.  They are continuous-time versions of games like the MoO or GalCiv series.  I think it's akin to calling the Europa Universalis games or Crusader Kings 2 "RTS"es.  Stardrive and Distant Worlds are more like "Europa Universalis in space."  And that type of game is more often played:

1. Pause the game to organize build queues, create ship designs, engage in diplomacy, choose research priorities, etc.
2. Unpause game and sit back (while optionally accelerating time) to watch the clockwork world/universe play out your choices.
3. Pause game again when something new requires your attention.  This may not be for several minutes without accelerating time.

In contrast, an RTS usually keeps the player constantly busy.  Personally, I can't stand RTSes, but I love EU/CK2/DW/Stardrive.  They're very different animals.

Well, i like to be constantly busy, but in a more relaxed manner of Sins, rather than frantic pace of old-school RTS games like StarCraft.

Interesting thing with this pause/unpause and watch approach. I suppose i will have to get used to it.

Well, I haven't played Stardrive much yet, so I don't know how well it's come together so far.

I've been playing the StarDrive game. I will say two things:

(1) game has potential for sure and I am looking forward to the release;

(2) I have put the beta into "storage" for time being.

The main reason for #2 is really quite simply a user interface issue that I am really believing must be updated by release: a big part of the game is designing ships to counter enemy ships: you can partially zoom in on enemy ships to see what they have got but 'partially' is the key operative word: you can't really get a big zoom in so that guys like me with so-so eyestrain cannot really make out what the enemy ship has got: teenagers undoubtedly could.

So you can calibrate to see if my review counts for you:

5 stars: Gal Civ 2, SotS 1, Armada 2526, SINS (aka SotSE, I think)

4 stars: Endless Space,

2 stars: SotS2,  Star Ruler, Distant Worlds

Never played: Legends of Pegasus, Gemini Wars,

I agree that these games shouldn't be called "RTS's". I prefer them to be called "Empire Builder" games.

Isn't it out, now?  General reactions of anybody who has played it, is in this forum?

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Same with me. But then again, i have not played anything else beyond Sins and StarDrive. No SotS, Legends of Pegasus, Endless Space, etc... they are all turn-based i think and i like my games real-time. Not to mention, each of the other games had other flaws, be it hardcore mechanics or shit presentation....

Anyway, i finally got a grasp of how economy works (way more complex than Sins, but now i got the basics, its does not feel as confusing as before), designed my first cruiser and currently prepping army for invasion. Just need to research the troop invasion related stuff and the Vulfen are going to pay!

I bought the beta of Stardrive and didn't like it. Luckiy since it was through Steam and still in beta they gave me refund credit. The pacing of the whole game just feels wrong to me and I didn't like it all really. There's some decent concepts in it, but it's no MoO and it's damn sure no Gal Civ. My advice to anyone is unless you really think Stardrive looks that good then stay away from it. I didn't enjoy it.