Will we be able to build starbases in orbits of planets we cannot colonize -  like gas giants or even the orbits of Stars?

Well, to answer your question Wolf35Nine, I really don't think we will be able to build starbases in orbit of planets that we can't colonize. To build a starbase, you need to control a planet, it will be just like building any other structure in a gravity well.

Now, back on ENTRENCHMENT, I just can't wait for this to come out. It will add new weapon upgrades & defense platforms to the game.

And the best is yet to come because this will only be the first of 3 expansions, I am wondering what the other 2 expansions will bring to the game, your thoughts?

All I want is more info to convice me of geting it, like the new upgrades and such.

Whoa, this kind of came from left field?  I just came back from PAX and it is pretty dispointing to read this kind of negativity. The people we've been speaking with all weekend were thrilled at idea of receiving new Sins content without having waiting for another 2+ years of development and full expansion price. All we did was divide our development schedule and expansion price into three micro expansions. This is a very good thing for Sins fans. You get the same content for a lower price, with more community input, way faster...I don't see how this could possibly be a bad thing. Perhaps I am misunderstanding your comments, or purhaps you're just having a bad day, but to me if feels like throwing the 'G' word around and insinuating the price will be high and content low feels pretty uncalled for -  especially for a company that has released nearly a gig of free content within less than 7 months of release.

It is a shame, but as always the harder you try the more it seems it is not enough for some, I will look forward to the expansions and like the idea of breaking them down so as to bring them to us quicker,thanks stardock keep up the good work you will get your rewards eventualy.

Personaly I expect a certain "amount" of stuff from a expack, some are better than others but theres a "minimum level" and below that it feels like a ripoff. Thats generaly, in this specific situation I don't have enough information to decide but ill be buying it for sure. (Theres a sucker born every minuet and I'm right on time! heh).

Here is the cause of 'concern' for me: Most of the stuff in the first Mirpack is currently 'kind of' doable through modding. It requires some 'jury rigging' and the AI sucks with it ofcourse. What this means is what we are really paying for is the AI code to use the stuff (and its not like they particularly do well with turrets as it is), and possibly some special implemetations (buff types, module types and capabilites) depedning on how sophisticated they go with the design.

As I said I need more information, maybe thats not all they are doing (visable to the player at least, who would by an expack where nothing SEEMED to change but the devs assured us the back end is FAR better? lol).

TBH I would pay full price for an extended version of the engine with less limits and far more features to mod.

The people complnaing about the cost of the diplomacy mirpack (if its good anyway) are just whiners, don't listen to them.

Indeed. I mean I bought Blacksite... JUST to see HOW badly they could make a game. I reinforced a lot of things I already knew including the fact that buying a popular game engine dosn't give you a popular game lol. omg that game was horrible.

Simply put i'ts a great idea.

Usually I don't buy anything site unseen, but Ironclad has proven to be the exception to this rule. Craig you can now count me as preordered type of fanboy.

Actually, I believe its the minority that make themselves heard over the majority. Fanboyism is alive and well. (But don't take that as a wrong thing, you devs are great and all).

Other companies have been able to give away 3 units for free, and often times, more than 3.

The problem *here* is that its more than 3 units. Its additional research and abilities as well. And the full extent of this was NOT displayed properly. I suggest better wording next time, as the majority of readers would believe its just the Starbase that's new. (Seeing as its the major part of the expansion). If the devs could better describe all the features, it would be much much more helpful and well recieved. Also, a discount to those who paid for the full collectors version would help.

There's a lot of stuff involved in going retail. They have to manufacture the CDs, the boxes, ship them out to retailers.. for $10. It's not worth it to go through all that trouble for a $10 product. That's why the retail will come as a bundle of all 3 micro packs.

And IC guys, don't listen to the naysayers

These micro-expansions are basically the major parts of a later full expansion, delivered as they're developed. For those who want a "normal" expansion pack, there will be one that combines all of the micros into one box. Obviously though it won't be until after they're all done.

ill get them

Wow, I love it, new content sooner. I happen too like getting all my updates and what not online. Btw love the direction of impulse.