Play of game...
I've played both beta 1 and 2 many times, and have some general comments
Some of the posts I've seen seem to miss several key points of the game, that later in the game pirates (marauders) do attack everywhere, not just your systems, but your opponents. I think it happens when you reach a point in your development where you encourage disruptions in other economies. Your opponents, imho, have already reached that phase and the baddy's are after me. Most of the times you can build up your planets defenses to ward them off. I have been surprised to find destroyed systems late in the game, and know, without a doubt, that it's because marauders were there before me and wiped out one of my opponents strongholds.
On another matter, I have seen posters indicate that they can win easily after a few hours of play. Not my experience. I've played for over 6 hours and still lost the game. And I have lost capital ships too, but not quite as easily as I did in beta 1.
Things I like about beta 2 over 1 >
Limiting your military fleet size means you need to manage your forces better, and not merely win because you outnumber your opponents fleet size -- which I saw in beta 1. I like the point system for frigate/cruiser breakdowns versus capital ships too.
Overall all, I like the interplay with economy, combat improvement needs, etc., and I enjoy occasionally actually taking part in a battle. For the most part however, I take a fleet commander point of view and seldom get involved, instead looking at statistical relevance of fleet size and make up before I enter into battle, and watching my ships strengths and weaknesses as the battle develops. The game shows real promise.
I tend to play the game with limited resources set up, and no flagships. That way we're all on generally the same equal footing -- having to start from scratch and manage resources as we go along.
Things I don't like...
The time it takes to play the game is far too long, and the pace is too slow. It takes 'forever' to get a fleet 3 or 4 jump planets away, and the antimatter build up time is too slow... I guess that's the operative expression -- too slow. Even a small galaxy developed against 3 or 4 opponents required over 10 hours of play once the pirates started taking on my planets too. And sending aid was just too slow. If I wanted to change anything it would be distance travel time would decrease. I can't imagine playing a large galaxy game structure.
I have seen some posts which seem to indicate my time will be well spent on other matters, but don't know what that might be yet.
Ulsio
