I am proof that you are correct about a couple things. The reason I say that was you first mention the price at $45. I also thought that was a bit expensive. Then you also mention the release of other games and funny you said Armada 2526. Reason being is because just last night, I was deciding which game to buy out of EoS and Armada. I did choose Armada, not a big difference at $5 less for the download but it was a very small part in my deciding factor. It was so close that even a small part made a big difference, almost like just a few extra jabs in a boxing match that comes down to a decision and that slightly lower price was a few extra jabs. Then again, I truely feel I could have not went wrong with either game but I did choose Armada first. This said, I don't think it matters too much because I will buy EoS too, maybe before this weekend is up. It does come across as a modern version of Empire but after playing the demo, it seems worlds better. I am sure I will post an "i got it!" thread here when i get it
Oh and I would love to see some AARs with images, they done this when Advanced Tactics was released and that tore everyone off the fence that was deciding to buy or not and not one person had regrets for buying it. Don't know if anyone remembers the developer (Brad Wardell) of Galactic Civilizations I posting AARs up before the game was released. We were just waiting to snatch that game the moment it came out like free chocolate cake and when we got it we LOVED it! So I love reading AARs.