Gameplay itself will have to wait a bit more
(sorry if my English goes berserk sometimes, it's not my native language)
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Installing/Launching/Updating the game:
+ no installation, just unarchive and play (on GNU/Linux)
+ launching is very quick, less than a couple seconds to reach the main menu is a very appreciable comfort
+ updating is very quick too, and well integrated
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Main menu:
+ background image is beautiful
+ animation is nice without being "too much"
+ font is readable (I play with a 1280x1024 resolution on a 17' screen) and "on topic"
(- the social network buttons in the lower left corner looks out of place
You should remove them and add a "Go to website" button in the menu itself, keeping the social networking options on the website itself.)
fixed in update 0.28!
+ settings are well described and are enough to my taste
+ fading when going back to the menu from the game is a nice touch, adding more comfort
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Factions choice:
+ when choosing for the first time, the maluses/bonuses are easy to understand
+ quotes are well written and help you feel the facion agenda
(- no voice acting for the quotes when choosing a faction.
I know you don't have the budget for put voice acting everywhere, but on this place I felt like something was missing.)
partially fixed in 0.28, hopefully totally fixed in the next update
+ avatars for Divine Ascencion, Imperium and Solar Dynasty look nice
- avatars for Noxium Corporation, Terra Salvum and Togra University feel too generic.
Remember Alpha Centauri: you can say that Provost Zakharov is the leader of a scientific faction just by looking at his picture.
Faction leaders need strong features, they're not your everyday citizen.
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Game options (world size/shape, difficulty, alien aggression)
+ options are clear and well described
- random difficulty seems useless
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Advanced game options
+ "advanced" but easy to understand
+ enouch control on the game creation without being lost with too much options
- no description of the victory condition.
You should add a short description of each (economic, military and research) when your mouse cursor goes over it.
+ the possibility to set different bonuses to different AI players is a nice addition
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Intro movie
+ very nice graphics
+ atmospheric music
- lack of voice acting over the written sentences
Here is the second place voice acting is missing and would add a lot to the willing to immerse oneself in the game.
In-game voice acting (research, diplomacy, etc.) are secondary, and can be avoided.
But pre-game voice acting is what makes me even more willing to jump into the game before it has even begun.
. They all look too young...