Age of Galaxy | first impressions and game overview

About Age of Galaxy (Second Edition), from BoardGameGeek:

Age of Galaxy is a strategic 4X game that places you in control of an interstellar alliance consisting of three factions with unique powers. You can explore systems, colonize planets, research technologies, build galactic cruisers, and much more. You have many potential paths to victory based on how your factions work together and the main ideology of your alliance. The five ideologies: Supporters of Science commit themselves to lifelong research on new technologies, convinced that knowledge is the only way forward. Upholders of Militarism are merciless aggressors who conquer by might, regarding wars as a means to an end. Keen adopters of Diplomacy prioritize relations between factions, acting tactfully while competing to become the head of the Congress. Factions that value Industrialism undertake ambitious construction schemes to turn planets into highly-developed cities and industrial complexes. As for factions that advocate Culturalism, they take pride in cultivating spiritual and cultural growth, always curious about the insights the mysterious "relics" might offer. Faction cards can be played in multiple ways, with players either integrating them into their empire or sacrificing them for one-time benefits through agreements. More than thirty factions are included in the game. This second edition of Age of Galaxy introduces an enhanced solo mode, new graphic design, and improved components to enrich the gameplay experience.