I played IG II many years ago and it was fantastic!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperium_Galactica_II
Recently I was introduced to GCII and Dark Avatar (beta). Both were great games too. However, after playing for a few times with different challenge setting, I got bored. Took me just one month (playing about 2 hrs each day) to get completely bored with it.
Perhaps it's just me. I found that the game is pretty much focus on strategy in general and not much in the tactical actions that can be manipulate by the player. The space and ground battles are "static".
In these areas, I urge Stardock look at Imperium Galactica II space and ground battles. In fact, they should also look at how IG II did their "planet colonization" (i.e. placing of planet buildings/resources).
GC II is already there with its strategy/AI of the game, ship building and 3D space map. If it includes IG II space and ground battles, it will be the perfect game for me.
I prefer more re-playability of varies part of the game than just statistical monitoring of outcome most of the time in the game. Do you agree?