The district system, the governor system, and the diplomacy economy, while technically interesting, added too much complexity. I think the purest expression of the game is a semi-casual strategy game with emergent story telling properties. I think 5 did that the best.

6 added some interesting QoL improvements and innovated in some unique ways (civ specific music, which was great, geographical features being named, the age mechanic, policy tech tree with insights) but it tries to do too much.

I personally think 5 is the best expression of the franchise. The hex based system added a touch of strategic/tactical complexity which elevated the importance of terrain, but keeps the core systems relatively easy to understand with room to master.

This is the best take on Section 31 - that it's actually copaganda xD

Hans Zimmer really pulls that movie together with his score. In his live concert he has flashing lights blinking against a giant disco ball which is spinning so that you are almost transported into the movie, passing through space and time. Incredibly moving.

I loved this in Jedi Survivor. It gives a concrete sense of progression and accomplishment. Also gives some solid foundation for off mission side quests/map exploration.

What!? Like in the intermediary steps? I mostly only build SW sets but haven't encountered that. I just picked up the Acclimator Cruiser though so I'll have to see...