a link would be nice please.

Actually, it's just the same genre as GalCiv and MOO2, yes it has 3D ish graphics but they are very different from GalCiv2, so it has similarities yes.

also look here at the preview from gamespot: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/swordofthestars/news.html?sid=6153570 it says the developers are veterans of Homeworld and Ground Control

Besides being in the same genere, it doesn't really look all that similar.

I've been looking at this game for a while, and it does have a couple neat features such as randomly generated parts of the tech tree and different types of momvement for each race. That said, it looks to be a bit more focussed on multiplayer than I'd prefer, and the AI sounds like it will be nothing special. It' s a new company, so it will be interesting to see how well the execution turns out. If it turns out ok, then it might be worth checking out.

been following that game as well for some time. it has more tactical aspects than GC2 (detailed attention to ship battle mechanics), whereas its strategic elements are somewhat abstracted (no individual planetary buildings, just overall sliders for 'infrastructure' and 'terraforming' etc).

it also uses a different approach when it comes to alien identities... whereas GC2 follows the traditional formula of having lots of highly customizable races that are mainly differentiated by plus and minus attributes, SotS focuses on only four races, and extensively differentiate each one of them qualitatively as well, such as mode of travel (very interesting variety, mind you) and special/restricted technologies. Also, each of the four races have amazingly indepth and believable racial profile & history.

i don't find much info abt the level of complexity of the AIs. the wiki site mentions abt AI awareness & adverse reaction to betrayals, even those that occur to other civs. And of course, more complex AI is expected to be involved in tactical battles.

plagiarism? IMO as pointed above, these two games follow very different approach despite sharing the same genre - although SotS also can be considered as partially RTS/RTT.

Is there some sort of system for strip-mining planets?

I damn near dropped my jaw when the scene involving what looked like the atmosphere of a planet being siphoned off by some capital ships briefly appeared in the trailer.

EDIT: lol disregard, I was thinking of "Sins of a Solar Empire"

Is there some sort of system for strip-mining planets?

yep... when you discover a planet, other than colonizing it you can also choose to gradually strip mine it for resources... useful if that planet's climate is too hazardous for your race's preferences.

looks like fun. it's not GCII, they're completely different games... this has more of a Moo/reach for the stars "ish" look to it. Should be a fun distraction in the wait for dark avatar .

Hmm, are there vids of it somewhere? or am i missing something... where did u guys read about the strip mining and what not?