This game is an experience like no other, i played one game about two years ago for 12 hours with a buddy, lost, and proceeded to step away and not come back until recently. Boy am i glad i did. We started up a new campaign, and are currently 20 hours in and having a blast. The quite moment of horror when you see a notification telling you fifteen thousand units are coming to attack the planet you just claimed that has no defence on it, and the moment of pure glee when you somehow pull though that assault by the flapping remains of your trousers is an experience like no other.
It is rare for a game with a story that is merely in the background quitly there, but not really required for you to understand the game to be such an emotional rollercoaster, nor for it to instill in you love of the faction you play and hatred of the faceless AI, simply off the way the game plays out.
Steam asked me do I recommend this game, and I can wholeheartedly state that I do. If you enjoy games that make you plan and then cry as your plan crumples around you, or just enjoy RTS in general, This is a game to pickup, play, and slowly lose your time to.