Possibly one of the best space based 4x games around. Manageable concepts, storylines, branching mechanics , truly inhuman characters and a lilting soundtrack. The base game alone will provide you with many hours play, before you go into multiplayer. A steepish learning curve helped by a simple resource base that allows others to follow you in - and openly competitive wars that don't rely on Doomstacks. Sneak, Hack, Atrophy, Convert or Absorb your opponent instead of Zergrush - though kekeke is still a possibility.
Flaws: Each race will take time to get used to - what works perfectly for one will kill you with another.
Some of the races powerplays can be frustrating to fight around, but there will be a way.

Overall: A good investment, solid play, no dull mid game and more meaningful choice than Mass Effect 3.