I love Sins, but the game play feels somewhat limited to me (very combat-focused, movement around the maps feels very constricted to me). Maybe it's because I've just been playing it for so long, idk. I also don't like the fact that it minidumps on me whenever I try to have 4 or more players or more than like, 40 planets in a game.

I'm looking for a space-empire game that has a bit more freedom of movement so it actually feels like you're exploring a galaxy, and maybe one that doesn't focus 75% on combat like Sins does. I've given Endless Space a try but I'm a bit mixed on that atm, not sure I'm really into turn-based games in general (I've tried Civ games as well, didn't really care for them).

I gave Star Ruler a try a while ago but I remember thinking it was a bit obtuse. I might give that one another look though. Does anyone have any other suggestions?