The first Endless Space was magnificent and gorgeous and this one is even more so. There is more depth to this than the Civilization series in a few ways, like unit customization and battle tactics, and it ends up taking more effort to understand and play. I would also say that a game in Endless Space 2 will last much longer than one in Civ 5, which isn't so bad until your opponent gets a win from behind right before you can claim victory.

10/10 - would get my soul crushed after a 20-hour game again.