This was a fun update. I really fiddled in the guts on this one and things should be running a lot faster in a number of different areas. Plus, I fixed some things that I think have been broken for a long while. For example, check out how ships fire their cannons now. They come out of the wings and such now--much more visually pleasing.

• Overhauled system for loading assets. Game loads much faster now.
• Optimized the strategy maps idle computations to reduce late game lag
• Optimized the end of turn processing to reduce hiccups when the turn button is pressed
• Subspace projectors now have graphics on the strategy map
• Substantially increased projectile speeds for lasers and disruptors to make them more exciting. I will probably update other cannons in the coming days as I work through them.
• Overhauled visual fx for ships taking damage and leaking fire and plasma into space
• Need to go through all ships
• Overhaul ship shooting fx so ships create projectiles from sensible locations on their hulls
• The AI will no longer use the expansion pack ship hulls, to keep something special for the player
• Fixed Russian localization problems
• Fixed UI scaling issue affecting widescreen setups
• Fixed an issue where event popups could sometimes appear to have no choices due to a scrolling error
• Fixed a problem with the Avnar Minor Race event, where not all discussion options resulted in the proper outcome

• Turn-based 4x strategy, featuring real-time tactical space combat and turn-based ground combat.
  
• Build a space empire turn by turn in an immersive, living galaxy filled with 9 alien races, pirate factions, galactic lore and mystery.
  
• Hire unique heroes to govern your worlds or to command your mighty fleets in battle.
  
• Populate the universe and colonize planets, moons, asteroid belts, gas giants, and more!
  
• Research hundreds of technologies, including technologies that are unique to your race. Find even more technologies through in-game events and galactic exploration.
  
• Build your own ships in the custom ship design mode and take them into real-time battles featuring stunning visuals and sound effects.
  
• Enter a Battle Arena mode for quick-fix battles against cunning AI opponents. In this mode, you will earn rewards as you fight through the challenges, allowing you to unlock new weapons, ship hulls, and ship modules to upgrade your ships and to purchase new ships to add to your fleet.
  
• Created with the Unity engine for simultaneous release on PC, Mac and Linux.

• OS: Ubuntu 12.04 (64-bit)
• Processor: 2.5 Ghz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 or equivalentMemory: 4 GB RAM
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1 GB nVidia Geforce GT460 or equivalent. 500 MB ATI HD4850 or equivalentNetwork: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Minimum Resolution: 1366 x 768

• OS: Ubuntu 14.10 (64-bit)
• Processor: 3.5 Ghz Intel Core i5 or equivalentMemory: 8 GB RAM
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1 GB nVidia Geforce GTX660 or equivalent. 1 GB ATI HD7850 or equivalentNetwork: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Minimum Resolution: 1366 x 768