Looks interesting, I am presuming those planets are planets with atmospheres, that why they have the blue hue around them?
I must say I like the orbital rings in the current one I am sure it will be this version but fr some reason make it easier for me to visualise the planets, don't ask me why. <smile>
Looks like the fire is in the belly for version two which is great.
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On ideas for v2
One thing I would love to see in version two is more diplomacy options, alliances, truces, force AI to truce with at war factions, etc.
I think this would add great additions to aurora, it would not be just blast everything off the face galaxy but may have you working with races, to achieve goals.
PS
Steve I have some 3D skills in Maya and worked on mods in the past and present, so if you need anything mocked up in 3D for an images or 3D usage, just ask I be happy to help in anyway I can. I attached a couple of samples, on stuff I am working on at the moment.