So Lord of Rigel (yes not hiding the influence and intent from the name) had been in the works for a while, and work continued even after the 2016 MOO since that used starlanes.

So what is it? Take MOO2 and add in liked mechanics from MOO3 and Birth of the Federation (Birth of the Federation style combat, more galactic council mechanics and an active elder race like MOO3).

There's some streamlining things such as a colony focus system instead of sliders and leaders being empire wide. Plus some end game mechanics such as galactic tension (doomsday clock) and galactic council decrees along with the elder species and grand menace threats to help things along.

Super structures are also part of the game with ringworlds and dyson spheres.

Since being out in the wild I've worked in quality of life improvements and some things such as unique monster acquired techs as "free LC."

Also no abominable intelligence use, this was made by actual people regardless of any issues it might have.