I am interested in getting this game but I am not sure how frequently I would be able to play it with others. Does this play single player? If so, how good is it?
single player?
By the rules, no, but I've played a single player campaign. Its more fun than playing Chess against yourself. I find it is great for testing.
I have tested some missions playing two-handed solo and it was more fun than I thought. (Play as-if a side mission with certain XP and credits and influence, then perform upgrade stages.)
There are also
https://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/1464659/redjaks-automated-imperial-variant-raiv-v1
https://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/1500314/redjaks-automated-emperor-variant-v2
And there are also Play By Forum campaigns in Boardgamegeek...