I am not sure if I like this game or not. But I don't think I have played it enough that I can form a solid opinion on it or not. I do know that I have never won a game of it yet which might be coloring my opinion a tad.
One thing I do know is that I don’t like how the point scoring works. With the command points accruing throughout the game. I much prefer the way points are awarded in Twilight Imperium – based on objectives.
With that in mind I propose the following variant:
Whichever player reaches 15 conquest points first wins the game.
Receive conquest points equal to the number of Conquest Point Territories that your faction controls. You retain these points only as long as you control these areas. If you lose control of the area you lose the points. If you build a base on the territory you double the conquest value of the territory.
If, at any time, you achieve your special victory condition you receive 4 Conquest points. Once received, these points may never be lost. You may only qualify for your special victory objective once per game.
You receive conquest points for completing the following objectives. Each may be only qualified for once per game.
This round I eliminated a faction from the game – 4 conquest points.
This round I destroyed another faction’s only remaining base – 2 conquest points.
I control the most areas on the board – minimum 7 – 2 Conquest Points
I control more areas containing minerals and/or gas than any other player on the board. - 2 Conquest points.
I have 3 bases on the board – 2 Conquest Points
I now spend 10 Gas – 2 Conquest Points
I now spend 10 Minerals – 2 Conquest Points
I control every area in at least 2 different planets – 3 Conquest Points
These are just off of the top of my head. To take the variant further one could make many more objectives and randomize them taking it even further in the direction of TI3.
Feedback is welcome.