It adds depth to the Vassal system but you could do with the updated vanilla version if you do not particullary care about the subjugation mechanics

One of the better species packs, real flavour and unique feelings in all of the content (civics, origins, traits...). Reccomed it as a top species pack pick.

It is good to see that the developers are still trying to add more flavor to the game by more unique species packs. The aquatics are even a step above the necroids, and they provide beautiful ships and really fun origins.

Fun campaign mechanics, Taurox faction easily one of the most powerful of all the factions, nice addition overall.

A real treat, nice to play the bad guy for a change, great mechanics to make you feel like you are ending the world. Espionage adds much wanted infiltration mechanics which gives life to interspacial relations. Custodian and Galactic Emperor also presents a great way to dominate the too trusting galactic states.

Fun game, not a lot of content after a few hours of play. Best part is the price

Beautiful ship design, advisor also good, but the new origin is not much fun. The civics can be fun but mostly don't offer any advantages in gameplay, just a cool feature which actually, if taken, takes up space for something useful. A solid species pack, definitely better than humanoid or fungoid, but not as good as the lithoids.

Corporate authority is a great addition for governments, making the game even more diverse. The added megastructures are also stunning, upgrading the already fabulous experience of megastructures. The ecumenopoli, slave trade and caravaneers add depth to the galaxy. Still, feels like space capitalism could have been better implemented, since corporate empires still largely develop in the same way non-corporates do.

Great addition to the politics of Stellaris. The mechanics in federations open up a a range of possibilities for diplomatic players and add interesting twists through the use of your diplomatic weight in the galactic community. All in all, a must have.

Battles with the leviathans and rewards to be gained add a special feel in a usually politically dominated atmosphere of a strategy game. Being a space monster hunter adds a witchery element in your space adventure and makes it all the more engaging. Still, more of these would have been preferable since they become repeatable soon enough and their rewards are more used for bragging rights and self-satisfaction than actual in-game (notable) benefit.