Been playing on and off since 2012. Decided to try the free version with the steam release.
The free version is ok, but the game needs at least one expansion to unlock its potential.
The initial expansions have the highest discount every time there's a sale, so I'd definitely get that if you can.

Do you like building cities?
Do you like space?
Do you enjoy flying in space?
Do you like not having a life?
Do you like tower defense? (soon)

Then this is a game for you!

Definitely one of the best RTS games. While not historically accurate, it strove to be as much as possible and I enjoyed it.
Also you must never forget how do you turn this on.

A remake of the OG, done not by Valve. Great for nostalgic people.

The very first RTS game that I played back in the day. Playing it again in HD really bring back memories.
The game aged quite well, the strategy aspect will never get old.
The steam workshop spiced everything up.
The creativity of some people is off the charts, take a look at the 256x mod. It can change the game altogether.
If you like RTS you'll enjoy this game, it's totally worth it.

There are too many mods that steal your time for this game.
However I don't find that time as wasted time ;)

The game is fantastic, even after this many years.

You get a plethora of choices and different ways to start the game via the origin story, after which the game collapses in the regular story.

A lot of different choices, either good or bad, that will affect the ending and the way the DLCs will work.

The choices can also be imported to the sequel games (DA2 and DAI) making it your own story over an entire franchise.

If you love RPGs and haven't played this game yet I would ask you to crawl out of the rock you are under and see the world for what it is.