Forced truce game play mechanic has left me with the feeling that this Endless universe is controlled by something much greater than the empires that populate it. Fighting protracted wars with the four families has resulted in several forced truces being imposed. Now on the face of it this seems unfair to have no say in this whatsoever, yet it has resulted in an interesting long game. I had to use free move to get to my star systems that had been cut off through influence rules. Then I had to bide my time preparing an invasion to take a much contested star system. This seems very unfair, but it made me think of ways around this political dilemma. The other uncomfortable truth is that the endless space has a GOD.  Factions can make unrelenting war but  must concede to some underlying force that suspends conflict for 15 turns. A cool down period if you like, where warring parties could reassess their options. I have wrote in a post that this feature has to go. It is an intriguing concept that needs to be explained in the game world. Empire senates could not enforce this type of concept. An institution like the United Nations could not enforce this policy. That leaves some greater power. A desperate race would not concede an advantage without some serious repercussions, what are they and who initiates them are questions that this game would need to explain. It could be part of a more intricate end game scenario. I am now at turn 190. Confined, and isolated from the galaxy I am just holding on. I have at last broke the four families hold on my populations. Now I must consolidate and explore. The forced truces brought me to a realization that perpetual war was not helping anyone, except the war machine.

This mechanic needs explaining

This mechanic needs a choice option, agree or not.

What compels the player with a clear advantage to agree to it?

Other issues that I am unsure of.

Ground invasion ought not be allowed to commence until all defence fleets have been eliminated. I had several instances where my ark were lost as a result of ground invasion yet I had three fleets in the system and on guard duty. How can you invade a planet whilst fleets are protecting it?

After losing influence I pushed back yet all I get is a neutral influence line around my empire. This has lasted for thirty turns with no explanation as to when my empire will regain its full influence.

Bug issues encountered

Battle arena does not always initiate when combat begins. The 3D environment doesn't start. Campaign map is shown whilst battle is playing. This issue is rare but has happened at least three times during 200 turn play through.

Minor issues noted.

Gas planets with rings around them have a line through their equator.

Hero ship design screen needs to show empire dust available. Also text "Ship Design" is partly off screen.

No crashes reported.

Fantastic game with so much potential.  Makes you think and draws the player into it 's rich game world.  No doubt about this becoming the best $X space game on the market.  Played most others and this really works.  More artwork and immersion along with solid game play AI will make this game of the year in it's class.  Well done Amplitude.

I don't think forced truce was intended to be such an external imposition, it is just a very botched attempt at presenting a sort of war exhaustion. The problem is, the other side decides when to take advantage of that exhaustion. So it is inevitable that it is seen as external in origin and enforced by some divine intervention.

Appeals to divine authorities are completely unwelcome in a science fiction setting. Flying spaghetti monster, you say? Let's see how well it holds up to my massed fleets with lasers and long range battle plan... :D

if you are interested i made some edited files that allow declaration of war during truce (this will stop any reparation that could be payed to you) on the mod section ;)

The devs responded in the main thread about this, the system is being reworked to allow for either party to propose, either party to refute and to have consequences each way. It's all good now.