I've completed the game with all races, and United Empire and Sophonos are by far the worst. UE is better mostly because of the +20% Dust and increased hull health.



I don't feel you can REALLY get ahead on weapons, and their research, although you got a +45% bonus, does not feel like it compared to the other races. I dive with all races, but it does not feel like Sophonos does that any better, even with +45%.

Ironically I find them pretty much the easiest to play with (though not tried Hissho yet).



Their tech means you can really get ahead on weapons, making small fleets of big + advanced ships. And once you've played a few times you know your favourite techs to drive for. I don't see why having to build super advanced buildings that give you bonuses is a penalty?



Maybe I haven't played the other races enough .