My thoughts.
Story
The addition of Mars being destroyed ups the ante and delivers the message that the humans are in big trouble. I like the change.
It would be funny that if in their attempt to defeat the Scryve the humans create/release something far worse. Or maybe they become something worse.
Creatures
Like the look of them, wish there were more. But I understand that development resources are finite.
Why does the rare Huthim have a mustache?
Planets
7 planet classes would be an acceptable number for me. If you manage to have 9 even better.
Planet exploration
My only request is that resources not be represented as floating glowing cubes or spheres.
Starbases
Will starbases have different inventories?
Can we buy back parts that we have sold?