Oh, perhaps the biggest reason I enjoy it is...

Turn-based!!

I like RTS, but I really enjoy turn-based strategy.

<t> it's realitive ease of play mostly. I've played a few 4X games. My first was Birth of the Federation.<br/>
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RFTS is really uncluttered, though the "wings" in the game are obstructive at times,no overwelming amount of charts and spreadsheets. Good AI also.<br/>
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Also, RFTS actually ...

I bought RFTS when it was released in 2000. Then lost the game while moving.

I then ordered GalCiv, then looked for RFTS.

I'm glad it's been re-released. I enjoyed it very much.

Took me awhile to find Matrixgames. The search was worth it.