Pike's List of The Top Ten Strategy/Tactics Games of All Time

[Slothy]

Automate all of your terraformers.

[Pike]

Watch out for mindworms and for getting backstabbed. Whilst you can usually play through other 4X games through pure diplomacy, there will be war in SMAC whether you want it or not (usually when you aren't ready for it)

[Slothy]

I am always ready for war in SMAC because war is the only victory condition I care about.

[Madame Adequate]

Something to be aware of with SMAC is that despite not having unique units or anything, the factions all play very differently, much more than in most 4x games. Take a look through each one and think about your usual playstyle, then match them up and play to your strengths.

[Dignified Pauper]

Crusader Kings II might be one of the best "inventive" narrative games ever. Every time I play, something absolutely absurd happens... I mean, EVERYTIME. It's AMAAAAAAZING.