Well, thanks for the bunch iof suggestions folks - made a list in my book of all the games, but I think I'll start by seeing whats on offer on the next bunch of sales and go from there.

+1 to you all!

Oho, I need to replay that series.

The simple truth of the matter is that there are very few sci-fi RPGs and even less that are not hybrids in some fashion like Mass Effect.

Hello,

there is a open world Scifi themed fps/rpg hybrid named Precursors. You can even fly your own space ship or drive around in cars, fight in mechs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40vtzJ5IjPE. It is quite fun. http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-PREC/precursors

Have a nice day

i played the original incarnation on my iPod, and it was amazing. the most expensive app ive ever bought (w/ expansions) next to FF3, but completely worth it.
ive been wanting to play the Full HD on a pc for a while, but they still have 2 expansion to give the Full HD experience to, and ive been considering actually ordering an actual disc copy once they are all complete (who knows how long itll take em).
definitely want to play this one on a big screen with a real controller.

ive beaten it on extreme several times, and i love it. its like wing commander privateer for space dog fighting + that drug wars game on calculators for the trading aspect.
tons of different ships throughout all the expansions, and great weapons a few you have to build bit by bit.

the iPod version has a demo, not sure on the full HD probably though. the starter ships arent as manuverable til you get thrusters added on.

Apparently Squenix just announced something like this - Star Galaxy

http://stargalaxy.jp/

its times like this that make me wish i could read Japanese.

thanks for the link!

I really enjoyed Star Wars: Empire at War. You'll probably be able to buy the Gold Edition for about 5 bucks at the upcoming Steam Christmas sale.

Theres Freespace 1&2 (Excellent games) here on GOG :

http://www.gog.com/gamecard/freespace_expansion

http://www.gog.com/gamecard/freespace_2

Theres also the Descent games also available here on GOG, they link on the bottom right of the Freespace games so won't put the links up here.

Theres also Tachyon The Fringe available direct from Novalogic or from Steam :

http://store.steampowered.com/app/32760/

Have these 3 games and love them. Tachyon is one of my all time favourites. These 3 games are actually easier to get in to than the X series so quite literally pick up and play.

Dunno if this got mentioned or not but I saw it today and its free!

http://diaspora.hard-light.net/

That always reminded me of this: http://pdiaspora.sourceforge.net

Have you tried Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators? It's got factions, exploration, even text-adventures . . . .

There is also Spaz if that counts, http://store.steampowered.com/app/107200?snr=1_8_4__501

Endless space is a good space strategy game. It is nice because deep enough to be challenging but it is still easy to learn and not too complex. Also Masters of Orion 2 here on GOG is one of the best space strategy you will ever play.

I would second the recommendation of SOTS1 complete, it is quiet a game and if you want to try a really deep and complex game try the Distant Worlds games (but if you do not like really data driven games like games from Paradox interactive I would give it a pass.

Just found this game: Salvation Prophecy
Apparently it has multiple types of gameplay from space combat, combat on planets, exploring planets, and commanding armies. Sounds like a rather ambitious scope, but reviews seem favorable. Also, it's currently up on Steam's Greenlight

Oh wait, somebody already mentioned it...