Hello, I don't own this game yet, but I'm itching to find a new space 4x game as I'm not that impressed by the current crop.

I'm a bit reluctant to play any game in alpha, and wonder when we might expect the first beta to be released, and when the final release is scheduled for?

We don't have a set date to announce for the full release just yet. But we expect it later in the year. The next milestone will be the Beta version which is coming very soon (possibly next month if things go well).

It's obviously unfinished in its current state and obviously unpolished, but if you're looking for that MOO-like feel, you can buy it now.