That does sound cool! Are there alien races already on the planet you're colonizing?
BTW speaking of colonies, do you remember the TV show "Space 1999"? I recently picked up some old book-and-record adaptations of that I've been listening to/reading.
YES!
There ARE aliens!
So far, all of the ones that I have run into are dangerous ( there's a rodent type that carries a plague... VERY nasty) I understand that later there are aliens to trade with and who are beneficial.
( there's dozens of scenarios in this game, so you get a LOT of "bang" for your buck!)
It was the one toy I allowed myself since early Spring, and I am STILL playing with it and am just now half-way through it all.
WELL worth the money!
I THINK EA makes Space Colony for the PC.
Aspyr makes it for the Mac.
I remember "Space 1999"!
Been AGES! LOL!