Unlike Freelancer, and other space sims. It is alot more realistic. The scales are realistic, the ecnomy is really interesting. You can easily just go on and lose yourself in this universe. And the soundtrack is quite unique.
Two things you should have in mind though:
1] The campain is a bit...lacking, but there are about 7 of them.
2] There is a bit of a learning curve. I mean seriously. You will find it hard to understand how everything works at first. But after time (and reading that huge manual that comes with it) you will be able to CONTROL THE GALAXY!