Hi guys, been a while since I browsed the forums but had to share this amazing game:
Won an influence game rather quickly on a medium sized map against all the civilizations playing as the Thalians.
I didn't chose any influence techs until about half-way through the game.
Heres a brief description on the process I undertook to win:
> Colonized a star system with three habitable planets, each with bonus tiles towards influence. Happened to be on the border of Drengin space.
> Avoided war with the Terrans and Drengins through diplomacy.
> Constructed a cultural starbase on the border of Drengin space.
> Voted myself as United Planets leader and won thanks to the Iconians and Altarians.
> Started constructing fleets with beam weaponry.
> Put forward 'Galactic Domain' in the next United Planets. It passed.
> Researched techs which gave some sort of influence bonus. Continued to improve planets with consulates and fully upgraded the cultural starbase.
> Borders passed over Drengin homeworlds. They fell rather quickly, used my singular fleet to mop up 1 gunboat, 1 defender, 1 economic starbase and 1 military starbase. (Bloody pirates)
> Put forward United Planets resolution to make my homeworld become the galactic capital. Borders increased to threaten the Altarians and Iconians homeworlds.
> Used the ideological perk to increase capital planet influence by 100%.
> Instant 99% of the galaxy under my influence.
> Met the Yor Collective by flipping one planet in a system to me and then establishing diplomatic relations with the other planet in the same system.
> Sat back and spammed "End Turn".
Below are some pictures nearing the end of the game.
Influence OP. Won on turn 103.