Why is Endless Space 2 so good ?

Hey all!

Just wanted to know your opinions on Endless Space 2?
Why do you like it, what are the reasons?
What makes it so good compare to others?

Little bit about me:
This is my first ever in my whole entire life playing a Space 4x game. I wanted to try Endless Space 2 because it was developed by the same people who created Endless Legends. I have played land tile 4x versions, just not in space. I was so scared to play ES2 because usually I don't like space games, I get bored unless its an RPG or straight shooter, or if I want to be a Jedi instead. Mass Effect was one of my favourite Sci-fi shooting game with RPG elements. Obviously that is a different genre.

Back to my point; I was so scared to learn and I knew it would be hard and time consuming to grasp and understand space mechanics. However, I love this game. But I can't seem to figure out why. Why is it so GOOD?

There are things I can think of but other games do it just as well.

-I love that there is story or lore within your faction and you go on this journey learning about why Horatio wants to conquer the galaxy in his own image verses other factions have a complete different ideology, purpose, goals, story etc.
- I also enjoy learning about each minor faction and how I can incorporate them inside my empire and use them like they have meaningful purpose. The population in this game is so deep and intricate I love it more than Age of Wonders 4 except for combat. (Love AOW4 too)
- The Empire system is freaking good as well because in AOW4 I felt like I was just clicking randomly and everything Seems to work (not randomly I know what the buildings do but just don't feel much purpose apart from meeting the requirements)

I can't believe I'm playing ES2 in 2025 it feels new and fresh! I do love SCI-FI I got it after watching Dune TV series and Foundation. Such a coincidence. Maybe you can tell me why Its that freaking good?