Baron Opal

I really enjoyed the Masters of Orion (I & II) games. What I really liked was that you could have intereactions with other races, you had fleet manouvers, changing technology, and most of all custom ship building. I never bought MoO III due to the diappointing reviews. Could someone point out a new game that is similar in feel or tone? I would love to play another game where you manage an intersellar empire with customized warships. If economic and political forces are involved that is a bonus.