Oh one other thing about the aliens, as cool as they look in still shots, they are fully animated. They look just insane when on the view screen.
That is awesome! That is one thing i really enjoyed in Civilization V. the way the civ's are animated, and facial expressions and gestures change as does their attitude.
I really hope, that you guys get creative on what aliens constitute happiness/anger/fear.. ect
One race could pound their firsts, another might flail their arms, another might just snear.. could really have some fun with this aspect of the game.