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.