Addictive and Great Story Plot.
Design of the game is just nice... Balanced Graphics ... Espcially during the Jump gates scene...i think the designers had those gamers with lower spec computers in mind. The Sound effects complement every space scene.
I spent a few weeks just trying to get thru the missions though. A well mixed of easy - difficult missions. Some times, you even need to get a breather... away from the main plot and do some credit hunting to get equipped with the better weapons and ships just to get by the next mission alive.
The trading of commodities is also another strategy you can employ for good credits. Then there is this balance of becoming Trader or Fighter inclined personality. A balance will get you a steady income of credit while keeping you Alive ready for the next big trade.
All in all, when there is a gut feeling that the game is becoming repetitive.. you may well can switch vocation be it doing some trading, exploration or space hunting... just to throw off that repititive scent.