Any [Imperium Nova players here?
http://www.imperiumnova.com:8080/Imperium/I can't even remember how I stumbled across this game, but it's pretty cool. It's roleplay intensive, which might turn some people off, but if you stick through the roleplay you'll discover the game to be totally engrossing.
You know how the galactic empire was depicted in Dune? Well, you begin this game as minor (minnow) noble House and well, the rest is up to you. There are multiple galaxies, each its own empire with its own Emperor. Some Houses have backstabbed their way to the crown and others took the crown with the help of a broad alliance. Still other emperors are elected from users.
The downside of the game is that it takes awhile for your House to get going and making money. The other is that the game is measured by days, and one day is 2 hours. To put this in perspective, sometimes it takes 30 - 40 days to build something.
But while you're waiting for your army to be raised, or for your farms to be completed, you can always role play. National issues always pop up which keeps role play interesting. A Rogue House with well funded allies can fund piracy and disrupt trade all over the galaxy. Sometimes even civil war breaks out and your House has to choose a side.
Anyways. I'm babbling now. Give it a try and see if any of you like it. :3