Focus On Scale And Strategy
The game supports up to few thousands units on the battlefield. It has strategic zoom, so you can look at the entire map, and see icons for all units. You can also issue orders while the game is paused. Drawing formations is available, to make it easier to put units into a proper concave.
UW reduces clicking needed to play efficiently. Most units shoot while moving, so no stutter-stepping. They automatically prefer shooting at targets they have bonus damage to, unless you decide to focus on a specific target. No units currently in the game have player-activated abilities. Long-range units automatically back-off, to maintain their advantage.
Do not be fooled, there are plenty opportunities to express your skill. It is just less hectic.
Any-Shape 3D Maps
UW has planets that can look like anything! A sphere (duh), but also a cube, tetrahedron, torus, monkey head, bent pipe, etc.
Units may shoot across the void, if unobstructed, and in range. Furthermore, some units shoot in an arc, which allows them to shoot "behind a corner". This allows for interesting ambushes. Use the map to your advantage!
Asymmetric Races
The game currently has two playable races, each with wildly different theme and playstyle.
Technocracy - some descendants of the original humans, mostly replaced with AI, it is a living machine now. Their focus is on progressing towards higher-tier units.
Biomass - evolution gone wrong - this race is driven by photosynthesis, mutation, acid, and claws. Their focus is on overwhelming opponents with large numbers of units.
Streaming Economy And "Streaming" Research
Queue-up buildings, and required goods will be delivered when available. The resources are transported by automated trucks - it is not just a number in the gui.
Factories refine resources into other goods, or produce units, indefinitely. You set it up once, and it will continue to work for you.
UW replaces technology tree with acquiring or refining new resources. Researching upgrades for your units requires continuous delivery of goods. The upgrades have ramp-up phase, and will slowly diminish without supplies.