Someone on another topic mentioned how space games are cursed with the 3rd entry in the series... (I agree about these two instances)
But speaking of Star Control 2 (which is a masterpiece of space adventuring, BTW), I took the time to analyze the similarities between the races of the two games.
Humans in SC2 are MOO2 humans (duh)
Yehat in SC2 ARE MOO1 Alkari. Closer to MOO1 Alkari in apearance. Proud and honorable warlike avian race.
Syreen in SC2 ARE MOO2 Elerians. Blue skinned space babes with telepathic mind control power, matriarcal society.
Orz in SC2 are similar to MOO2 Trilarians.
Arilou in SC2 are MOO3 Psilons. The "classic" flying saucer aliens with big head, big eyes, and frail body
Chenjesu are somewhat like the Silicoids in biology, but that's where the similarity ends, Chenjesu are diplomatic, honorable, have lots of allies who love them. Chenjesu are pretty crystals with glowing lights while Silicoids are ugly monsters.
And Ilwrath in SC2 are... not too much like MOO3 Klackons. Evil spiders aren't much like worker ants.
SC2 Traddash look somewhat like the Gnolams in appearance, but in personality, Gnolams are more like the mercantile Melnorme or Druuge.

Ah Star Control 2, probably one of the greatest 'forgotten' classics of all time. Definitely a game worthy of being on GOG but you can download it free already, although I'm not sure about the legality of it. It also has bags of humour, something the MOO games lack, although there's nowt wrong with that.

I played the remake and thought it had unique gameplay. It put me off when i found out there was a time limit though. I HATE time limits on games.

If you mean The Ur-Quan Masters, then yes, it is entirely legal. It's based on 3DO version source code released in 2002 by Toys for Bob. The reason for name change was that Toys for Bob did not own the rights to Star Control trademark.

You can fast forward and rewind the conversations as you please, and the mod music is entirely optional.