If you like those games trading resources for money go for it. GOG is DRM free, and I haven't checked, but I believe the original Space Rangers had denuvo DRM and at the time was considered VERY intrusive, specially in this game. To me, the game was worth installing anyway. I suggest trying merchant with the missiles and the treton starting. It seems to give me a hard bite against everyone, just don't get over zealous early.
I was skeptical when I saw it, but I loved Populous on the Sega so I bought the whole series on GOG. Theres a multiplayer community if you do 3rd party apps. Amazing game! Must have if you like Populous, but yes it is more like an RTS. So far the maps are quicker games, but there are map packs available online that I haven't gotten into at all.
