This method works well but cuts down on the number of Powers that players have access to. The other big difference between this edition of Spacemaster and the old one is the Privateers universe. Whole new sets of aliens are introduced with their racial packages written up to conform to the new system. You can play furry balls of intelligence known as Oorts or the deadly feline predators of the Falar race. Players can chose from seven races in the Privateers book.
Future support promises more.
The Privateers Universe is sketchy at best with only one chapter and interludes giving it voice and background. There is enough information to start off a campaign with and GM's can hope that support material is on the way or take a weekend off to flesh out the setting. There are maps of the star systems, however, and they do include travel times between various parts of the two governments. One of the main faults of this product is that it assumes that too much support material will come out for it. More power to them if they can because I will be there to buy every one.