Hi! From looking at the game Sapiens, I stumbled upon your project. I like from SoTE the depth, flexibility, the sense that the living world is an actual factor in making sure you adapt well.
With this post I wanted to make you aware of the Sapiens game as well. In terms of graphical rendering, it renders a complete planet pretty well with several LOD layers and a simple but realistic enough looking style and animations. That rendering and your underlying world engine might be a great combination. I'm not sure if this is at all a (technical) possibility but wanted to let you know.