Hmmm. Id say
Make one "cheat system" that has several planets and where you can buy everything in the shipyard and outfit shop.
Next, I started by making ships and weapons together, they are similar. (Word for the wise, do the desc ASAP if you don't like writing.)
Before you are done with ships, you should create a galaxy and outline some of the government paramiters.
Start on spobs, I found these long and boring. Reward yourselft every now and then by creating a ship or weapon.
When the majority of the ships and weapons are done, balance them.
Complete sbobs.
Finish off you galaxy with dudes, interference, and roids.
Finally, do the missions and the all important bug fixing + beta.
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