I can't recall if this particular question was addressed before, so I'm asking again, especially since the graphics continue to change and evolve.

The question is: What are the explosions like?
To be absolutely precise: How big is the boom?

Now, I realise this is a somewhat superficial issue... and not exactly in good taste to ask of hardworking game devs. It's akin to asking a girl what her bust size is. However, I have really sound reasons for asking.

The recent "Nexus 2" tech-demo video that's floating around drove home for me how strong an impression superficial details like that can make in a promotional video, even on relatively discerning and intelligent gamers (ehrm, *cough*). It's hard to look at footage like that and not think "Hey that's cool!" Grabbing attention is really the first step in promotion, right? So. Big boom = good for promotion.

So I have to ask! The boom... how big is it? How does it vary with ship size and type? Do anti-matter reserves affect the explosion size? How would you compare the explosions to other, similar games? What about surface buildings and orbital structures?

And while we're at it, we might as well throw in everyone's opinions on big explosions as well... since they'll inevitably end up being voiced anyways.