Planet Steam? More like Planet Ream - my brain hurts

One of the pieces of swag brought back from the gathering by local gamers was a copy of Planet Steam.  The hype engine has been strong for this one.  It currently goes for around $130, and sells out in the USA wherever it appears.  My friend was able to get a ding and dent copy for $45, and we played it at game night shortly after the gathering.  I have only played it once, so this game is going to be one part review, one part session report, and 2 parts baseless speculation.

There are two kinds of confusion about a game.  First, sometimes the rules are explained poorly, you do a shitty job of listening, whatever, but you don't understand the rules and how they work together.  Second, you have confusion where you understand the rules completely but you still have no clue what you are supposed to be doing or how to go about playing the game.

Planet Steam confused me through method number 2.  The rules aren't bad at all, especially considering it is a translation.  I understood all of the rules and how to play before we began.  Unfortunately, although I understood the process the substance was basically beyond me for the first two turns or so.....  in a five turn game.  Thinking about it, my brain still hurts a little.