Starpoint Gemini 2 features a different skill system than that of the original game. At the beginning of the game you choose a specfic class:

Commander - The Commander balances between augmenting his own ship and his entire fleet. It is most powerful when accompanied by friendly ships and fighter crafts.

Engineer - The Engineer can create dangerous anomalies and hack into enemy ships' mainframes to inflict damage or other negative effects. To utilize all at his disposal, he can also augment his Power output.

Gunner - The Gunner excels at direct combat. He augments his light and heavy weaponry to maximize damage on enemies.

When you gather enough experience by destroying ships, platforms, stations... you gain a level. Each level grants you a skill point which you can use to upgrade your skills.

Every 5 levels, you gain a Rank and a Perk point. Use Perk points to upgrade your perks (passive bonuses).

Pretty straightforward so far. This is where the differences come into play.

Each class has its own set of skills. Every class has 4 skills. Each skill has 5 modifiers which you upgrade by spending skill points. The more points you spend on a modifier, the stronger it will be. The modifiers change what the skill does exactly and you can freely mold the skill to your liking, or you can ignore the skill completely if you wish. It is up to you.

To give an example, here's the Commander class and its Tactics skill

TACTICS MODIFIERS

Fleet leader -> Increased fleet damage

Coordination -> Increased fleet Speed and Maneuverability

Entrenchment -> Increased fleet Soak

Wingman -> Increased fighter damage

Fighter ace -> Increased fighter HP and Soak