Genetics labs!
The player could extract or purchase DNA from various dead organisms and shops, and turn that into a new one.
To do so, put the DNA in a factory-like block, which can be chained to make even more of the now specialized creatures.
Then, it could be connected to an \"armament\" block, which determines the size of the creature, based on connected blocks. The way the armament station would work is that, you could make a catalouge like recipie, put that into the machine, and have those certain parts equipped onto the parts of the creature you wish to place them on, via a GUI, much like shipbuilding. Then, you could leave that \"base\" model inside, while copies of it start to pour out the other end.
This could enhance gameplay infinitely, making ground battles, boarding craft, and even a full-scale army practical. These creatures could be outfitted with a fac module, telling them \"you are in this guy\'s faction\" some amcs, acting as a rifle, hulls, acting as body armor, and other things. Such a system would be easy to implement now, and has infinite room for growth during beta and onwards. Also, players would have the ability to use this on themselves, and be able to create a faction-specific creature, just for them and their buddies.