Destroying planets and stars through various means is possible, though not common, and I'm from a version of this galaxy many years before this one. Orbital bombardment is a more common brutal method used in conflicts. Hyperspace and trade routes are the gateway to invasion. If you're on the route, you're at risk before an off-the-way planet. The routes have a twofold effect. Your trade and economy improve, but your risks increase. I doubt that has changed.
Ground offenses have resembled what you describe from your own galaxy. Armies march on cities, lines and warzones exist in-between the factions. Bullets are an archaic, if mostly abandoned technology even in my time.