As for a quick advice (take it if you want !
: begin by playing and studying existing mods, there are no written mod guide (AFAIK).
Quick survey of the most famous mods :
* start with TDM Modpack : this one doesn't change any game data, it only gives more races to play and makes AI more challenging (better scripts)
* Want more techs/stuff to play with ? Go for DevNull mod (techs, components, Monsters) and Pirates&Nomads (new racial traits, special Piratic and Nomadic races that play differently)
Both use "Quasi Newtonian Movement" (more weight need more engines...) which is IMO the greatest thing since sliced bread
* Then if you are for a change in the basic economy/colonization model try Proportions : it's kind of a new game in itself !
* And Last a good "mixed" mod between Proportions and DevNull : Derek's mod
There are also some SciFi themes nice mods :
* Trek Mod is a Trekkie "dress" for the game
* B5 mod is an heavily modded game, totally devoted to B5 universe, but is in beta stages
* SciFi Crossover Mod adds simultaneously Trek, SW, and B5 themes - but is also a WIP.
Sorry if I forgot some ... That's the one I have at least played a bit !
[ June 03, 2002, 17:13: Message edited by: PDF ]