There's no reason to wait on installing the mods unless you don't plan to play at all until the next patch comes out. I've got the mod pack on my home Version and I had a good deal of fun over the weekend. Also, try a PBeM deathmatch (one on one in a small galaxy). Just you and one other human player. The turns go fast and it's about the most exciting way to play that I know of. It's a lot of fun in hotseat mode too (if you can get anyone to join you).
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Compete in the Space Empires IV World Championship at
www.twingalaxies.com.