suggestions for fun mods?

[Fyron]

Is the system variability in FQM functional, or graphical?

Both.

Qualitatively, how does it alter the game experience?

You will probably end up having larger empires, as there are more "planets" around (lots of moons). Also, with all the asteroid belts, you can get insane numbers of planets with Stellar Manipulation. This may or may not be a bad thing. I personally prefer SM to be off, as even in stock, whoever gets it first can get such a huge lead (esp. with long range WP openers and WP closers to send fleets deep within enemy territory) that they can devastate the enemy.

Also, the large numbers of asteroids mean you can do lots more Remote Mining, which is very good for the Pirates and Nomads.

[ August 13, 2003, 19:41: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]