I think I'll go order SE3!

[PvK]

SE3 is still a good game, if you don't need eye-candy. It has some advantages over SE4 (and many disadvantages too, of course). I like the Penultimate mod for it.

I considered making an SE3 mod for SE4, but didn't see particularly much potential. The main things I prefer about SE3 are things that are in the program, rather than the mod-type data. (e.g. starting options, build queues, ability to retreat from combat, emissive armor mechanic)

The less efficient PPB and the lack of all-good defense-smashing mounts were good modable things, though, but any mod that addresses balance can deal with those easily.

If you want to see the full tech tree, there are tables posted, and also the "Null Mod" which has all the data files.

PvK