New opening cut-scene of course...

 

 

Tournaments:

 

The Campaign:

 

New Start-up Options: Immense sized galaxies, Tech stealing option, Ascension Victory Condition:

 

New Logos:

 

Lots of different Technology trees to choose from:

 

 

Much better planet graphics:

 

MUCH better ship graphics - a total overhaul and a reduced memory foot print!

 

Starbases tell you how many modules are still available:

 

Ascension starbases add a new diplomatic twist:

 

 

Finance Manager:

 

Much improved computer AI all-around:

 

New ambassador from Earth:

 

 

Each race has their own set of planetary improvements:

 

Lots and lots of unique technologies per civilization:

 

New random events:

 

Historical Events:

 

Updated Trade Screen with interactive help:

 

Technology Details dialog:

 

More sophisticated AI for trading:

 

Unique technologies that fit the civilization using it:

 

Familiar planets look so much better:

 

Even the humans get a bunch of new, meaningful technologies with rich descriptions:

 

The technology tree now has icons that tell you what you get with mouse-overs:

 

Even the improvement descriptions can be lengthy and useful now:

 

The enhanced graphics really do make quite a difference:

 

Immense sized galaxies are offensively large. Ridiculously large. You people are insane.

 

Because every civilization has its own technology tree, the technologies can be used to provide backstory:

 

New Options:

 

New Ship Design screen with the ability to animate any part:

 

Lots of new...ahem...dialog:

 

 

By default, the computer will design ships for you:

 

Improved UI graphics:

 

AI going for ascension victory:

 

Improved battle effects (thanks to I-Mod):

 

New ship components such as the Integrity field can add extra hitpoints to your ships - at a cost:

Other new components can give bonuses to weapons in fleet battles.

 

And of course, Terror Stars!