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!