cannard: It's almost always split between these two games as which one is the best of the series. 2000 I hear is a much more accessible game and a "nostalgic" favorite, whereas 4 is much more complex with more micromanagement, greater customizability, and generally "more" overall, but that the core game was crap and buggy when it came out and didn't become the great game it was until the Rush Hour expansion was added. Plus there's a ton of mods, some of which is said to be the only way to play it, a la the latter-day Elder Scrolls games.

Of course I imagine 2000 is the more "noob" friendly title but which is really the better game overall? Does 4's depth overshadow 2000's accomplishments in every way or is it too overburdened and complicated with the more streamlined 2000 being the better balanced title?

Btw I am interested in getting one game but not really the other. Just want general thoughts and opinions on these (and pleeaaase don't answer with a "2000 because GOG, while 4 is on crappy DRM'd Steam" kind of sentence, I'd most appreciate it, thanks :))

cannard: What do you get with the boxed copy? I know Steam sells it with both the original and the Rush Hour expansion included,. Are there any mods you would consider "necessary" (as in, anything that fixes significant bugs or flaws in the original, adds things that improve the experience to a great degree...)?