So i try to summarize differences that seem to be most important for me.
First, there was nothing in Elite universe that could survive military laser - i mean, even if it gets overheated, damage it caused exceeded any defense screen recharge rate anyways, so having enogh time and accuracy you may drill anyone. One mission i remember even included destroying rogue Coriolis. Now laserproof ships are quite common and that is disturbing
But we have ECM-hardened missiles instead, but those are expensive.Second, if you attack the station, a huge number of Vipers was launched to kick your ass. Now, just a few.
Third, fuel scooping became much much harder.
Fourth, but quite important: if you run away in old Elite, chasers finally get a position strictly behind you, so they are sitting ducks for aft laser. Now it is not easy to aim.
Fifth, shooting mssile on the fly with your laser became almost impossible, though i succeeded to do a couple of times.
Sixth, docking w/o a computer is not hard at all now, but almost necessary if there is heavy traffic. Navigation buoys is great idea.
Seventh, witchdrive fuel injectors changed the fight scenario much. Having those means you may escape before things become too bad almost every time. But they may escape as well and there is no chance to follow Fer-de-Lance NG
