I like Byrce 5. Corel seems to have improved on MetaCreations Bryce 4 I never used Bryce 3 so I dunno about this upgrade vs new version stuff, but I do remember bitterly the Photoshop 5.5 to 6 new version, so it would seem most programs will be largely the same in new versions. I might be wrong, but it sure does seem to render faster (and render time is always the base line for me). I also noticed there is much less post-production work neccesary. IMHO, the new interface is hard on the eyes compared to MC's Bryce. I think the grey/blue/chrome look makes everything fade to grey after a while. I tried it for a week and got the full version. The trial renders very slow.