Tech Tree Ideas

As the biggest problem of the past RPGs (and the one that single-handedly crushed the most recent RPG) is the technology system, a new techtree is needed in which the technology level for both sides is actually a valid way of seeing who's more powerful. The tech tree will be a fixed one that works the same way for both sides, but still allows plenty of room for the creativity of the researchers.
This is currently a WIP and there are still holes.
Initial Research fields:
  • Technology (the backbone of the entire tech tree. Also upgrades the research lab every 10 levels)
  • Medicine (lowers respawn and heal time)
  • Engineering (lowers construction time)
As research is carried out, more techs are unlocked.
Armor: the first level of this is available after Tech 5 and Engi 5 are reached. Each additional level requires a better metal type to be discovered. After research completes, any vehicle, building, or body armor is upgraded with a per-USI armor bonus.
Particle Weapons: Aliens start out with 1 level of this. Further research requires Tech ? (until getting this, Astros rely on conventional "bullet" weapons). The first level allows use of lasers. At higher levels of this, gamma waves, ions, and plasma are unlocked. More levels past the highest plasma level can be researched, but only after some kind of particle accelerator is constructed. Aliens also get a bonus research time reduction on this tech.
Space: Astros start out with 1 level of this. Further research requires Tech ?. Each level increases the speed of space travel, but Space tech by itself isn't enough to reach for the stars. The distance between 2 solar systems is thousands of times bigger than the distance between 2 planets in one system. To get to the speed of almost-light, you'll need the knowledge of Nuclear Fusion. To achieve FTL travel, there are multiple scientifically accurate methods of this. The most obvious of these is Warp.
Warp: Requirements: TBD, but will be lower for Astros. When this is unlocked, it works together with Space tech to make a proper spacefaring faction that the number 299792458 looks small to. Higher levels of this will make FTL jumps more efficient. Astros also get a bonus research time reduction on this tech.
Computer Tech: Will explain when I'm less lazy :p