I am confused. Is the X3TC an expansion of X3R, or is it an independant game?

Sometimes its described as a stand-alone expansion of X3R, sometimes as a stand-alone game using the same engine...

If I buy and install both, will the updated and improved controls of X3TC work on X3R?

It is a stand alone expansion/game. And no, you will have to play X3TC to get the TC features. I don't know if therei s a point in having both installed or just TC, I'll ask my friend who has them tomorrow if he is on.

Thanks, I really appreciate it :)

TC is standalone and you don't get any bonuses from having the 1st one around.

only the warm feeling of having two of the four X games on your computor

So no there is no benefit or point of buying X3 Reuinion.

So basicly, Steam offers X3 Reunion for free? :crazyeye:

X3TC is 40 €. X3TC + X3R is also 40€..