I barely remember an old game I have played at a friend but I don't remember the name - unfortunatly he doesn't, too.
It was a strategic space game, flying around with ships, equipted by myself. Probably colonizing planets. Combat was turn-based AFAIR.
Another remarkable thing is the research tree: Technologies were represented by circles containing a corresponding picture of the technology. The most simple technologies were on top of the screen. Dependencies between the technologies were shown by fine lines, leading from multiple simple technologies to the more advanced ones. The tree was vertical scrollable.
Even more uncommon was the galaxy view: Each system was represented by a point in a 3D-view of the galaxy. You can turn the galaxy in every direction you want to (quite confusing sometimes *g*).
Oh, I almost forget: There was a cool energy weapon, which reminds me of the color red. ;)
Must have been 1995 or earlier...
I know, my description isn't very precisely, hope you don't mind ... Thanks!
Love that game.