well hello, Zebulahn, & welcome! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> game engine, although it's essentially the same as <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/div.gif" alt="" /> , it is a souped-up version. in another word; modified to be more powerful. in what ways it become powerful? well now it supports DirectX 9 amongst other things. so more eye candy, more interaction can be made with the game environment, & just more more more. oh yes, the characters (players & NPCs) are rendered in real-time 3D (as opposed to 2D sprites in DD) as well so that makes the requirement much higher.
i hope that answers your question. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />