Yes, mods do add better effects to the game. The main mod is GWX Gold, which ramps up the difficulty, corrects certain game flaws, though some bugs are hard coded, adds more content, etc. The game can run on Vista and W7; I am running it on a gaming notebook under W7 64 bit. You do have to follow a different installation routine; do not install it into the default directory, but straight to a folder of your choice in C:\. Mine is installed into C:\Ubisoft, others install it into C:\SH3. Also, use the no-disc installation method so you completely avoid any hassles with the original game release's copy protection scheme. If you need help, post here and there will be plenty of help. As for sub emblems I am not sure how to do that, but again, there are folks here who do and will help you with that.
__________________
|