Maybe I am crazy but I liked the old tech tree style. But I am an old guy so who cares.

I agree, I think the overall aesthetic of the new tree is too busy. It makes sense to have the side bubbles, but with a colour gradient across eras and a subtler linked-tech line (you have to zoom in anyway, it doesn't need to be anything but light blue or white) it would feel more approachable and easier to navigate

I have to say I liked the aesthetic of the first iteration of the tech tree better. Though I think game play wise this new one is better if they could find a way to do both that would be great.