So over the years I've read plenty about Creatures, and always wanted it. Now I'm old and ugly enough to get it for myself, but which one do I get?
I'd imagine Creatures 3, since it was well received and is the "latest", but I'd prefer to ask advice.

Exodus seems to to be the most recommended. Village is a "kid" version more or less...Albian seems to be pretty good but not up to the excellence that is Exodus. :)

I'd have to say that Creatures 3 is the best choice. It just seems a lot more polished.
The only reason I have Albian is for the incredible nostalgia of C1 and C2. ;)

Which one did you get in the end?
Creatures Exodus (Creatures 3 + Creatures Docking Station) is certainly the most advanced, but we all miss those cute all fluffy Creatures 1 Norns that you'll find in The Albian Years (Creatures 1 + Creatures 2).

I know I do. As great as C3/DS are, the norns from C1 and C2 were the greatest.

I vastly prefer Creatures 1 + 2, particularly 2, to 3/DS. Creatures 3 and Docking Station just seem 'off' to me.