A different playing experience - almost like a new game
Honestly, I prefer it over the old version because it is new, but the re-playability is more limited due to the challenge it creates for the small and weak to even stay afloat. Plus unsolicited war against you, which in prior version allowed for an increase in your holdings, is limited with the higher penalty for acquisition. This means punishment for your enemies attacking is limited and is advantageous to their other neighbors more than the attacked party.