Much better than SS 2006 but still lots of room for improvement.
Graphics: Detailed, shimmering water, sky and water effects, shadows ,blur and waves.
Appeal: Although there are numerous missions you can play through after these there isn't much to keep you busy unless an update proves otherwise.
Sound: Average, waves, rain drops hitting the water, thunder during storms and wind.
Overall: SS 2008 is a great sim to get into especially if you have the urge to drive a boat from New York to San Fran. The game does not have a lot of variety but the physics and ship handling are top notch and realistic. If your looking for this kind of sim then you won't be disappointed but don't expect to be blow completely away by the game because it's just an average simulation although unique.
Ideas: World map like in FS X and detailed traveling between ports. Cruz lines activities such as scheduled stops and world travel. More variety of ships and upgrades. Deverse weather effects added such as hurricanes, falling snow, sea gales and Nor' Easters.