The campaign

[Zenicetus]

Well, two changes I've read here are that the strategy map is no longer based on a grid (free movement in any direction, maybe?), and that the strategic AI will be one integrated module, instead of a separate diplomatic AI and military AI like it is now, which leads to conflicting goals and odd behavior That should be an improvement, if it works.

I would assume, although they haven't said anything directly about it, that the ridiculously long travel times to cross the ocean will be more realistic, since the overall time period is shorter, and naval action will be a significant focus of the game.

I'm hoping there will be a new recruitment system, so the strategic AI does a better job of assembling well-balanced, big stacks before going into battle. That's a major annoyance in the current design, but so far I haven't heard CA say anything about that (or else I've missed it).

(Edit) Oh yeah, one more thing -- apparently there will be additional buildings in a province, not just the single capital. That could alter the strategy significantly; allowing things like raids on economic resources without having a siege of the city/castle being the only goal. If that's how it works... I'm just guessing here. IIRC, something was said about trying to reduce the number of sieges, which would be good, and maybe that's how they're doing it. I likes me a good epic siege now and then, but there are too many of them in the current design, and not enough epic field battles.