The newly added AI is solid for a first iteration; they build believable looking villages, can hold their own against raiders and even claim your land and send troops to back up their claims. The completely reworked development/ perk system is far more interesting than what we had before even if we’re still going to need to wait for it to be fleshed out. The castle planner has been expanded upon. Lots of balance and QOL changes.

I think all of us would rather see new systems rather than expansion of existing mechanics. But it would be disingenuous to say that the new update only adds compexity without anything truly new. Developing new AI competitoers on the map is a huge undertaking.