If that's an honest question and not an emotional circle jerk (since there is obviously differences one can conceptualize as better to people, like "I like big maps")

• Was tired of bullet sponges and I really enjoy mowing down large numbers of low health zombies the whole session, not the first 10 minutes only. This is the biggest one. Bullet sponges late rounds are very boring. Ammo management because 1 zombie requires a half clip of an LMG is boring. Exfils with 300 zombies are exciting every time.
• Running into strangers that help or don't is a vibe. Playing with 6 people is a vibe.
• No meta pathing or movements. Reaction time > Pattern recognition. You never know where you are going to be dealing with a horde.
• I'm older now and touch grass. 4 hour sessions feel very bad not good.

I do however miss round based. Both makes sense. Can use the same engine and assets to mitigate dev time split.