well, overall i like the look of the new empire - it's a very tasty cross between renaisance and high-steam tech style look...
the new heroes kit is jaw-dropingly good! i'm hoping they'll be some new wizard sculps too, but i doubt it sadly...
the only thing i'm not too crazy about is the new-look state troops. they look like they're leaning a little too far forwards, plus those feathers are fething HUGE!!!
i'll still be getting enough for a spearman unit though, as i really hate the current 1-piece models a heck of alot more!
i haven't yet had a chance to see/hear any of the rules changes, but i'm hopefull that i can still pull off my themed army of a powerful amethyst wizard's personal household guard
(inlucding converted knights of morr!)
cheers!