Ok.. few things I was really really hoping for aren't in (Still got that damn toggle blunt button, and dashing a lot of hope.. combat hasn't changed at all).. but going past thaaaat I'll compile this list as I go along.
Paradox logo intro video.
New detailed character creation where you create a history for yourself.
New brilliant face creation system with some new facial hair and "age" slider
NO MORE ZENDAR! Or river pirates
Training grounds scattered everywhere. The sparring seems bugged (can't chose opponents) but the other stuff is really cool, especially riding training.
Better graphics menu
Retire from adventuring option in camp menu.. so is it going to be like pirates where we age constantly?
Looting skill.
Pictures in the encyclopedia (Even one of YOU!)
Some kind of brilliant new animation system! (I shot a pot and it shattered)
Battles going on in arenas all the time
A lot of items redone
New sounds
shields with your heraldry on
Get trading tips from random passers by (Still TODO)
New idle animations.
Loads of new items, including short spears, which are swingable. Hope us modders can slot in our own animations later.
NEW DEATH ANIMS
you can ask your companions about how they feel about the party.
Tournaments? (A lord mentioned one, haven't found any yet)
Duels as well
New arena games
Cool new glowy font
Steal cattle