Speaking for myself... - It's got a grind that you can approach in either bite-sized chunks or in a marathon Mountain Dew fueled session. - The reward for these grinds is immediate, visual, and generally have an immediate impact on the game. - It's a totally different game in terms of combat, and the progression there is satisfying as hell because it's not simply a "bigger number = better." As you spend more time with a weapon, you learn more about how to take advantage of it's strengths and compensate it's weaknesses. You are also rewarded to see you character performing some incredible feats, earning the "ooo's and ahh's from your hunting party in your ears - The atmosphere of the game fully acknowledges that you are there to hunt monsters in a video game, and doesn't shy away from it's quirks. - It lets 4 friends play co-op.

Don't forget [b]free DLC[/b]