They did it, they made Akechi not cringe. Morgana was also developed better as a character.

Compared to the base game a lot of things have been localised better, you're given more context about things which happen in the story, and there's some new gameplay additions too like unique two person moves for certain pairs.

The new antagonist is a little bit forced, they don't give you an option to disagree with his ideals early on in the game despite there being three dialogue options and this stood out to me. Even after the end of the original game, where you get everyone out of the Velvet Room and give them hope and they promise to never run away again, they literally give in to Maruki and live in their delusions, their ideal lives. That was a bit of a Ross moment, not going to lie.

It's better than the base game for sure though, he is a decent Villain and the palace is good too. The new girl is fine too, nothing too amazing there.