I simply love it. I'm not so far into the game yet, so there's still a lot to look forward too.
The city-situation is completely different from VVI/II, and also the shore line is a surprise.
I cannot get enough of my chief: she is always directing work, and I admire her when in contemplation over the tribe, arms held high. But most of all I love the inspiring way in which she lectures the tribe: I let her do that over and over again: my new tribe can only benefit from that.
I notice that collectibles turn up more often than in VVVII and I like that. That way gathering tech points is less boring. And it looks to me that in VVVIII there's less chance the builders will be out of work for a length of time.
And the wheater, yes: great! Running to get out of the rain is funny, so are the children playing in the puddles (Ohhh I hope they still will play tag, though ..)

The new way of the food situation and all it brings about is a nice surprise.

I notice some new hairdo and cloths.
But most of all I like the art work. I just like to go over and over the island and look at the details of the beautiful drawings. When looking at the overview map, I can see the beautiful use of colours. And the map situation is great: the way is is done now, gives the opportunity to use much more locations.
I thought that the artwork in VVII was much more beautiful in VVII than in VVI, and now in VVIII it is even better.
Only one thing about this game makes me sad: a VV-IV will never come, 'cause you can't do better than VVIII.