I just did the same - downloaded it. It is pretty much a clone in looks and game play.

I like new things like:

1) actions of seeing castaways actually chopping up trees for wood and rocks for stone - would like to see VV do that.
2) Use of these two elements to trade in for items - so clearing them has meaning.
3) Trade them in for your choice of huts, plants, clothes as well as buying technology etc.
4) Collections are easier and come in two types - some of them you need to pick up to solve a puzzle when they appear.
5) Choose one of thouands of island shapes - so that you have to walk futher to find the wood or stone for example, which adds to timing and game play.
6) You can choose a few skills to be proficient in rather than just one.

Otherwise, puzzles, collectables and things are the same I think. Children appear just as useless- I hope LDW has plans for more things for children to do in future.

On the down side - I haven't noticed any weather changes, spinning and dancing of the castaways and those little quirky things we like about VV (and the sound and music is nowhere near as good! !

Overall - your right it's pretty much a clone in story, looks and game play apart from a few variations.