There are quality of life changes, mainly in the building, but overall it’s still the same game. Graphically though, it’s far superior, especially in terms of lighting.
I got the original really cheap so I didn’t feel too bad paying for a new version. What does piss me off though is that while they promised “all existing DLC maps” from the original will be free, they’re already releasing new paid DLC including dinos that are only available if you pay, in a still-early-access game before all the existing maps are released.
So while I enjoy the game, I can’t recommend it out of principle, especially to anyone who already owns Survival Evolved.