Here's a tip: Don't shoot arrows over water.The main difference that bugged me about the newer ones is a complete lack of replayability. My next hero knew everything the previous one did. "Oh, I should totally go to this town and do that. Hey, there's a cave here that has... Oh boy, I just love these same quests over and over again!"
In Arena, you could walk up to people and get random gossip. It might say something about a dungeon which might have a legendary item, or it might say someone over by the Cup of Blood wants someone to clear out rats. The point is, there was always something to do, and while they'd be similar, it wouldn't be the exact same thing in the exact same spot every time.
Otherwise, it's like reading the same book over and over. Sure it might be a good story, but after a couple of times through, it's not as enjoyable.
Quzah.
Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment.