From what I have seen and read so far I worry that its going to be more of a remaster then a proper sequel.
They seem to have updated alot of the basics (construction tools, graphics, UI) but I don't see that much improvement in similation/gameplay.
I've read that some later levels provide more customized challenges but out of 15 levels it seems most will be standard theme hospital fair. Also don't see much improvement in how you can diagnose and treat diseases. Other than hiring or training better doctor what can you really do to have better cure rate? And is there really a use to all the various food/drink/boredome items? Will it really matter that much on simulation side?
So many questions still to know if this is a nice updated nostalgia trip or a real modern execution of the genre.
Yes, it is mostly a more polished and modern version of Theme Hospital. But there are quite some additions to the simulation.
People get bored, hungry and thirsty in your hospital and yes you absolutely need to place those items for people to be "happy" in your hospital.
Patients get unhappy when they are hungry, bored or thirsty so they can somewhat wait leave early and be pissed off if you don't care.
The skill of a doctor is now more complex than it was in Theme Hospital. They have traits that can be trained. If I remember correctly the old TH just gave you a qualification for a doctor like "psychiatrist", but now you can improve the stats of psychiatric diagnoses. Treatment is also trainable. Additionally you can upgrade the machines of your rooms.
There are some QoL features and more fleshed out systems than in the original, but it is just adding the cherry to the cake. It doesn't change the whole formula.