I have mixed thoughts about the change of pacing they've given to the game with more fluid and faster animations. The mechanics are really well polished, even in this beta, but I feel like it does take some of the tension out and I don't quite have that fear of god with the monsters that I felt when I first started playing the other MH games. It's like I know I'll be able to get away and won't be killed with how much more stamina/speed they give you.
On from that, I feel like the game in general holds your hand a little too much. I was hoping that tracking a monster would be a bit harder than it is, because all you pretty much have to do is press a button and continuously follow the waypoint. It's not very immersive, and just not really fun. I was expecting that you'd have to track the foot prints by your own sight, but on the plus it makes replaying the same mission over and over again more bearable, since the monster's location seem a bit more randomized this time around.
Another thing, is that the game maps really don't seem big enough to warrant fast-travel, let alone 4 or 5 points per map, and unfortunately the game expects you to use it. Overall, I'm sure that the final product will be a lot harder and more rewarding than the beta, as they've already said they've dumbed down the monster stats for the sake of beginners. That's not to say any these features that concern me will be nixed, though, as I'm sure they appeal to most gamers new to the series.
If it sounds like I hate the game, I really don't. It's a good next-gen adaption for the series, with very well-polished mechanics that ultimately changes far more things beneficial to skilled players than it bends them for the casual players. At least that's how I feel right now, so maybe I should wait for what the full game turns out to be.