What they have shown us is a natural progression to the combat system and to the level design. We now have more gameplay options when fighting enemies, you can use the environment more and switch between stealth and open combat rapidly. Scripted moments are more frequent and far more complex. The level design feeds into this, with a more intricate and detailed design- multiple routes and more traversal gameplay options- the player has more control.
This was an important evolution that the series needed.
Side quests or anything really that distracts from the main story is not important in my opinion. I don't want an open world game with exploration, it's not needed and doesn't fit the very controlled and polished style of cinematic gameplay in Uncharted . As for weapon enhancements or RPG elements, they would completely change the franchise gameplay by allowing you to carry around an armory rather then scavenge what you can and strategise on the best weapon for a particular scenario.
I agree on the wildlife part. There should be more wildlife.
Edit: I would agree on RPG elements/crafting and Tombs to explore only if Nathan Drake could craft a saddle, strap it to a hog, and you could explore the caves jumping around on said hog, crash bandicoot style.
