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They improved the initial experience a lot - you can run through the new tutorial and simulations without having to delete your save and start from scratch.
Depends why you bounced off it though, the controls & UI are unchanged, because they're deliberate choices. Some of the menus have been tarted up a bit, but that's partly so they can fit more stuff in there.
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It was mostly just a bit daunting I think and I didn't give it enough time to get anywhere with it. Another problem was I installed Elite Dangerous and No Mans Sky at the same time and was trying to play both so it was more that I could never remember the controls or mechanics properly rather than not getting on with them.
Might give it another go then if it's a bit nicer to get into. Tried it a few years ago and just couldn't get on with it at the time.