It's certainly different. And while the loss of some elements does seem to reduce the necessity of certain strategic elements during the movement phase, the new combat phase rules just added an all new strategic element that can really screw you over if you make the wrong call at the wrong time. So many combat units that were let down by their initiative values are now viable again.

But for me the biggest change is probably how AP works, going from fixed values to modifiers is a huge improvement. In the previous edition, the majority of power weapons being AP3 meant they were useless as soon as someone donned a terminator suit. Now though, everyone has cause to fear power weapons again. The way it should be.

 

How is it to play without templates&blasts?

As a Sisters player, I miss the Template. The Blast, not so much, as those tended to be far more random anyway, but the Template usually gets turned into 1d6 hits now - and that's far less than a well-placed template used to get you. With a template weapon, you traded the risk of having to get close for reliable high damage... now you still need to get close and then you're completely depending on luck. 2d3 would've been far better.

To add insult to injury, the cost of a Flamer went up. Still has a role as 8th tends to have more infantry on the field, but... bleh.

How much does it impact the game not having facings on vehicles anymore?

Armor-wise, not much, actually. You'll have a slightly easier time parking and it saves time and discussion. The fact that weapon arcs disappeared with it though... that's a bigger change, especially for tanks with sponsons, and Flyers. It ups their firepower considerably compared to what you're used to.

 

How is it to play without templates&blasts?

Games go faster and there's less disputes between players over....well, every aspect of templates and scatter just about :laugh:

How much does it impact the game not having facings on vehicles anymore?

No more arguments about firing arcs is a good thing.

Do you miss the above?

Not in the slightest. Movement goes a hell of a lot faster when you don't have people spacing out 20+ model squads in anticipation of prolonged exposure to templates or agonizing over how you can get just the right arc from your vehicle. It's no less tactical either, movement is still by and large the most important phase of the game to me.