To have a generic 3D invisible trigger_event box and the ability to tie it to any event/animation/sounds/FX we'd like to design. For example to design additional waves splash + additional splash sounds. etc.
Less restrictions in terms of tweaking the 3d engine especially underwater. I don't know what the preview screenshots we saw are supposed to reflect so much final game engine, but there's lots we can do! Not just fog in the distance and some not-so-blended blue gradient. And also ability to integrate "easily" some more shaders because it's what could make a real difference.
Depth of field effect also, it's quite standard these days
In other words, have the possibility to tweak and add atmospheric effects underwater like the photoshoped screenshots of SH4 once were:
This is what would be awesome and really atmospheric:
This is far too simplistic:
Also, no more "shared" textured on 3d model. It's a bit painfull to modify the hull and to suprisingly discover the UZO modified also in the process! or some mirroring everywhere of parts of the texture. It makes designing very high-res textures for those whose PC can handle them virtually impossible.
In the same fashion, no UV count restriction on 3D model. be able to add as much UV maps as we want to have lots of different textures on 3D model. And no texture size restriction also