Every object is a 3d polygon (except those that almost no volume and that are symmetric), and the vision is controlled a camera that can move (so no objects get hidden by walls or door like in U7-U8).

Mmm looks like a long walk

The map is huge, and with the perspective camera locations look just enormous. Look at this path into a forest, it is easy to get lost in this place (and maybe more that a creature is hiding, waiting...).

Characters have been nice shaped, with a polygon count of around 500 - 700 (and this could get higher to the release date), and texture maps can take the advantage for different cloth and armor types.

Portraits had been replaced for extraordinary polygon shaped heads.

Check for example Janna Face, when the camera zoom into her face the face polygons don't show up, but we see a beautiful shape, like it would be just render with 3ds Max.

Another nice feature, is the lack of fog or haze effects to maintain frame rate. There is plenty horizon to look around, like the next screenshot, in which you can see even the ships masts in the harbor at the shore.