I'm currently playing the one with towers and items in the center. I think that version have a lot of fun ideas such as cant produce flyers and seacreatures on start island and towers blocking the way between center cities. The only think I don't like is that there are too many good items in the center.
Looking at this one my first thought is perhaps the razed cities should provide more gold? Will anyone rebuild them now?
I see that there is no build limits now. Flyers and seacreature can be built on the main islands. I found it a bit interesting that you had to take the small islands to produce them. I like that the center isn't full of super items. Will be interesting to play this version of it.