First thoughts about the game play changes: man do I miss the high towers and doors... But I understand they had to go: they were the key to the basically "infinite" strategy that allows you to play until your computer crashes (which got me to the top spot of the leaderboard last year :-) ).
The new wizards still seem very dodgeable, though I haven't had the time to experience 50+ waves. I can imagine that without high walls, there is a point where it just ends (which is good).
I miss the doors; they added a lot of depth to the game play. However the new roots seem interesting too (more interesting than crowned colons), though not that powerful. My two favorite crown targets have been removed, now crowns seem a lot less powerful, though skulls seem a good target now.
Mechanically, the jester is just a combination between the bandit and pirate, right? It moves fast, and don't get too close. I still think it would be cool if there's a very rare enemy that can actually destroy your walls or towers.
I'll probably add more thoughts later, once I have time to reach the higher waves...