From what I played, it was certainly very different from past Resistances. When everyone is using their abilities at once it's absolute mayhem. Just got into a game and it was pretty damn fun. Got the Auger which is now a killstreak and it's thoroughly entertaining to use.
Edit:Just scored a 21-5, man this is fucking brilliant. The gameplay suits my playstyle amazingly well. I'm so glad this has turned out how it has, certainly worth the wait.
Edit 2: Other than the assault shield being completely overpowered, the beta really well and is surprisingly balanced.