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You know what they say, Gorbacz; the darkness makes the light shine brighter.

Akachek no longer has stats (he was changed from a demigod to a full god a while back, so he's now too strong for stats), but the Havero gets full stats, as do a few of the other monsters that had yet to be given PF updates.
There's actually a sizable amount of added stuff, with a whole new dungeon area added to the end of the fourth chapter, and Scarwall has had a bunch more rooms given full descriptions. There's a lot of other little added stuff too, like campaign traits that give experience when you accomplish something in the first part of the adventure.
I don't remember there being anything major that was removed; some stat blocks are changed (Blackjack's a vigilante now), but I think the changes are improvements across the board. There's not a ton of new player options (though the kyton eidolon option for summoners is quite neat), but the aforementioned monsters are neat.
One last thing to note - there's a ton of new art in this book - way more than I remember there being in the RotRL compilation, some for characters who didn't have art in the original.

I'm liking the trend of having the announcement covers being much closer to the release covers - is this just a fluke thing, or is this the new standard?

And considering that we have a Hastur article in this book, I think I know what the theme song of this AP should be.

By the way, I don't see the author of this adventure in the description. Don't want to forget about them! ;)

So I finally finished reading this AP and I have to say - wow. This is definitely one of the best Adventure Path's Paizo has ever done. The adventures all flow together amazingly, the variety of encounters and set pieces, the excellent villain - it's all just so good. Just wanted to let everyone who worked on this AP know - you did outstanding, in every department. Now don't disappoint me with Hell's Vengeance! ;)

I think the main reason that a lot of Paizo fans like the crazy gonzo stuff more than the traditional (myself included) is that, well, I've got tons of traditional fantasy modules. There are just way more traditional modules in print for 3e, Pathfinder, and D&D in general than crazy stuff like Iron Gods. Frankly, there aren't more sci-fi D&D like products then fantasy ones, not by a long shot, and there's even less science-fantasy. While I, and I think most people, don't want everything to be as out there as Iron Gods, there's a definite demand for the crazy. Just look at how well Distant Worlds sold and is regarded, or the excitement for Iron Gods. I understand it's not for everyone, but that's not a bad thing.

On another note, the thing that disappoints me personally about Iron Gods is that it seems to be playing things very safe. Almost every AP has done something that sets it apart from other adventures. Jade Regent dealt with eastern mythology, Kingmaker was a sandbox, Wrath of the Righteous used mythic rules, etc. Even Shattered Star, which is almost entirely dungeons of various kinds, had the twist of being the first Paizo AP that dealt with previous AP's and their effect on canon. I'm just not seeing anything like that here. And maybe that's what Paizo is going for, I don't know. But this sort of story has been done so much (heck, Paizo themselves has told a very similar story, with Rise of the Runelords) that it just seems unnecessary to retell it without adding something.

But to be more positive, I am excited to see more of Belkzen, though I don't know how much of the AP takes place there. And despite my grievances, I'm sure Paizo will do some great stuff in this AP, per usual, but I just feel Paizo's efforts would be better spent on more unusual campaigns. But that's just me. And who knows? Maybe this will be the best AP ever and I do a total opinion 180. I certainly wouldn't mind that.

One thing I might recommend - After Runelords 5, the PC's will probably want to take the fight to Karzoug pretty badly. Putting in Shattered Star 5 right after might run the risk of feeling like a side mission. There are three options I can think of that might work there - merge Shattered Star 5 with Runelords 6, or move Shattered Star 5 to after Runelords 6 or before it, likely after Book 4 of Runelords. You'll have to adjust some things, but I think i'll improve the flow signifigantly.

Interestingly, there are no new writers for this AP,which hasn't happened since Jade Regent, I think. Not that I'm complaining, mind you, considering the authors we are getting.

Viva La revolution!
Let's hope this one goes better than Galt's did...
Seriously though this sounds awesome. Very interested in the special AP #100.

Huh, Zyphus is an interesting choice for a god to detail in this installment. I'm interested in why he was chosen for this part. Also, Black Sovereign hype!

Congrats to Nicolas Logue to returning to the AP writing team! It's been a while, and I'm glad to see you back.v Can't wait to see more of your insane genius here!

Someday,I would love to see Bastardhall published in some form or another. That would be a long ways off, of course, but I still would love to see it.

Tis sad he's leaving, but I can't begrudge the man wanting a change of pace. He's done a huge amount for the roleplaying community and for Paizo as a company. I may not have always agreed with Mr. Reynolds, but I certainly always respected him and the insane amount of work he does. May your future be even better then the present.

Wouldn't mind if you wrote more god articles at some point either...

Truly, this is a Christmas miracle! All hail Eric Mona, who has returned to bless us with this most noble of gifts. Seriously, this is awesome! It's good to see this done, and I'm sure you're glad to not have to deal with all the "Where's Balthazar" comments.

Yeah, I'm certainly glad that this cover does not include that goblin's "hidden treasure"!

It's really professional looking and well done. Honestly there's not much I can say about it in terms of how to make it better- it's already excellent. Some more art would be nice, but its not necessary. Overall very good job! I can't wait to see more!

Okay, calling it now-next AP is in one of these countries. Can't say which yet, but hoping it's Osirion. Time will tell if i'm right...