The board allows attacks from unusual angles for a familiar board setup. Very easy to follow and use as well. Lastly, the ability to garner extra troops via extra territories and borderlands is a great idea to help liven things up in the game and add some number complexity to keep track of with your enemies.
This is the best of the original risk style boards. It opens up the board so you aren't stuck based solely on starting position. Board plays even across all continents and rewards smart play.