Looks like LEGO is trying more to emphasize the exclusive minifigs. The Home One set had a big "Admiral Ackbar" label on it and this one is mainly about the "Weequay Pirates", as an equally big red label makes clear. I must say that the detail on the figures is amazing, particularly on the back.
The tank itself is actually quite a nice little number. Nothing mind-blowingly amazing, but I certainly don't regret getting it. My favourite part was building the two engine pods. Unfortunately the play features are nothing special. The pilot can "pop" up by a simple lever action - push down one end and the other comes up. There's not even a seat, Hondo has to sit on a bare 2x2 plate. In addition there are four flick-fire missiles - two at the front just below the blaster and two more at the back between the engines.
Finally note that the Pirate Tank appears quite a bit smaller than the Republic Fighter Tank:
The set on Flickr.