Free Step Dodge

Most characters feel much better in this game, so it kinda raises the mean for the roster at large.
The consequence is that the characters who didn't get a healthy dose of buffed retooling feel pretty lackluster in comparison.

I fought a friend of mine who uses Helena earlier and man does she benefit from the system changes lol. Honoka too, though her damage isn’t that great without the stage helping. But yeah overall I agree with you; pretty much everyone got better.

Not gonna lie, I was kinda hoping Helena would get weaker. But my experience has suggested that's not the case at all.
Leifang doesn't seem to be as bonkers, anymore, however.

Leifang is still good. Helena benefits greatly from the bound mechanic into close hit. A lot of characters do. Hayabusa not so much.

Hayabusa has the 4H+K fatal stun. Aside from that he's pretty much just 5LR Ryu but with less pressure.