I bowled (well I guess you can call it that) and would agree they played very similar to last year.
I didn't feel the lanes blew up like they did last year, suspect oil might not be fire this time around, but the team is a little shorter, doubles/singles is a bit longer again. Not easy, but i've certainly bowled on harder.
I for the first time in all of my years wished I had a stronger assymetrical pearl ball with me, won't make that mistake again, but for everyone, your mileage may vary. Use your eyes, watch your ball reaction and adjust, and more importantly have fun.