it's an open world like Xenoblade Chronicles, and the graphics are just as stunning (there's a cutscene in the prologue that is basically there to show you just how stunning the world is). The mission system seems to take some cues from Lightning Returns in that almost any NPC can have a mission for you. The arts system is there, of course, as well as its upgrade system (though for some reason, X doesn't show you the BP cost to upgrade until you select the Art itself). Combat is largely unchanged, but this time, there's a display on the screen to show you where you are relative to the enemy, making it easier to tell if arts like Slit Edge will have their bonus effects.

As for what you brought up, I really don't think that they should have gone for a straight sequel the the original Xenoblade Chronicles; the ending gives a sufficient sense of closure, and you know what sometimes happens when you force a sequel onto a perfectly wrapped-up story. But I do agree in one point: if you are going to give it the Xenoblade name, you should know that you are also setting up certain expectations.

Given my (admittedly paltry) hours of gameplay, I don;t think that Xenoblade Chronicles X is a bad game at all. But so far, I don't see what merits the hype or the Xenoblade name. But then again, I've only played it for a few hours. Here's hoping that it doesn't disappoint.