I don't mean exploring the characters and their backgrounds, that part of the game is pretty good and refreshing. I mean how you can improve your character, make them stronger/faster/learn new moves/earn xp after battles, you know, standard rpg stuff. I know you can buy ungrades and things but they really feel like they were tacked on and not integral to the overall gameplay. I'm 8 and a half hours into the game it hasn't wowed me yet. I have to admit the graphics on the aliens when they talk are pretty damn good. I've not seen anything special about this game so far but i'll wait some more.
You don't see anything special about it because you don't know what's going on. Stop playing and go get the first game. It would be like coming into the middle of The Empire Strikes Back and saying "Star Wars sucks, I don't get it." You're doing it wrong.
I do know what's going though. Don't get me wrong, the game is good so far but I've not been playing this game and gone "this is awesome" like I was expecting.