Its pretty much the same. War, revenge, your main char is an orphan(didn't see that coming), Its pretty much like legend of dragoon as the story goes. But its really well thought out ontop of that, I havn't played much into the main story (I'm focusing more on leveling and getting augments) but its what's to be expected. Big war, empire takes over your country, you fight for your freedom, you have a childhood friend (Which was lacking in X) which you most likely fall in love with later on(Just a guess). The story isnt where the game shines, granted its a good story but it kind feels the same in some aspects. The changes to the gameplay and leveling is where this game takes it to the next level.

Rurouni, what are you refering to? The side quests do leave off but when you progress in the main story things come together. (or so I've heard)