I found it to be one of the greatest RPGs in existence for the above reasons, as well as because it blends various Western RPG inspired elements without going overboard. Not too mention the music is amazing (definitely some of the best there is), the dub is well done (and if one doesn't like it, they can just play the Japanese track), the character's are relate-able, the mechanics are just plain great, the environments are gorgeous- though it only gets better as one progresses. Depending on what you did during that hour...well, the story gets pretty mature pretty quick at one point. But still, it's not for everyone, as is any game, and I won't try to persuade you into liking the game, because that would be inconsiderate.
Environnments are "gorgeous" if it was a PS2. It's not Skyrim. Not by a long shot.
I mean I can't say too much since I didn't play too much but it just seemed uninteresting. Sidequests felt really mundane, the "open world" felt average, the combat and mechanics felt just boring and bland.
I feel people make too much out of Xenoblade than it's actually worth. In all honesty if it was a Xbox 360 or PS3 game then it'd be given much lower marks.