I think X is getting pretty decent hype for an RPG, and at e3 we saw pretty much no combat, just exploration and quasi-cut scenes. I'd say X is the most hyped non-FF RPG in memory. It reminds me of the buzz that FF7 was getting pre-release, though not quite there yet.
The thing is, the games that you mentioned that get high sales are good games. Very well executed games with broad appeal. When I opened up my Wii U at Christmas this past year, my 72 year old mother loved COD. She liked the concept of being a soldier and shooting people. It is, quite simply, fun. Personally I will spend 140hours+ on Xenoblade finding the extra skill trees and completing my collectopedia and following what I think is an amazing and complex and unique fantasy/sci-fi story. But most people won't. They would say I was wasting my time and should get some fresh air. They're probably right, but it's what I enjoy even if most don't. But just because my favorite game is more complex, doesn't mean it's better.
