I've just finished chapter 10 and yeah, the story lacks a lot in comparison with the original. But the scope of the world, a better combat system (classes, guns, more complex combat system, skells... make up for the lack of Monado's powers), way better and deeper side quests than the original... I think XCX is a better game in general terms, just not the appropiated one for the people who are looking for a great story like the first one. It's more about the world and the people who inhabit Mira and their problems, with the main story taking a second spot.
Oh, and I forgot about this, I absolutely love the soundtrack. Quite different for an RPG, but as an anime lover, the cheese and over-ridiculous vocals are fucking amazing to my ears. Listen to that Magna boss song. Fantastic:
