Picked up the game again and now I am hooked.

Walked through Colony 9 (beautiful), had some macho male hearts flying around with that big redhead and got my behind handed to me by the big Caterpillar twice which led to me abandoning the main quest and just fooling around with misions / open world. Got killed again by some crabs and then by this dragon thing at night on the third big gun.

Now I read I should just ignore the big caterpillar but I am not too upset, as playing around is tons of fun, even without real progress.

Glad to hear you're getting back into it! 

Yeah, best to ignore the big caterpillar; you'll be going back through there again when you're a few levels higher so I'd recommend trying it then. But you're right, a lot of the enjoyment is merely walking around the area and exploring. Especially in the first few areas, and Colony 9 is just the right size to be able to do that without it feeling daunting...

Just about to enter Colony 6. Really enjoying the game now. Although I am getting killed every few steps. Just like to check out the entire map and everywhere lurk enemies that pretty much instantly kill me. A bit frustrating, but what can one expect at Level 21...

Anytime you start having problems with enemies, go do a bunch of side quests.  You level up well and gain new weapons/armor.

I got hooked on doing the side quests so much that I become overpowered for some areas but even then you still find enemies that can hand you your ass.  You just need to learn that if it has a higher level than you, don't mess with it until you've obtained better skills and talents to deal with enemies of equal or greater level.

The trick is in the sidequests from Named NPC'S, like ones on the affinity chart. They give exp. And can easily raise your level (too far?). 

As an aside, defeated the tricky boss in the Mechonis capital whilst 4 levels below him. Took several attempts...and hours...but I made it! 

Now up to level 33 and the tree city. Gorgeous areas, really stunning. Thought it could get any better after seeing the swamp at night, but then I saw the waterfall...

Although have to say that music and atmosphere and lights make the night-time swamp my favourite area. Day is a bit dull though.

Also, people get transformed into mechons? At least that is what the cut scenes show aou. Sounds quite intriguing.

Overall really like the game although the scale is already daunting.

Yeah some great areas and views there. What you're saying about the Mecon is true but perhaps in the future use some spoiler tags for people who don't know that part of the story!

Also you should use Melia; she's awesome.

I just got Melia and the Heropon. So I guess those will be used. I never used Dunban as he somehow didnt interest me much.

@spoilertag: I guess I am the last one to play the game...

Yeah but I wonder if a lot of people will get the game for Christmas and not post...don't want a single person to not enjoy it!

Well, the best enjoyment is to chill in the swamp at nighttime anyways.