It's different without a doubt.
Bladestorm is created by the "Dynasty Warriors" frachise known as Koei. They usually make their games based off the concept that you are the hero smashing anything in your way with little opposition. More or less a mindless hack and slash based in Fuedal China.
Bladestorm however was an attempt at something new in which many Koei fans have been screaming for. It's based in Feudal Europe during the 100 years war between France and England. Those of you history fanatics can find some satisfaction through this. While it may not be 100% historically accurate it still gives you a good idea on how intense the bloodlust was during that time, but I digress.
Bladestorm is a squad based hack and slash. It's definatly different from what Koei usually does. In this game you're a mercenary trying to make his/her claim to fame. You sell your sword to the highest bidder. So there's really no sides to choose besides who pays you the most. I personally like that idea. You're not stuck just working with England or stuck working for France. You fuel your own desire for victory. And come now, you're a mercenary. Who doesn't enjoy that?
Now since the stage has been set it's time to explain the gameplay. Yes the graphics aren't the greatest. You'll have that from time to time. The troops do look fairly similar however don't just pay attention to how they look. Pay more attention to the emblems over their heads. So instead of squinting to see what weapons the unit is holding before you command it just look at what's above the units head. Saves a lot of time and headaches. Graphic wise the games lacking. Yeah not the greatest color schemes but since when was medieval Europe colorful during the dark ages?
As for character variety I've heard some complaints. Usually from people who only played it for an hour and then got bored. Yes many of the officers and commanders look the same. However if you play long enough you begin to fight against other mercenary's that you meet up with in the pub. Gotta put some time into the game before it gives little perks.
Now for the squad based combat. It's nothing like "Dynasty Warriors". You can't just run up to an enemy opposition and exspect to fight like a war god and win. In reality no stronghold was ever taken alone. Sure droping you're calvary unit for one second to fight a group of archers alone is a great idea due to the advantage archers have against mounted units. However it's not the greatest idea to run right up to an enemy base and think you can take it alone. So your allies are key. Make sure you've always got a decent unit to take the next base. Calvary is great against just about anything except archers and long spearmen, as where a basic sword unit could dispatch that enemy opposition without breaking a sweat. So there is some tactical prowess in this game. Need to choose your unit wisely before just charging the next base. Plus you want to make sure that you're flanking your enemy on both sides of the map. Like a wave. Don't give them any ground and they wont be able to take back any of your bases.
All in all if you're a medieval fanatic or even like the concept of being a mercenary I'd suggest this game without a doubt. Takes a lot of time and yeah the squad commands are pretty simple. But if you can get past those little quirks then you'll be having a lot of fun for days to come. So hope you guys enjoy and if not then it obviously wasn't the game for you.