Man,I really like the artwork of the starters in this image:
http://serebii.net/corocoro7136.jpg
My favourite is still Fennekin, but it makes Chespin and Froakie look much better than their initial artwork. I really can't wait for more information on their evolutions.
Xerneas is fairy type, huh? In se not something to be surprised about. When they revealed the new type, it was only natural that at least one of the legendaries would have it as its primary type. Might have been nice if Xerneas was double type (grass or steel?), like Yveltal is. Yveltal's typing is cool.
Another thing that's cool is Goronda. I usually don't have much with the fighting types, but this one looks great. 8D I can see it being a very protective parent of its cubs. |D
At first I was kind "what in heaven's name is that?" about the Squid. It looked a bit like a combination of a bird and something undefinable. But now that I've had a better look at it, it actually looks quite nice. Cephalopods actually have beaks like that, +1 for accuracy. The only thing I'm not 1000% happy with are the "feet". I think it would have looked better if they didn't fold like feed (I can't imagine it being easy to walk with), but instead dangled vertically like the structures on it's cape. It's Pre-evolution is kinda cute.
I like Honedge. :')
Now I can start making a team for my Kalos-based OC
Shushupu is kind of endearing, but it's not as dorky as the cottonball Pokémon exclusive to X. I've yet to change my initial thought about getting X (thank you, Xerneas).
I do like the professor, though. He's a cutie. Yes, I can see him live in France (and be somewhat of a flirt?).
Not much to comment on regarding the new team. Flare seems to be my guess, as they look to be quite fire-themed (even the hair!)
The new gymleaders look great. The thingies in Zakuro's hair remind me somewhat of the gems in Xerneas' antlers. Maybe it's going to mean something?
All by all a nice update. I'm still excited about X/Y. This generation looks promising.