I think the one really disappointing aspect of Xenoblade, compared to Xenogears, is that you can no longer jump on people's heads and ride them around.
Since the N64 couldn't really handle rendering a mound of dirt
No, I mean, I know how to use beans, but I can't buy them in the game yet 'cause the sproutling bein' all Y'ALL AIN'T KNOW HOW TO USE THESE BEANS, I CAN'T TRUST YA WIT DEEZ.
Also, I still can't get over the fact that Maria has huge tits for her age/size and the game is set before the advent of bras.
Neither can Billy Rondo, here.

--- edit ---
Morjask - Found out that the bean seller is in the Inner Garden. One of the monkeys tells you that. Platforming in that bit is bleugh. Also I didn't really get that /loud instrument/ meant Link's built-in Deku pipes although Ithink I've largely forgotten the intro at this point so.
Anyway, got the Song of Tree Awake and Song of Flap.
Dracondrood - Up to level three on the normal path. Level 3 was surprisingly really easy.
Xenoblade - Advanced the plot in some really minor sense. Took out two unique monsters for quests. Finished some other quests. Explored.