All I know is that out of all the new shows I've seen this fall, this is the one I like the most. I know it's a bit like X-Men, but that doesn't bother me, because so far, they seem to be taking things in a different direction. Also, it's definitely not a Super Hero coming of age tale (except in Claire Bennet's case, maybe).
[spoilers]
It reads a bit like an adult comic, actually, like something Frank Miller would do, or Neil Gaiman. There is plenty of gore (due to serial killer dude Sylar), and several of the powers have twists that make them almost sinister. Niki (Ali Larter) is a MPD sufferer with a mad violent streak, Claire kills her rapist - yeah, the cute blonde cheerleader (who is in the most danger of being CW-like) is a rape victim and a murderer - not fluffy at all. And Isaac Mendez has to boot heroin to be able to use his power.
So, not like X-Men in the least, not like Smallville or Mutant X or any other comic booky show or movie that's ever been made. I doubt we'll ever see them all working together, and I highly doubt we'll see any costumes at all.