I know this is a minor detail and most of you probably don't care about it, but look at 6:50. That spot where the gem is had a chest in most demo videos. Seems to me like they're bringing back the idea of gems in spots with previously earned collectables from SF. I always liked it because it makes the levels feel much less empty and it doesn't potentially reward you with crap like XP and Stardust from random chests in SC.
That Gem idea was also present in SSC, but to a smaller degree.
Either way, the VV influence is strong in this game.