Clannad's formula is indeed differente from Air and Kanon (at least what we've seen), but is in no way bad. Personally I found 90% if Air boring, and loved Kanon.
Two eps and even with the slow pace Im liking the series a lot. Furukawa, while a bit annoying sometimes, is a character that can grow on me.
The girl with the star and the knife reminded me of Ayu with her 'ugu-like-sound'.
Bi Kyou was awesome.