They are indeed. Looking at the price bracket that this new case will fall under, it's going to have to really deliver in terms of build quality, airflow and noise for it to knock out competitors such as the Antec Three Hundred. By all means, the Antec Three Hundred isn't the second coming of Jesus in the form of a computer chassis but it won't be easy for the NZXT to be considered a better purchase
That being said, I can't see it being a flop either. Shall be interested to see further previews and photos of the case as it's always nice to have another case that sits in what I'd consider as a pretty popular price bracket.