Here's my opinion: The story is good and the characters are great. I really do feel a connection with the characters and empathise with them. The world feels real but also cinematic. I recall a time where I found myself amongst oil derrigs and there was fog all around lit up with a blue tinge. It was amazing, beautiful, and scary because I was expecting someone to jump out at any time and start firing but it was just me, wandering through the mud, alone at midnight.
I never fast travel, I always walk or drive to my next location, and it's a great experience every time. If I'm driving there is kickass music to listen to, and if I'm walking I see the NPCs going about their daily sidewalk vomit.
I added mods to up the damage, so a fight feels very dangerous. I can kill in a second with my sword, but I can also die in a second from a few bullets. Fights don't usually last very long but they are intense.
It's definitely a great game (now) and worth the time. It does well at immersion, at always having another thing to do, at having meaningful choices, ad at depicting the world.
LOL!