It is absolutely a formulaic open world game. Some of the collectibles and optional content are genuinely worthwhile, like the power armor and cauldrons, but most of it still just serves to clutter the map like an Assassin's Creed game. [spoiler]Oh, and there is lots of crafting for upgrades.[/spoiler] Most people find the story as a drawing point. I think the setting is fantastic, and the lore was good. The actual plot is full of uninteresting characters, though, and I find weak characters to be the most damning thing to any story. Combat is the best part of the game, in my opinion. You really feel the machine's power, and you have to prepare to fight the deadliest. There's real depth involved - you can just hit Stryders with your spear, but you might want to lay traps to stun a Thunderjaw and tear off it's armor and weapons.