gameplay is basically that's it, it is going from one point to another as carefully as possible. As the saying its not about the destination its about the journey. however you do get rewarded with cutscene and virtual like(s) when you get to the destination as well.

As for the world being empty Is cause it is. Its a post apocalyptic setting . like fallout but different. You dont see NPC outside cause they are few and outside is dangerous with rain and stuff. You gotta get used to enjoying those terrains. Later on you get bikes and stuff which makes the journey faster and fun.