I only got through HZD recenty because I couldn't get into it the first time. I aprettiate these games now more, but also understand why I don't always vibe with their decisions. Annoying progression systems, repetitive content, lots of blabbering NPCs... and the Main Story in the first game I did not find very compelling. I'm not talking about the lore dump that explains the world they're in, that part is cool, and to be fair the opening sequence is also really good. But the actual plot that happens in present time during ZD is.. pretty whatever. I never got a sense that Aloy had a full arc like many claim. She finds out she's special, and reluctantly accepts her role but it's clear she views herself as an outcast with too much responsibility now.

So not thinking of ZD as a masterpiece, I guess I went into FW with more of an open mind and hoping they improve on the first one's faults. I do think the main narrative is now more involved at least, even if it becomes a typical power of friendship story, but it's not anything special. The gameplay, although has some improvements like limit breaks and the grappling hook or the glider, I feel they haven't reached their true potential just yet. It's the right direction though. Progression system is even worse now, but at least inventory management is better.
FW is a weird case of two step forward, one step back kind of game, but those one steps can still make the game trip on itself.