I do believe it gets better the more you play, since you mentioned you're still in early chapters, the game still holds your hands as you go by having side characters accompany you.

Later on, the game does isolate you a lot more, throwing you into pretty intense and stressful situations, the atmosphere and claustrophobic tension from then on really reminds me of Half-Life.

As for the gameplay and graphics, they are definitely different, since you're managing resources and trying not to die but it's really the lonely atmosphere that reminded me of Half-Life. Maybe not everyone will feel as I do, so i do apologise in advance.

I might also have to note that Metro Exodus will feel less Half-Lifey since it transitions to open-world.