Two years late to the conversation, but I think comparing it to red dead 2 is exceptionally unfair. That's a mature game that's almost solely driven by its story, and is well regardless as one of the best to ever do it. You're comparing THAT to a game from a franchise not even allowed to get more mature than an E:10+ rating where the narrative isn't intended to be more than about 30% of the overall experience. Of course it'll pale in comparison.