So I started playing late last night and finished the game this afternoon. I didn't play straight that whole time but I didn't do a whole lot today, so I was dedicated to it.
So my take.....I'm glad I only paid $30 for this game, and I'm a little upset I didn't pay just $20. It's overall not terrible, but it's a major step back for the franchise.
For one, the game is WAY too easy. This is coming from an average DR player, not a hardcore guy. I only died 2 times and both times were my own fault. You level up incredibly fast, your weapons seem to last a long time, and there are literally med kits and food everywhere. If you die in this game, you almost had to try to.
Second, the storyline is just strange. It's a sequel and they acknowledge the past games but only barely. In some ways it felt like this was supposed to be a reboot but they changed their minds and added things to tie it in, but as little as possible. They don't explain why Williamette was rebuilt and repopulated so quickly. The game takes place in 2021, so I guess it's possible in 15 years it would have happened, but again, it's not really treated with much thought. None of the characters from 2 or 3 are mentioned or referenced.
Three, the "new" Frank is terrible. The new guy doing the voice is much, much worse, and they've made him almost a parody of the old Frank. The old Frank was a smartass and definitely was pompous and selfish, but he wasn't heartless. This new Frank is a one-liner machine and appears to literally only care about himself most of the game. It's another reason I think this was originally a reboot.
I won't spoil it but I found the ending crap, though with story DLC coming, I'm going to bet the ending isn't the "real" ending.