This is another example of what if you want to create the most ambitious game with extremely bad execution and timing. The story is meh and I played far more complex stories even not placed in the apocalyptic world setting. The only thing that you could literally understand certain characters' behaviors is becoming a literal schizoid or bipolar person and I'm not sure those people with sudden swing would ever think this story and emotions so bad. Everything in this game including soundtracks, graphics are near to the next-gen for exception the bad execution of the storyline. It's better to you to take this kind of story but at least execute this story with proper and right timing since this fragile metaphysical concept could instantly demolish any kinds of complex worldbuilding you've created. Creating the so called dark atmosphere to ridiculous manchild dream about living there.
I'd say that the director took bold and reckless action to take down the literal icon and main character with his cynical and pessimistic attitude that changed to be dumb and too trusting to the strangers. The whole concept of "revenge is bad" "embrace mercy pacifism and peace" are basically plain raw and not complex psychological story, yet they could be the ones that make the story extremely interesting if you execute those raw compositions with proper archetype, timing and current condition. Yet you executed these compositions with such weak and pathetic ways possible. You can be creative at making something and not making such stories told by a random bump who couldn't even tell the plot.
The old fans understandably felt betrayed and mocked right in front of their faces after seeing the disgraceful death of the main character and how they changed his personality totally. Which I'm not even surprised of how the people being mad about this without even looking at the story.