The best of it's genre.
Every scene is wallpaper worthy.
Not too much/less, just the right amount of difficulty, subtle but noticeable event background progress(like finishing main or side quests and noticing some changes along paths or dialogues that you went by before, enough for praise), time(for action, thinking, and satisfaction for flexing your own skills/agility), and hassle to feel accomplished.
The depression you feel during and after playthrough is worth it, prepare for feels as this will unexpectedly escalate the prequel's experience.
So much more to say but will be treading on spoilers.
Hope this wins game of the year even against other known titan competitors.