Some of these criticisms are unfounded or frivolous.
The story is amazing. The world is art.
They added MUCH NEEDED character to the new Protagonists that felt lacking in the prior game.
Some of the OG weapons got extreme polish. Some of the new weapons are very creative. Just have to find which flow for you. I'm a hammer burst boltok fiend but umm...go peep that auto shotty when things get real. You'll thank me later. They added a multitude more enemy types and variants, which is refreshing after 4.
This game has very gears 3 emotions at times, and it will tug at your heart.
The collectibles you find, tend to have some needed world lore, especially post Locust. This game does have a stronger horror element, similar to Gears 2.
I'm curious to see how to bring it all together with the next game...especially with that ending choice. Won't spoil it, but you will feel.