I bought the original on Steam sale about a year ago. Played 2-3 hours. Didn't really feel hooked by the story or the gameplay. Graphics looked great to me on the SteamDeck.
Same. I've heard others have the same complaint, but there is a point in the story where it clicks and you're like "ooookaayyyy, I get it now," and it makes you want to play more.
It doesn't really help Aloy and the side characters from still feeling almost entirely wooden though.