Not as bad as everyone makes it to be, despite having a weaker story composition (not its fault coming after THE Heavensward), its mechanics and fights are its strong point.

I am now a son of the Azim steppe. Kugane looks incredible and so does the Gyr Albania region. Stormblood rocks, I had a lot of fun with it and I heard only good things from Shadowbringers onwards. If this is supposed to be the middle ground, that's something to expect alright.